Page 87 of In the Air Tonight

“That could turn up in a Yelp review.”

“Which is why I’ve become such a bore in my old age. What’s cute as a five-year-old is apparently weird thirty years later.”

“Truer words were never spoken.”

“My best girl and I were about to go on a romp. Would you like to join us?”

“What do these romps entail?”

“Trails, sticks, mud, various decomposing animals. Whatever comes our way. We play it by ear.”

“Mud and decomposing animals, huh?”

He shrugs as he grins. “What can I say? My girl is unpredictable.”

“I’d love to go. Can I have five minutes to change?”

“Take ten. We’re in no rush.”

“I’ll be right out.” I quickly change into jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt and put my hair up in a ponytail. I slide my phone into a back pocket and grab my zip-up sweat shirt and sunglasses on the way out the door wearing my sneakers.

“That was quick.” Jack has been entertaining Fenway with the tennis ball while they waited for me.

She runs over to greet me like she hasn’t seen me in years.

“Down, girl. Don’t get Blaise dirty.”

I bend to give Fenway my attention and am rewarded with a wet lick that goes from chin to forehead in a flash and makes me laugh as I sputter.

Jack clips the leash on her and tugs her away from me. “If you laugh, you encourage her naughtiness.”

“I can’t help but laugh. She’s funny.”

“This is why she’s a mess. Everyone thinks that. Speaking of her getting you dirty, if you need to do laundry, you’re welcome to the washer and dryer at my house.”

“Thanks. I might need it after mud and decomposing animal day.”

Smiling, he leads me to an old white truck with a red stripe on the side that’s been lovingly restored. “This was my dad’s first and only truck. It’s almost fifty years old and still purrs like a kitten.” He holds the passenger door for Fenway and me. “You’re in her usual seat, and she moved to the middle without a qualm. She must like you.”

“I’m easier to lick when I’m sitting next to her.”

“That’s also true.”

“Where’re we going?”

“To a trail that ends at the beach. It’s her favorite.”

“Do you mind if I put the window down? It’s so nice.”

“Make yourself at home with me, Blaise.”

What a nice thing for him to say. “Thanks.”

“I love your name by the way. I’ve never known anyone with that name.”

“My mom wanted names that no one else had—Teagan, Arlo, Blaise and Juniper.”

“I like them all.”

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