Page 31 of Merry with a Single Dad

“Thanks for the best night,” I said, helping as she made the bed.

“I had so much fun,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I needed it too.”

I spun around to grab my bag and felt the floor tilt under my feet. “Whoa,” I said, cupping my stomach as it churned.

“You okay?” Cassie eyed me curiously.

“Yeah. I just need to eat something,” I said, walking out to the kitchen.

“Banana. Water,” Cassie said, placing the items in my hands. “And some crackers, just in case.” She put some saltines into a baggie and tucked them into my purse.

Squinting against the morning sun, I slid my sunglasses on. They helped, but not much. I scarfed the banana down and popped a few more aspirins. I had clients to meet today, and I wouldn’t be much good with my head pounding.

Even if a gnarly hangover was the price I had to pay for an unforgettable night with my best friend, I’d do it a hundred times over.

Saturdays were typically busier days, but because of the beautiful weather, Bark Park was overflowing with dogs and their humans.

Bundles of fur raced past me, chasing bright green tennis balls.

Their humans clapped, signaled, and called out for the return. As before, the dogs zoomed past me again.

“Good job, everyone!” I said, making my way toward the group, I caught Evan and Michelle’s attention. Michelle was a client from a few years back and recently returned because she talked her friend into getting a puppy. “If you can stay for a couple more minutes, I’d like to work a little more with Turbo and Vinnie.”

The two friends moved to the side as I made my way to say goodbye to the other dogs, congratulating them with one last treat.

I made a kissing sound, getting Turbo’s attention. He angled his head at the sound but was alert and attentive.

“Sit. Good boy. Michelle, I’d like to have Vinnie and Turbo do a couple more drills if that’s okay.”

“Sure,” she said.

I tossed a ball in the air and watched Turbo’s focus.

“Vinnie, Turbo, race!” I yelled, hurling two balls in the same direction as before.

Vinnie sprinted off, and Turbo, being a puppy and all, clambered after her.

“He’s got good instincts, Evan. And he likes to play.”

“You’re telling me. Damn dog wakes up at three every morning like he has an alarm clock I can’t hear.”

Michelle laughed. “Vinnie did that too. It’s a puppy thing.”

“Yes, puppies do love to play at the most inopportune times,” I said.

“He’ll grow out of it.”

“When?” Evan asked.

The dogs came back. Only Vinnie had her ball with her.

“Great,” Evan said.

“Hey, he’s like you when you play golf,” Michelle teased. “Now you have to look for his ball too.”

I kept my chuckle in. As much as I wanted to laugh, professionalism dictated I let them hash it out.

Michelle turned to me and said, “You don’t need to stay, Emily. We got this.”

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