Page 8 of Until Landon
“Then you are among the chosen few. He can be distant. Sometimes there is an attitude problem.”
Before there is time for a response, the squeak of the front screen door grabs my attention.
“I need to W-D that.”
Ronnie walks out eating from a paper plate. He wears a long loose over the head emerald green number. Something I haven’t seen in awhile. I think this is what they used to call a caftan. My grandmother had quite a few.
I want to smile at the contradiction of the image. Burley biker, flowing caftan. Good for you, Ronnie. It shows confidence in being exactly who he is. My brown Rat Terrier boyfriend Biscuit, and Barney The Wonder Dog, push past him. Apparently, this is the after two am crowd.
Landon takes my hand. While Barney heads our way, Biscuit stands guard for a moment assessing with his one eye who dares invade the property. When he catches my scent, all guards drop. He wiggles down the stairs, waving his tail in greeting.It’s you! It’s you!
“Steady!”
Landon’s one word warning has nothing to do with the little guy. A lumbering, excited mix of a big chestnut colored boy comes at me. The black patch angled on top of his head is in the shape of a beret. It dips over one eye like a jaunty chapeaux. I see a little drop of Setter mixed with lots of Boxer. And as stated, horse. Short hair.
The powerful wagging tail smacks his companion on the head pushing him aside and off his paws. Little Biscuit sends Barney a growling message, then he shakes off the hit. His pal pays no attention whatsoever and goes directly for my crotch. A sniff and then eyes and big paws are on me.
“Barney!” Landon growls.
“Hello, B Boys! I will greet you properly in a minute, Biscuit.”
“Down!”
Ronnie’s directive falls on deaf floppy ears. I am face to face with my new boyfriend and his breath smells of carrot. A sound comes from the depth of the dog as he introduces himself.
“Who’s the boy? You’re a big boo-boo boy!” I coo.
“Big boo-boo? That’s a first. Get down, Barney!”
Landon takes him by the collar and escorts him to the ground. But the dog is not going without letting me know it is not his idea. He strains at the hold and whines the rest of what he had to tell me.
I bend down and give the little guy his due. One eye looks lovingly at my face so I pick him up and give a cuddle.
“I didn’t forget you, handsome.”
“Welcome, Kim,” Ronnie adds, waving us forward. “I’m happy you’re gonna be with us tonight, honey.”
“Thank you for allowing me to.”
“You can stay however long you want. Mi casa es su casa.”
“Did you save some of that for us?” Landon adds, eyeing the dessert. “It’s his famous pineapple upside down cake. He makes it for me every visit.”
Savoring the last bite on his plate, Ronnie answers.
“You snooze you lose, boy. Come in. I have coffee brewing and I’m sure we can find something else good to eat.”
I set the dog down and follow Landon. Ascending the last step to the porch, Ronnie’s friendly face and warm welcome make me feel comforted. He leans over to offer a cheek and a hug. I readily accept and kiss the stubbled surface of a white beard. The dogs are having none of his affection sent in my direction. They push their way between us, jockeying for position.
“Boys! Leave her alone!”
Biscuit struts ahead, leading the way inside. His backside is on full display by a lifted tail. His friend follows and takes a sniff for good measure. Biscuit’s head swerves and he shows his teeth. Barney begins to run around the house in a frenzy of excitement. There is an adult in this situation and a toddler. Landon lays down his law.
“Stop! Go lay down.”
Something in the tone connects with the big boy. He stops in his tracks, circles in front of the club chair and plops down on all legs. He looks at his human like a child does a parent when they have followed instructions for the first time. The expression of joy never leaves his funny face. I can feel how difficult it is for him to stay seated when a new person is in the house. But he is so darn sweet, it is hard to stay frustrated with whatever he does. Landon was right. I’d be laughing with this one too.
It is a cozy, warm slightly messy living room. The worn burgundy leather couch sits in front of a fireplace. Two mismatched fabric club chairs anchor the ends. Looks like the place is well lived in and has been for awhile. There is a settling of dust on the dark surfaces. I see Landon’s eyes fall on the top of the closest side table.
