Page 31 of Goalie Interference

It would be good for the men in my life to appreciate that too. Hockey and music. “Do you want to come in and say hi to Diane?”

Beast gave a grumble, not happy with the lack of action in the still truck.

“Why don’t I take him for a walk, and we can do that when I come back? He might be better at meeting someone when he’s tired. Then, if you’re ready, I’ll drive you back. And if you’re not,I can head on home with him and let you know if your ex is still hanging around.”

That was more than accommodating on his part. “Thank you. So, where’s this guitar?”

“In the back.”

He got out, keeping a tight hold on Beast’s leash. The dog had been a stray, so it made sense that he might be a runner. Remy opened the back door of the extended cab, but I’d managed to get out myself and come around so I could take the guitar from him and no unexpected jerks from Beast on the leash would put the guitar in danger.

“It’s a good case. I like to see that the instrument is being taken care of.”

“I think Hanny would treat his stuff right. Do you need any help taking it inside?”

I shook my head. “I’m good. Thanks for the ride, and I’ll see you in a bit.”

“An hour or so?”

“That should be plenty of time.”

He nodded and then started to walk east. It took Beast a couple of steps to catch up with the new agenda, but then he scurried after the big hockey player. He might not be as conventionally handsome as Ollie, but he was an attractive man. I watched them go…before I realized what I was doing and turned to the door.

Diane pushed it open as I approached. “Was I expecting you? And who was that?”

“You weren’t, but do I have a story to tell you.”

Remy

I had a lot to think about, so I appreciated the chance to clear my head. I chose a direction at random and followed the sidewalk, keeping the pace slow enough for Beast to handle. It was a mixed neighborhood—some stores, some businesses, and some homes. A couple of places looked like they were failing to keep up against the weather and time, but most were doing well.

It was a hot day, much warmer than what Beast and I were used to up north. Before long I was looking for a place to get him some water. I hadn’t been planning a walk when we jumped into the truck. A block later I found an animal shelter. It was one of the buildings that could use some work, but someone inside should be able to help me.

There was no buzzer or knocker, just a welcome sign. I opened the door to a small room with chairs and a coffee table, all looking like second- or thirdhand furniture. There was no one at the counter, which had stacks of pamphlets on it, most showing dogs or cats. I could smell cleaner, urine, and animals, and heard a mix of barks, growls, meows and squawks. Beast grumbled and pressed against my leg.

I rang the bell on the counter, and a woman rushed out after a couple of minutes.

“Yes? May I help— Oh.” Her voice tightened as she noticed Beast. “You’re looking for a home for your dog?”

Beast growled. “No.” I frowned. “I hoped to get some water. I hadn’t planned on a walk, so didn’t bring any with me. I can go get something from a store though.” I’d have to go back to String Theory since I didn’t think most places would let Beast in.

She held up a hand. “Sorry, it’s been a day. Too many people giving up on their animals and sometimes it’s difficult to be polite. Come on back and I’ll get a bowl and some water.”

Beast growled again. “Um, could I bother you to bring something out? He doesn’t get along well with other animals. He’s better than he was, but…”

“One sec.”

She returned with a battered steel bowl full of water. She set it down and stepped back. I encouraged Beast to drink. He sniffed suspiciously, glared at the helpful woman, and finally consented to lap up the water, making his usual mess all around the bowl.

“If you’ve got a cloth, I can clean that up.”

She smiled, now warm and friendly. “Not a problem. You said he’s better—how long have you had him?”

“Maybe six months?” I shared the story of rescuing him on vacation.

She watched him as he pressed back against my leg. “So, what are you doing to socialize him?”

I explained that the dog day care had him in a separate enclosure, but he still didn’t warm up to the other dogs.

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