Page 7 of Summer with a Single Dad

Having only seen the house online, I double-checked the address. I hadn’t been picky about the house itself. What I cared about was being in a decent school district for Hudson and having a yard for Lucifer.

The house was grey with white trim and looked perfectly inviting. The front lawn was green as could be on either side of the drive. Two large palm trees and a southern magnolia offered some shade. A nice-sized flowerbed housed colorful plants I was sure to kill if I didn’t hire a gardener.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and grabbed Lucifer’s leash. “Come on, boy,” I said, opening my door and hopping out.

Once he hit the ground, Lucifer did his customary shake-off while I stretched my legs and arms. We stood like outsiders in front of a strange house in a strange neighborhood. It didn’t seem like home yet—not without Hudson. The next month with my parents allowed him to be there for the last week of school with his friends; he didn’t want to miss the end-of-year parties. Plus, my parents already paid for his annual science camp—a gift they always gave him for another year of hard work.

Moving away from his friends would be difficult for him. Giving him some time with them was one way I could help. I would also be able to get everything unpacked and ready for him, and I was looking forward to surprising him with his new bedroom.

His room back home was dinosaur-themed, but I ordered new Star Wars bedding and decorations, and he had no idea. When he came to the new house, he would have the best bedroom ever. Part of me thought I was more excited about it than he would be.

Lucifer yanked me from my thoughts and pulled me to the grass. Lifting his leg, he practically sighed with relief. He tugged on his leash, wanting to explore the new territory. “Later, Lucifer,” I said, pulling him to the front door.

Inside, the house was bare. The moving truck wouldn’t be here until tomorrow. I unhooked Lucifer’s leash. Half-expecting him to take off at full speed, I was surprised when he remained seated. Woeful eyes looked up at me.

“I know, buddy. I miss him too.” The house was quiet and empty. I missed my son. It wouldn’t feel likehomeuntil Hudson was here with me. “Come on,” I said, slapping my leg. Lucifer dutifully followed me through to the kitchen. I unlocked the slider and slid it open.

The backyard was exactly what I wanted. I stepped out onto the covered patio. “Go on,” I said. Lucifer walked forward, not knowing what to do with himself. “For Pete’s sake,” I said, following him. I led him around, introducing him to his new lawn. The pool reminded me of a large misshapen peanut because the front half had the traditional puckered middle while the back side had an oval-shaped curve.

I left Lucifer in the backyard and went out to the truck. It only took a few minutes to unload everything and bring it into the master bedroom. For tonight, I’d be sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor with my dog.

“I should have bought an air mattress,” I said as I tossed Lucifer’s fluffy bed to the floor. “Damn dog has a better bed than I do.”

Hours later, after calling Hudson and my parents, I hunkered down for the night. Lucifer slept soundly in his plush bed. I, on the other hand, couldn’t get comfortable. Maybe it was the hard surface. Maybe it was not being familiar with the new house and feeling like a complete outsider.

Then again, maybe it was the woman I knew was somewhere in this city but had no idea how to get ahold of.She might have moved, I told myself.

I pulled out my phone and searched for a dog trainer. It was time Lucifer learned some damn manners. I lookedbegrudgingly at my dog sleeping peacefully because his belly was full of his first cheeseburger and fries.

Earlier, I ran up to a local drive-thru and got some dinner.

I’d barely stepped out of the kitchen when Lucifer came barreling past me with my cheeseburger in his mouth. I’d yelled, and cussed, and screamed at him. Stupid dog ate my fries and the hamburger—complete with paper wrapper and all.

When I showed up to order myself a second dinner, the girl in the drive-thru line was extremely confused. After I explained what happened, she felt so bad for me that she gave me a free milkshake.

This time, I sat in my truck and ate dinner.

I scrolled through a few places, read the reviews, and checked out the pictures.

A page entitled Mannered Mutts caught my eye. The owner offered one-on-one training, group training, and classes at the local dog park. Review after review raved about Miss Emily and her magic ways with unruly dogs. The best thing about her was that she was just a few blocks from my place.

We’d see just how magical she was once she met Lucifer.

Chapter Six

Emily

“I should have stayed in with Moose and Rufus last night,” I said, rubbing my bare feet against his silky fur.

Hearing his name, Moose lifted his eyes. He sighed heavily and turned his head away.

Cassie’s sigh was almost as dramatic as Moose’s. It echoed long and loud through the speaker. I knew she was rolling her eyes. “What happened this time?”

I’d been on a handful of first dates in the last couple of months. Last night was date number two with Steve—the only guy I’d given a second chance. I only accepted because Cassie was nagging me.

“He was just all right. Nothing special. I didn’t feelit.”

“If you didn’t feel it, maybe you weren’t doing it right.” She snorted a laugh.

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