Page 25 of Counting the Stars

“Maybe your plan is working and she wanted some quality time with you.” Travis mindlessly pats the top of Gus’s head.

“Maybe…” My voice trails off. Something about Gabby was off tonight and I don’t think it had anything to do with what happened with Gus. She seemed nervous for some reason. Speaking of nervous, I look down at Gus, who’s happily wagging his tail next to Travis. I really should tell him about what happened, but the person who answered at the vet hotline said he’d be okay. “I better go.” I take another step backward.

“You sure you don’t want to come in for a beer or something?”

“Umm…no. I have to be at the station early tomorrow, so it’s probably for the best I turn in early.” Just a few more steps to freedom.

“All right then.” Travis shrugs. “If you ever need to borrow Gus again, let me know.”

“Thanks.” I pull my keys out of my pocket. “He didn’t quite pull off the part of wingman like I was hoping, but maybe we can give it another try.”

We say our goodbyes and I hustle back to my SUV, praying that Gus got everything out of his system while still with me. But then I hear Travis’s voice through the closed door.

“Come on, Gus, let’s go… What was that? What? Oh my God! The smell! What did you eat?!” The door swings back open. “Jones! What the hell did you do to my dog?”

14

Gabby

“How’d it go?” Michelle puts out a plate of freshly baked cranberry orange muffins on our farmhouse-style table. The citrusy sweet smell makes it feel like an autumn day, even though we’re still several months off.

“Great. Just fan-freaking-tastic.” I grab my coffee mug and take a seat across from Aly. Thanks to my work schedule, I haven’t had the chance to update the girls on the disaster dinner. This wasn’t something I could explain over a group text and I wanted to make sure they were both present when I told them. Telling the story twice would have been torturous, although with Travis being Jax’s best friend, I’m sure Aly is aware of some of it.

“Uh-oh. Did he get mad when you told him you found out about his plan?” Michelle asks while placing a muffin on her plate. Her freshly manicured nails match the pink hearts on her coffee cup. Even in jeans and a T-shirt, she always looks so put together—a trait, she says, of being a member of her prestigious family.

“I didn’t have a chance.” I add way too much sugar to my extra-large coffee. I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get today. “First, he gave me a gift for starting my new job, so I waited a bit because that just seemed like awful timing. Then the dinner, which I expected to be subpar, turned out to be a repulsive mess. So, we ordered pizza and watched a movie. I figured once things settled down, I’d tell him. But then Gus got into the garbage—”

“Oh no!” Michelle gasps.

“Yeah.” Aly winces. “Jax told me about that part. He said that Travis was pretty pissed that he had to sleep with all his windows open and fans on,” Aly explains to Michelle. “Gus had a major case of flatulence that stunk up the entire house.”

“Oh my gosh! I’m sorry, but that’s so funny.” Michelle cracks up.

“You should’ve seen Alex when he tried to pull Gus away from the garbage and tugged on his stomach too hard.” The memory stirs up some giggles. I don’t think it would’ve been as funny had it happened to someone else in our group of friends. There’s just something special about Alex. It’s impossible to say his name without smiling.

“But in all seriousness.” I look at Aly. “Do you know if Gus is okay?” I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I caused any pain or suffering to the furry guy. Granted, it was accidental, but we still should’ve paid more attention to where he was.

“He’s completely fine. I saw him the other day when I went to the house to drop off paint samples for the baby’s nursery.” Aly places her hand over her stomach. She’s finally starting to show.

“Why would Alex bring Gus over?” Michelle asks. “I thought he and Travis were attached at the hip.”

“It was part of Alex’s plan to prove to Gabby that he’s responsible.” Aly picks at her muffin. “I also thought it wasweird Travis would let Alex take Gus, so I pressed Jax for more information.”

“I’m surprised Jax gave that knowledge up so willingly.” Michelle looks at Aly.

“Oh, he didn’t…at first.” A mischievous grin spreads across Aly’s face. “But I’ve found ways to persuade him.”

“Aly! That’s so underhanded.” I reach across the table to high-five her. “I love it!”

“I’m not going to lie, I had fun. Next time, I’m going to try to figure out what he got me for my birthday.” She tilts her head to the side as if in deep thought. “I think he’s hiding it at his sister’s house. But anyway, if there’s anything else you want to find out, just let me know.”

“Not right now. It makes sense that he was trying to check things off his list.” I look at Aly. “I’m glad to know I have a secret weapon in case I have more questions.”

“Happy to help.” She gives a fake salute.

“What are you going to do now?” Michelle stirs her coffee.

“I have no idea.” I shake my head, defeated. “Did I tell you that I agreed to be his plus-one at his parents’ anniversary party? It was before I found the list.”

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