Page 16 of Mr. Green

Once that’s done, I lay a blanket down on the floor in the living room for her. She ignores my gesture and props herself up on my couch with her paws crossed. The queen is in town.

I head into my bathroom and start the shower. She follows me in and is now laying on the carpet, like she’s guarding the door.

What’s with this dog?

I carry about my business, showering and getting ready for the day. I’m going to need some coffee to handle whatever else is in store, so I head into the kitchen. The dog is right behind me. She takes her place as queen on the sofa while keeping her eye on me.

I make my coffee and grab my laptop. I check to see if there are any notifications about a missing dog, and then I make an announcement on our neighborhood app about a found dog. If anyone is missing her, they’ll have to tell me her description. I’m not going to give her up to just anyone.

I make a small flyer to post in the neighborhood I found her at, which has my e-mail listed. I somehow know, she is my dog now. I look over to her, feeling happy the space has some life. I’m excited to have a buddy to go running with and she’s the perfect size for my place. Plus, I work from home a lot, so the dog won’t be alone.

“I think you should be Queenie. What do you think?” I ask the dog, waiting for a response.

She re-crosses her paws and tilts her head.

“I take that as a yes.” I smirk.

This is going to be good. Next step complete of getting myself back. Nice play, universe, nice play.

Chapter 12

Lana

It’s Saturday around lunch time when my phone starts ringing. It’s Scarlett calling, so I pick up. “Hey.”

“Hi, stranger! What are you doing tonight?”

“No plans tonight. Why, what’s up?”

“It’s been too long and we’re too busy. I need to have a girls’ night and see you guys!”

“Agreed. Why don’t you and Paige come over? If you want Matt to come, he can. I have the guest room you guys can sleep in and Paige can stay with me.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Lana! He said he’s cool on his own. I think him and Grant are going to do something. I personally was thinking we need lots of alcohol and movies.”

“Yup. You and Paige should have lots of alcohol.”

“That was supposed to include you too.”

“I’ll fill you guys in when you get here.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You have secrets from us?”

A couple.

She continues. “You went on a date with Grant, didn’t you? How could you not tell me! He hasn’t stopped talking about you since that dinner. I knew you two would hit it off!”

“Nope. I’m not getting anywhere near a guy, especially one with a man-bun. Why do we have to keep having this conversation?”

“Oh.” She pauses. “Then what are you hiding? Years together and we’ve never had a secret. I get engaged and my girls’ lives are falling apart!”

I smack my forehead, dragging my hand down my face. My eyes meet Queenie’s who humphs. Scarlett is still going on and on about how she knew life with Matt was going to change things. I need to cut her off before this becomes a five-hour lecture.

“Listen Scar, just come over tonight and I’ll get you caught up, okay? See you soon! Love you, bye!”

I wipe my forehead after hanging up the phone. “Phew. You’re going to have a lot of fun tonight. My friends are nuts.”

Queenie stares at me and crosses her paws at her spot on the couch. Since I’ll have company, I better clean up a bit.