Page 46 of Loving You

Come on, Miles.

“I’m getting a dog,” are the words that come out, and I’m not sure who is more stunned by that unexpected response, me or the group in front of us.

“A dog,” Sully says.

“Yep. We’re getting a puppy,” I add, as if that’s going to help.

“A dog. Together?” Danny repeats, as if we all need it to be clarified.

“Yes” is all I have to say.

“You two must be serious then.”

I nod and so does Miles, but neither of us actually say a word.

“A pet is a commitment. I think that’s really good for you, Quinn,” Danny adds.

The backhanded comment reminds me of what he said when I told him that we could only be just friends.

You won’t be happy alone forever. You’ll regret this.

Thankfully, the loud huff Miles makes next to me cuts that memory short. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Danny stands taller and steps back.

“Nothing. I just … she … I think it’s great that she’s committing to something other than her?—”

“Finish that sentence.” Miles crosses his arms and steps forward. “I dare you.”

Danny holds his hands up in surrender.

“I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m just stating a fact.”

Miles then backs up and puts one hand at the base of my spine.

“If the fact you’re trying to make is that Quinn is a confident and independent woman who should sure as hell always chooses herself over everyone in this world, than yeah, you’re right. If you were going to say anything else, I’d choose your words carefully.”

Danny keeps his mouth shut and nods.

“Well, if you feel like taking the new pup out on an adventure, you have my number and you know where to find us,” Andy says, changing the subject quickly. “Have a good night.”

“Night,” I say, finally finding my words.

Miles doesn’t reply. Instead, the hand at my lower back nudges me to keep walking.

Since we aren’t exactly friends, I expect him to remain silent until we part ways at the shop, but he does the exact opposite.

I’m not even sure those four are out of earshot before Miles starts asking questions.

“Do they always talk to you like that?”

I shake my head.

“Really? Because you didn’t seem surprised by his comment back there, and now that I think of it, if you felt you needed to lie about your dating life for whatever reason, maybe they aren’t good friends to have.”

“No, I guess I’m not surprised. I really only travel with them. They don’t know much about me, which was why I was able to lie so easily.”

“So, they do talk to you that way.”

---