Page 92 of Chubs

Looking closely at Greer, I suddenly realize he’s not a dog but a very large puppy. I make my decision immediately and turn to Candy.

“I’m adopting him.”

“Lucy, this dog will eventually weigh more than you by a lot. Are you sure? We have lots of smaller dogs that might be a better fit,” Candy advises.

“Do you know if they’ve DNA’d him yet?” I ask belatedly.

“Just got it back today. He’s mostly an Anatolian Shepherd, a livestock guardian breed. Not a purebred, but enough that he’s going to be protective and not tolerate other dogs or people well if you don’t socialize him well. He could get as big as 150 pounds, and his back will end up taller than your waist. Have you thought this through?”

“Kind of. I visited him before, and today, when I got upset and anxious, I came here to see him. I didn’t even think about it. I just drove here. I think it’s a sign that we need each other. Don’t you?” I ask.

“Maybe. Is Lisa going to be okay with him in her condo?” Candy asks with a smirk.

“I’m moving into my house soon, so I don’t think she’ll mind.”

“I’m getting off work now, so let’s go do your paperwork. I’d like to help with him later on if you need it too. I’m still learning, but I love training the dogs. Reno has worked with me several times now,” Candy offers.

“I’d love it if you would.”

Two hours and several hundred dollars later, I enter Lisa’s condo with Greer and everything I think he might need someday. Candy helps carry things, and I invite her to stay for dinner.

“You just want back up if Lisa loses her shit,” she accuses with a grin.

“If Lisa loses her shit about what?” Lisa asks from the door where she’s hanging her keys on the hook.

When she turns around and sees all the bags and dog paraphernalia, her mouth drops open. When Greer comes trotting around the corner, her eyebrows hit her hairline. I hold my breath, praying that she gives him a chance.

“Who’s a pretty puppy? Who? You are! You are! Oh, honey, come here! Let me hug your furry self!” Lisa coos as she drops to her knees on the kitchen floor, totally ignoring the expensive business suit she’s wearing.

Greer bounds over to her then parks himself in her lap. Lisa drops flat to her ass and hugs him to her, dropping kisses on his head. Looking up, Lisa grins.

“You bought me a puppy! Best sister ever!” she shouts to my dismay.

Candy laughs loudly but doesn’t correct Lisa’s assumption.

“Uh, well, you see, I am a great sister, but that’s not your dog. That’s Greer, and he’s mine,” I explain.

“Shut your face! He’s mine! Aren’t you, you little bundle of love?” Lisa responds before lavishing more kisses on Greer’s head.

“Lisa, stop. I’m glad you like him, but he’s moving to my house when I do,” I insist.

“No!”

“Yes!”

“You totally suck as a sister! I begged Mom and Dad for a puppy, but instead, they brought you home! Joke was on me!” Lisa hollers as she stands, lifts Greer, and runs out of the room. A few seconds later, and her bedroom door slams shut.

“Your sister and Axel aren’t related, are they?” Candy asks.

“No!”

“She’s as dramatic as him.”

“I know,” I answer with a sigh.

I spend the next day shopping and making delivery arrangements for my new home. I need everything from dishes to furniture to everyday essentials. It’s exhausting but exciting too, and my mom makes it easier than I thought it would be. Having run two households, our family home and the Governor’s Mansion, for years, she knows what’s a necessity and what can wait until later.

I put off going to bed for as long as I can tonight because I’m dreading tomorrow so much. I need to be at the clubhouse by 10:30am, and the thought is already making me nauseous. I break Candy’s rule about not letting Greer in bed with me, and I cuddle him close. Eventually, I fall asleep. When I wake, I get moving immediately. If I stay in bed and think, I’ll find a way to back out of today, and I can’t do that to Bella.

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