Page 22 of The Luck of Finding You
“Maybe you shouldn’t have a dog, then.” I whirl around to see a girl about seven staring up at me. “If taking a dog outside is torture, maybe you shouldn’t have one.”
I’m about to defend myself, to tell this child that I love my dog and nothing about him is torture, when a man appears.
“There you are,” he says to the girl. “It’s time to go.”
The girl gives me an angry stare that could put Tally’s to shame. Then she waves to Mo. “Bye, little doggy. I would love you.”
Once she’s out of earshot, I say, “Well, that was weird, buddy. Come on.” We head back to the apartment, much to Mo’s dismay. “I’ll take you on a longer walk when I’m done with work.” I feel bad. He’s used to being able to go out whenever he wanted to. Working for yourself has its perks, this new schedule will take some getting used to,
Maybe I can convince Tally to let Mo hang out in the shop. He’s the best dog. I could put his bed in the little office and he’d mostly just sleep all day. Plus, he doesn’t bark at strangers, so being around people in the shop would be totally fine.
If only I could convince Tally of that, then I wouldn’t feel so bad because I wouldn’t be leaving him alone all day.
The oven timer is beeping when we get back up to the apartment. Mo pouts as he settles into his small bed right by the kitchen table.
“It’s not my fault I have to eat,” I tell him. I should have waited to take him out after I was done eating. I burn my tongue on my first bite, which annoys me. But I will not get up and get my phone until I’ve finished eating.
I scarf down my food because what’s the point in waiting for them to be cooler if I’ve already burned my tongue?
There are three notifications on my phone.
Sam: Sorry I couldn’t answer, bro, about to head to bed because tomorrow I start a weeklong backpacking trip.
I listened to your message. I’ll call when I’m done with this trip. But quick advice, maybe figure out which woman you want to date before you tell either one you’ve got feelings for her.
Of course Sam is about to go on a backpacking trip. He’s been a travel vlogger since we graduated high school, and his most-watched videos are when he goes backpacking on these hard trails, just him and his camera. I send him a quick text saying thanks and telling him not to get struck by any lightning on this trip, then I open Twitter to see the last message I got while I was out.
TheNoraReview:Thanks for giving me time. I’m still thinking about it. Mostly, I’m nervous about ruining what we have by meeting in person. And that stinks for your friend. Maybe get them their favorite treat or dinner or something. Good food always helps me when I’m feeling bad. I’m not really sure how to help someone else out of a hard time though. I’ve been a bit stuck in one myself and I can’t seem to get out of it.
As I’m reading her message and wondering what she’s going through right now, a new one comes through.
TheNoraReview:And maybe I shouldn’t say this, but you always make me a little happier. Seeing your name in my notifications makes me smile, even on the worst days. It probably helps that you’re great at telling me stupid jokes.
TheNoraReview:What I’m trying to get at is that if your friend is down, maybe you should go tell him a stupid joke, it would probably make him smile.
If Nora’s still online, she’ll be able to see that I’ve seen her messages, so I know I need to respond, but she just gave me a lot I need to unpack. It never even crossed my mind that meeting in person might ruin what we have. And I doubt Tally would appreciate my dad jokes, but it could be worth a shot to see if she’ll laugh.
MoReads:I don’t think seeing each other will ruin anything, but still, it’s up to you if you want to meet or not. And thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely try that.
I don’t feel the need to correct her about her calling my friend a guy. What would be the point of telling her it’s a woman anyway?
When I finally make my way back down to the shop, Tally is humming along to the overhead music. Maybe she’s not entirely unfeeling.
“I’m ready to learn how to use that ancient cash register.” I grin at her. I’d like to crack a joke, but for some reason it feels too soon to try and be funny with her. I want her to know that I’m serious about this job and being here, with her.
She looks at me quizzically. “Are you always so happy?”
“Yes. And you seem to be doing better than earlier,” I say, because humming isn’t a sign of a grumpy person, no matter how much she wants me to think she’s a grump all the time.
She gives me a shrug and moves over to the register. I remind myself that we’re co-workers and that I shouldn’t get attached.But maybe that was Grandma Marsha’s whole idea about this anyway.The thought comes out of nowhere, and I push it away. I can and will focus on being friends with her and nothing more. If my heart can catch the memo, that is.
A few minutes later my phone vibrates with a message from Nora.
TheNoraReview:Glad I could help. And I’ve decided that I do want to meet you in person.
And just like that, I’m the happiest person in the world today. Nora said yes. She said yes!
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