Page 69 of Back to You

“Brandon, hi! Hi Muffin, how’s my sweet baby?”

Max came skipping up, going to his knees in front of the dog. Brandon watched in astonishment as the vicious dog went to absolute pieces trying to climb into Max’s arms. Muffin whimpered as Max scooped him up for cuddles.

“What a sweet baby you are, yes you are!”

“What the hell, I thought you were lying,” Brandon said, wide-eyed.

“What do you mean?”

“Max, this dog is feral with everyone else that I’ve seen interact with him.”

“That can’t be right, he’s such a sweetie!” He bent to kiss Muffin’s nose, earning him a lick on the cheek.

“Here, watch.” Brandon reached out with one hand to pet Muffin. Muffin began barking and snarling hysterically.

“Whoa! Muffin! That’s naughty!” Max said, calming the dog.

“He’s like that with everyone. Except you. You need to adopt this dog.”

“That’s actually why I’m here today. I finally decided to go for it.”

“That’s awesome!” Max carried Muffin as they walked back into the shelter, the chihuahua eyeballing Brandon the whole way. He seemed to be daring Brandon to try to put hands on him again. Not on your life, doggo, Brandon thought.

They located the adoption coordinator, Shelley, in her office.

“Shelley, I want to adopt Muffin,” Max said.

“Thank you Jesus,” Shelley said, looking to the sky. “I was afraid no one would want him, what with his attitude problems.”

“I just don’t understand, he doesn’t have attitude problems,” Max said.

Brandon and Shelley just stared at him. Muffin growled at them before turning his adoration back to Max.

“At least not with me.”

“And that’s why you need to adopt him. I’ve been hoping you would!”

Brandon went off to walk more dogs as Max and Shelley worked on the adoption paperwork.

Later, Brandon was sitting in the cat room, an enormous orange tabby on his lap, when Max stuck his head in the door.

“Hey.”

“Hey. Where’s Muffin?”

“Getting a last checkup from the vet. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you earlier. Do you want to try to grab dinner tonight?”

“Sure, sounds good,” Brandon said unenthusiastically, petting the orange furball.

“Wow, don’t get too excited now.”

“I’m sorry, it’s not you. Apparently my ex saw us out for coffee the other night and assumed it was a date. He didn’t take it well.”

“How so?”

“Ethan’s been in rough shape since we broke up. I went to see him to talk, and he just looks terrible. I’m really worried about him.”

“It sounds like you’re still in love with him.”

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