Page 17 of Mr. Green

As I’m picking up things around my place my phone rings again. I look down at “Paige” calling. Scarlett must’ve told her I have some secrets. Can’t they wait to find out what they are until tonight? Geez.

“Hello,” I drawl.

“Hi! Scarlett just called me and said you have some things you’re hiding?”

“That happened like two minutes ago.”

“I know. That’s why I’m calling. I’m so excited for you! You finally moved on with Grant!”

“What? Why does everyone think I’m going out with Grant?”

“Have you seen the way he looks at you? It’s like you’re the only one around. Plus, you never know whenyourright guy is around.”

“Listen, I’ll fill you guys in tonight. FYI it has nothing to do with a guy. Bye, Paige!” I hang up the phone.

“Ugh!” I shout at the room.

Queenie becomes concerned and comes over to me. For some reason she thinks rubbing her behind on my legs is comforting.

I pet her anyway and after a few pats I go to my task of cleaning. I hate cleaning, but going to anyone else’s house won’t work since I don’t know what the dog will do. It’s only been a week.

I check my phone, and just as I suspected, not a peep from someone missing a dog. We went on a run this morning and I was asking other runner’s going by, but they had no idea who the dog belonged to. I think Queenie is my new buddy.

I’m glad we found each other. At least someone in my life isn’t pushing me to date. I just have to get through the prying questions I’m sure tonight will bring.

Chapter 13

Lana

The girls should be here any minute. Hopefully, Queenie isn’t an attack dog. The doorbell rings. She barks but doesn’t move from her spot on the couch. The perfect queen.

“Don’t worry, your highness. I’ll see who’s at the door.” I roll my eyes and sigh.

I open the door and am greeted immediately with hugs.

“Hi!” Scarlett and Paige say in unison. Then they freeze. Queenie has decided to get up from her throne and check out what’s going on at the front door. She sniffs them as Paige and Scarlett stand still in the doorway.

Paige is the first one to try moving. Her short, blonde hair is straight and she’s dressed in designer labels, looking perfectly put together. I’m surprised she’s never worried about ruining her clothes. “Hi there, cutie!” she says in her baby talk voice.

“When did you get a dog?” Scarlett asks, staring at Queenie like she’s a shark.

“A few days ago. No one has claimed her, so I think this is my new best friend.”

“Excuse me, I’m obviously the best friend,” Paige says with a hand over her heart.

I giggle. “You guys can come in. This is Queenie. She won’t hurt you. At least, I don’t think so.” I mumble the last part.

They walk in, questioning what the dog will do. She turns away from them and takes her place back on the couch.

“So...a lot has changed,” Scarlett proclaims.

I shrug. “She ran into me when I was on a run.”

“You’re running?” Scarlett points at me.

“Yup. I thought the half marathon the gym is sponsoring would be a good idea. I’ve neededsomethingto help pull my spirits up. I saw the poster and couldn’t stop thinking about participating. Jason’s been helping me train. Anyways, I’ve been going on a run in the mornings. I’m trying to make it to the finish line. Actually, it’s been a relief.”

“You’re happy about...running?” Scarlett questions again.