Page 45 of Securing Samantha

Saint, Leo, and Shadow shared a look.

“We met for coffee, and I brought wee Hope with me. She didn’t seem too thrilled about the pup until she set eyes on her. I went back and got her things and Samantha prepared the tea. She’s going back to New York again. I kissed her to remind her of what we shared. The next thing I know she insisted I leave. She said I hurt her and cried. I asked if she started dating this feck, she got really pissy. Then she shoved me out and when I asked for my dog she refused to give her back and yelled I didn’t give her one. I didn’t even know she wanted a dog. Women are so damn confusing. I don’t ever remember my Sunshine acting this way.”

Shadow and Saint nodded their heads in agreement.

“She’s staying with me, and I haven’t heard her mention one time she wanted a dog. Maybe she’s waiting until they get settled.” Saint stroked his jaw in thought.

Leo held his chin in his hand, deep in thought. “Are you sure she felt angry about the dog? Kassie mentioned the trainer brought four different litters. If she wants one, ask Kassie if she can arrange for one of the dogs who fails the service dog training requirements to go to Samantha?”

“All I know, she’s moved up on the damn meter. Today rated at least a nine. If she wanted one, all she needed to do was talk to me. Communication is key. Why can’t women tell us exactly what they want? A simple ‘Whiskey, I want a dog too’ would’ve sufficed.” He shook his head.

“Damn,” Taco added.

Whiskey turned, surprised at seeing Taco on the ground.

“Why are you on the floor?” he asked.

“Same as you. I got woman troubles,” Taco stated.

“When did you get a woman? I didn’t know you dated anyone,” Shadow asked.

Saint shook his head. “Man, I told you, just because you visit her taco truck everyday doesn’t mean she needed to supply you with a forwarding address.

“I always bought a full sack of those suckers. I deserved a notice or something. It seems weird to pick up and leave when she held a prime spot for selling them. Not to mention those suckers tasted damn good,” he complained.

“Besides asking her to fill your order, did you ask her out?” Shadow inquired.

“Not exactly. She’s always busy taking orders and cooking. She has a new guy helping her. Something about him creeps me out,” he told his friends.

“Maybe it’s her husband?” Saint threw out.

“Nah, she doesn’t wear a wedding band. Plus, I felt the attraction between us. We shared something steamier than her hot picante sauce. Now’s she up and disappeared,” he whined.

“Don’t worry, Taco. There’re always more food trucks on the streets. You’ll have to stay diligent until you find the right one.” Shadow rolled his eyes. Saint and Leo stifled their laughs.

“Laugh all you want. You witnessed how easily Doc and Leo went down. One of us will be next. I can’t get her outta my mind. I smelled her tamales for blocks.” His hands went up in the air as he imagined eating one. “I’d order a cold one, a plate of those fresh tamales, scarf them down, while I watched her make the bag I would bring home. I don’t understand how she left me,” his voice sounded forlorn. “What are we gonna eat on Tuesdays?”

Shadow’s head started to hurt as he held his forehead at Taco’s words. “Whiskey, we’re headed to Serenity to pick up the rest of Catherine and Melody’s items to take to their house. Do you want to help?”

“Yeah. I haven’t seen Catherine or Melody since you returned from your honeymoon,” he addressed Leo.

“Catherine and Kassie made up. They’re busy catching up. They mentioned Maddie and Carol needed help with something. I imagine it’ll keep them busy most of the afternoon,” Leo added.

“Did Doc say anything?” Saint asked.

“I didn’t bother him. He’s helping Ahmet and his niece with their visas. On top of that, he’s flooded with calls concerning the facility. He’s taking patients on a case-by-case basis. He doesn’t want to flood the hospital without working out any kinks,” Leo stated.

“I remember him. Most of the rescue comes back in waves. Ahmet and his niece helped us, correct?” Whiskey asked as he pieced everything together. His trip home to the States missed bits and pieces.

“Yep. Ahmet was the other physician who treated you. We picked up his niece along the way,” Leo helped him fill in the blanks.

The team gathered their drinks and cleaned up the area before making their way to their trucks. Leo shared, “After we finish the moving, we need to go through a few of these jobs and figure out assignments. Tonight’s a good night as Victoria and Ivan planned a movie night at Chase’s while Kassie and Catherine work on stuff. Maddie and Joe are helping with the kids. Jake experienced a small setback, but Carol’s monitoring him.”

When the team began to split up, Leo approached Whiskey. “I’m sorry I’ve been distracted, but I’ve kept tabs on you. Do you want to ride with me and catch up?”

Whiskey nodded to his friend.

Leo turned the truck toward town. “LJ enjoyed his visit over the weekend,” he commented.

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