Page 104 of The Guy Who Fake Dated Me

“That was your mistake,” I said. “Not to be that kind of a friend, but I have a favor to ask.”

“Uh-oh. What happened?”

“Nothing. Yet.”

“Is this about Victoria?” Shane asked.

“It is.”

“Rachel told me that I had to do anything you asked me if Victoria was involved.”

“She’s a smart woman.” I slipped into line at the food court. “Would you be willing to watch Sky for a few days?” I gave him the dates.

“Gosh, I don’t know. He’s such a burden. He eats my food, sheds on the rug, seems to think everything soft is for him to sleep on, and his doggie farts are toxic.”

“That’s because you feed him from the table.”

“Rachel feeds him from the table.”

“Uh-huh.” Just hearing about my dog magnified how much I’d missed him. Sure, I’d been busy with Victoria, but there was something comforting about an animal by your side. Especially one who went to work with me, knew almost everyone in town, and loved to snuggle on the couch.

That thought made me wince. Was my couch big enough for me, Victoria, and Sky? Would Victoria join me if Sky was on there?

I shook my head and refocused on Shane. “Will you do it?”

“I suppose.”

“Awesome. Thanks.”

“What’s going on?” Shane asked.

“I’m hoping Victoria will meet me in Juneau those days.”

“That would be fun.”

“That’s what I’m thinking.”

Shane yawned loudly. “Is that it? Sky and I are about to watch a show.”

“Did you wear him out running?”

“He wore me out.”

“Good.” I laughed again. “I’ll see you later. The fridge at the Moose should be up and running by midday tomorrow, so I’ll come get everything from you then.”

“Sounds good.”

I hung up, and when I made it to the front of the line, I ordered, got my burger and fries, and moved to a table in the corner.

Now all I had to do was call Victoria.

Normally I’d text, but this felt more like a calling occasion. I wanted to hear her voice. We’d only been apart for ten hours, and I missed her more than I could say. It was getting late, but she’d probably be up programming. I took a breath and hit the call button.

Ring.

What if she was busy those days? Maybe I should hang up and text first so she could check.

Ring.

---