Page 61 of Men or Paws

“I keep wondering the same thing,” Rocco said, scrambling over to the table to grab his wine, before taking a huge gulp. He took another sip, this time gargling the wine before swallowing it.

I couldn’t help laughing even more.

“Okay—I admit it,” he said. “I didn’t enjoy it as much as the chicken piccata. Actually, I didn’t enjoy it at all.” He threw his hands up. “I’m sorry, but you really should work on that recipe.”

“I told you not to eat it and that it wasn’t for you,” I said.

“Still . . . what in the world was that odd flavor?”

I smiled. “Beef stroganoff.”

“You have obviously lost your mind,” Rocco said. “Nobody will ever eat beef stroganoff cookies.”

“I’m going to have to disagree with you.” I searched for the biggest treat and turned toward Rocco’s trusty companion who was lounging under the table. “Houdini, come.”

The dog bounced to his feet and ran toward me, sitting inches from my toes.

“What’s one plus one?” I asked.

Houdini barked twice.

“Very good!” I laughed and handed him a treat.

Houdini wolfed it down.

Rocco blinked. “Please don’t tell me I ate beef stroganoff-flavored dog treats.”

I laughed. “No problem. I won’t say a thing.”

Rocco was flabbergasted and bellowed. “I can’t believe you let me eat those things!” He moved toward me, like he was going to extract some type of revenge on me.

I ran around to the other side of the table and commandeered one of the chairs, dragging it over to block his path as I laughed hysterically. “I tried to talk you out of it, but you wouldn’t listen!”

“I thought they were cookies!” Rocco said.

I smiled. “They are. Cookies for dogs. And don’t worry, there’s nothing harmful in them for humans. All natural.”

“Naturally disgusting.” Rocco shook his head, an amused look on his face. “Are these the treats I asked you to get more of?”

I nodded, feeling comfortable enough to tell him my plan now. “Essentially, yes, but it’s a different recipe. I also wanted to see how dogs would like them if they were round like actual human cookies, since just about every company makes them shaped like bones. Maybe I’ll do both, I’m not sure yet. Either way, I’m going into the dog treat business.”

“I have to say that I’m impressed. Judging by the way Houdini devours these things, I have a feeling you will do very well.”

“Thanks, that’s my hope, although I’m a little disappointed you didn’t like them.” I laughed again.

Rocco winced. “I think I still have some stuck in my teeth.” He reached for his glass of wine and took another huge swig, swishing it around in his mouth and gargling once again before swallowing it. “Okay, better.”

I laughed. “Good to know.”

“If you don’t mind, I would like to continue with this fabulous dinner. Care to join me?”

“Sounds like a plan,” I said.

“I know the chef and she is absolutely amazing,” Rocco said. “Both a fact and a flirt.”

“You are incorrigible. Maybe I just need to toss my addendum out the window.”

“We finally agree on something.” Rocco chuckled and sat across from me at the table, raising his wine glass in the air. “To making things right.”