Page 71 of Housebroke

“I’m going to go inside and get us some pizza and drinks. How does that sound?”

“It sounds amazing. Thanks.”

Linc went into the restaurant, so Hazel milled about, mingling with the visitors. She knew all of Sandy’s dogs, and she was familiar with one of the other rescue organizations that was there tonight, so she got a chance to talk up a lot of the dogs—and cats.

But what she really wanted to do was see who had applied to adopt Penny, because it turned out that Cecilia and Kyle had fallen in love with Peg, Sandy’s golden retriever, and ended up filling out an application on her instead of on Penny. Which meant if the person or persons who had applied for Penny was approved, she’d lose her sweet golden.

Which was fine, of course. Totally fine. That’s what she was here for, after all. She’d gotten used to the revolving door of foster dogs. And if Penny got adopted, Hazel would be okay, because she’dknow her sweet pup was going to be happy in her new home. Well, hopefully. She’d have to meet the people who wanted to adopt Penny first.

Linc came back a while later with several pizzas and drinks for everyone working, so when they weren’t chatting with customers, they ate, which made Hazel so happy because she was starving. She ended up eating three slices of cheese pizza, then covered for Sandy, who hovered over the food table like she hadn’t eaten at all today, which she probably hadn’t.

They wrapped up about nine and started loading the dogs and all the equipment into various cars, trucks, and vans. Once they had the pups loaded into the car and had the air conditioner running, Hazel left Linc to watch the dogs and walked over to Sandy’s van.

“How did it go?” she asked.

“Amazing. Six applications so far, and another two or three who said they’d come by the sanctuary this weekend.”

“That’s outstanding.” She balanced on the balls of her feet, wanting to ask the question but knowing Sandy was likely anxious to get home. But she just couldn’t leave it alone. “So... you’ll let me know about Penny?”

Sandy frowned. “Uh, sure. But... Linc talked to you about her, didn’t he?”

“Linc. Why would Linc talk to me?”

“Oh, uh, maybe you should ask him? Listen, I gotta go. We’ll chat tomorrow, okay?”

Since Sandy was already climbing into the driver’s seat of her van, Hazel had no other choice but to nod. “Sure, we’ll talk.”

She backed away and Sandy shut the door, effectively cutting off the approximately seventy-four questions she wanted to ask about why she should be talking to Linc about Penny.

Then again, Linc was currently leaning against the side of the car looking at her, so maybe she should just ask him. She turned and made her way to the car, started to say something, then realized the pups were likely tired and hungry and this conversation could wait.

“So, how was it?” he asked after they climbed into their seats and Hazel put the car into gear.

“It was good. Lots of applications.”

“That’s great news. Anything on your dogs?”

“Just Penny. And why did Sandy tell me to ask you about her?”

“Oh. Uh. Probably because I know the person who wants to adopt her. Pretty awesome guy.”

“Really. Tell me more.”

“I will when we get home. Any inquiries about the other dogs?”

She wanted to ask more questions about the person who’d applied to adopt Penny, but that could wait. “Freddie and Lilith are an acquired taste, and a lot of people don’t have the patience or willingness to learn about and manage dogs who growl or bark.”

He nodded. “That’s for sure. But they’re so lovable once you get past their barky, growly defenses. Too bad people are missing out on that.”

He knew the dogs’ personalities so well. One of the things she lov—really liked about him.

When they got home, she removed the pups’ harnesses and theyimmediately ran into the house, greeting Gordon and Mitzi, then the entire pack ran out into the backyard together.

“I’m sure they’re happy to be home,” Linc said as he followed them outside. “Or, at least free to run the backyard.”

He went to get them drinks from the guesthouse while Hazel put the harnesses and crates away. They met outside and sat at the table. She took a sip of the wine he’d poured for her, sighing in relief that today was over. And then it reminded her of something Sandy had said.

“Okay, talk to me about the person who applied to adopt Penny.”

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