Page 148 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

Lola doesn’t waste time, crawling under the blanket and curling into a ball at Ellis’ side, making a low noise of satisfaction.

Ellis stares at the darkened ceiling for the longest time, flooded with memories of his childhood. Of nights when he was home by himself, save for the housekeeper, his dad gone for business (or with a woman), and Cal sleeping over at a friend’s place. Of staying up late, unable to sleep, and thinking of his mum. Of feeling so profoundly lonely he couldn’t breathe, wishing there was somebody who’d love him, be with him. On those nights, he’d sneak Teddy into his room, finally falling asleep to the feeling of another heartbeat.

He curls his arm around Lola, stroking her soft fur. He’s asleep within seconds.

Ellis wakes before his alarm, brought out of a surprisingly peaceful sleep by something trying to eat his face.

He scrunches his nose, opening his eyes to glare at Lola. “Thanks a lot.”

Lola pants excitedly, a gust of her hot, stinky breath hitting Ellis straight in the face. “Fine. I’m up.”And in serious need of a shower.

After the shower, he finds Lola sitting in front of the apartment door, waiting expectantly.

That’s right. He now has a dog he has to walk. And pick up poo after. What was he thinking again?

“Okay, let me get dressed and we’ll go.”

Lola is, as one might’ve guessed, an energetic dog. Instead of walkingher, Ellis ends up being dragged down the street and forced to a stop at every street lamp or trash bin. That itself isn’t too bad.

The looks he gets from passers-by are.

It’s not his fault a Pomeranian became attached to him! If he had his way, he’d get a Border Collie again, or a Labrador. Something a little more manly. As it is, the only thing missing is a blonde wig and he can star in a sequel ofLegally Blonde.

A young woman jogging in the opposite direction stops in front of them, pulling out her earbuds. “Oh my god, she’s so cute! It’s a she, right?”

“Yeah,” Ellis mumbles.

She crouches down to give Lola a pet, snatching her hand back when Lola snaps at her.

“Lo!” Ellis chastises. “Shit, I’m sorry. She doesn’t do well with people.”Something we have in common.

The woman seems unbothered. “Ah, no, my bad. I should’ve asked first. But she clearly loves you! How long have you had her, by the way?”

In a fit of internal panic, Ellis blurts out, probably a little too ardently, “She’s not mine! I’m a… I’m dog-sitting for a friend.”

The woman gives him a curious look but doesn’t say anything.

“Don’t look at me like that. I have an image to uphold,” Ellis says after the woman has left, Lola giving him a look of utter betrayal. He only feels a little guilty.

Ellis senses something is wrong the moment he sets foot in the café, even though he can’t tell what exactly. A feeling of anxiety and loss settles in his gut, which confuses him. This has always been a place that could alleviate his terrible mood just by him stepping in.

“Hey, there!” Gabriel greets him, all smiles as he puts a tray of freshly baked croissants on the counter. “How was the first night with your new baby?”

“Let’s say I’m rethinking my choices,” Ellis says jokingly, walking over to get his morning kiss. He’s been looking forward to it the whole morning. As he gets closer, he becomes aware of Gabriel’s puffy eyes and pink nose, and his heart sinks. “What’s wrong?”

Gabriel’s smile slips, his whole expression crumbling. “Dammit. I thought I’d pulled myself together.” He angrily rubs at his eyes.

“Hey.” For the first time, Ellis joins Gabriel behind the counter, pulling him into a hug. He wants to demand an explanation, but holds himself back, feeling like offering comfort is a priority now.

Gabriel clings to him, sniffling softly. “I’ll ruin your suit.”

“Fuck the suit.” It pulls a watery laugh out of Gabriel. “What’s going on?”

After a few hiccupping breaths, Gabriel says, “The café’s closing down.”

“What? Why?” Ellis’ heart pounds. That can’t be. This place is everything.

“You know how I mentioned our lease is coming to an end? Well, the owner decided to sell the place. He already has a buyer lined up and they want to open their own business.”