Page 56 of Diamonds & Deception

“No worries. We appreciate all our volunteers. I just thought you were on the cusp of adopting Daisy. She loves her runs with you.”

“I’d love to, but I’m going back to Philly on Monday.”

“They don’t allow dogs in Pennsylvania?” she teases.

Maybe having a dog will be good for me. I’m alone a lot and don’t travel like Lenora, and my condo complex allows pets.

“You know what, Jen? You’re right. Daisy belongs with me.”

“Oh my god. Really? That’s awesome. You’ll be an amazing fur mommy to her. Let me go out back and get her stuff.”

“Wait—” I call to her back. I hadn’t meant I’d take her right this second. I was thinking I’d swing by on Monday on my way out of town.

“It may have been presumptuous of me, but I started paperwork after the third time you came back from her run. I could tell you two have a special connection.”

I’m pretty sure Jennifer is a born salesperson. I haven’t noticed anything extra special between Daisy and myself. She’s a good dog, good on the leash, and low-key. Jen has witnessed us together for a combined ten minutes.

When she comes back with a stack of papers, I don’t hesitate. I sign where she points and hand her my credit card, adding on a little extra as a donation.

“We already ran your background check when you signed up to volunteer, so we don’t even have to wait for that process. Your housing accepts dogs?”

“Yeah. My neighbors have pets.” I’m glad I used my real name when I signed up to volunteer. I highly doubt Lenora would be approved with how often she travels.

“Awesome. You can keep the leash and collar. She doesn’t have any special dietary needs but here’s a list of the food and dog biscuits she’s been eating.” Jen hands me the paper and I scan it before folding it and putting it in my pocket.

“I’ll pick up everything I need on my way back to my friend’s place.” I had told her I was in town visiting for a month and wanted to have a running partner as well as help out the shelter.

“Congratulations, Nora. And to you, Daisy Duke.” Jen squats in front of Daisy and kisses her. “Be a good girl for your new mommy.”

When we’re outside, I stop at a bench so I can look my new pet in her eyes. “Welcome home, Daisy. I’ll be a good mom to you, I promise. You just may have to help me along the way. I’ve never had a dog before.”

She licks my face and wags her little stubby tail. We walk briskly along the city streets, and once we get to the park, we pick up the pace. It feels good to be outside and running again. Daisy doesn’t pull at the leash or even bark at the other dogs we pass. When they approach her, she’s friendly yet a little hesitant.

When I read her paperwork a few weeks ago, it didn’t have much on her past. She was found in an abandoned building outside the city. The closer shelters were full, so City Paws took her in. She got along with the other dogs at the shelter and didn’t shy away from men or women, but they didn’t know how she was with children.

Since it will take a husband for me to have kids, and I’m nowhere near close to having one of those, it isn’t something I need to worry about now.

We run until my long-sleeve shirt is soaked with sweat and my calves start to burn. I bring us down to a slow walk as we get closer to Lenora’s. I’ll miss the city. It’s fun and quite versatile. Philly has been an experience, but nothing is keeping me there. Mom and Randy live two hours outside the city, and I don’t often see them unless I’m staying for a long weekend or holiday.

I haven’t made a connection with my neighbors or even found a restaurant or bar in the city that is “my place.” Philly attracted me because of its opportunities but working online as a freelance writer means I can move anywhere.

I’d consider Boston if Lenora didn’t travel so much. And if I didn’t have to worry about running into Drake. Not that I would. He rarely leaves his casino, and the city has thousands and thousands of people in it.

It’s the memories of Drake that pop up everywhere. The breakfast diner, Fenway Park, Boston Commons,The Local. Sure, there are hundreds of other places I could visit, but the city is too... Drake.

Daisy and I climb the stairs to Lenora’s brownstone, and I use my key to let us in. Daisy freezes in the entryway. Her ears perk and her tail freezes. I reach down and pat her back.

“It’s okay, girl. It’s just Lenora. She lives here. You should recognize her scent.” I’ve brought Daisy here twice, and it was only for a quick drink of water. Of course, she’s going to act a little skittish.

I unhook her leash and fill a bowl of water for her. She ignores it, her ears still perked as she hugs my leg with her body.

“Daisy, girl.” I drop to my knees and rub her ears, dropping a kiss on her snout. “We’re only here for the weekend, and then I’ll introduce you to my house. We’ll get you a fancy dog bed and monogrammed dishes. Promise. For now, it’s plastic bowls, okay?”

I stand and move into the living room. The note I wrote is on the floor under the dining room table. “Lenora?” I head back into the bedroom and tap on the door. “You awake?”

The room is dark, the shades are still drawn, and I reach over to pat her leg.

“You going to sleep all day? I brought a friend with me.” Daisy, still glued to my leg, growls. I turn on the bedside lamp and scream.

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