Page 15 of Did It Have To Be Gnomes?!
Nerves made me jittery all morning, so I ended up being ready an hour early. That worked out because I was able to take Goliath for a second walk around the neighborhood. That helped alleviate any guilt I felt for leaving him for the day. Yes, I left him for work during the week, but I tried to make up for it by giving him special treatment on the weekends.
But he’d be alright. I knew he would.
Plus, I had off on Monday, so I could make it up to him.
After our extra walk, I still had some time before Miles would arrive. So I sat and played a game on my phone, waiting, waiting, waiting.
I wasn’t surprised when a text came through from my best friend, Lyric. They were my ride or die, and I was eternally grateful they were in my life.
Lyric: Have fun with Emo Kid today!
With an eye roll, I texted back.
Me: Don’t call him that.
Lyric: Sorry. That’s what we called him in school…
That made me sigh and cringe because they weren’t wrong. That’s what everyone called Miles when we were teenagers because he hung out by himself, always wore all black with these black gloves everywhere he went and basically moped around the school… like an emo kid. But that was a long time ago, and it wasn’t fair or nice to call him that. I just hoped Miles never found out what his nickname had been back then. Although, I wouldn’t be surprised if he already knew.
Me: Well, he has a name, and we’re not in high school anymore.
Lyric: You’re right. Sorry. But I wasn’t trying to be rude. I genuinely want you to have fun with Miles today. I know you like the guy.
After only a second, another text came through.
Lyric: You like-like him. A lot.
Even though Lyric wasn’t even around me, I was embarrassed by their statement, and I could feel my cheeks heating. Thank god they hadn’t video called me.
Me: Thanks, Lyr.
Lyric: Call me later. I want all the deets.
I grinned at that.
Me: Will do. Chat later.
Lyric: Love you, boo.
Me: Love you too.
With that, I went back to my game and… waited.
When a knock came on my door at exactly eight o’clock, I jumped to my feet and rushed over, throwing the door open in my haste and scaring the crap out of Miles.
“Hey. Sorry. Guess I got a little overenthusiastic there.” I tried to laugh off my embarrassment, but my cheeks still flamed.Ugh.
“That’s okay.”
He chuckled when Goliath nudged me out of the way to give him a big kiss on his cheek. Goliath was really tall, and Miles was short, and the porch was a step lower than the door, so my dog barely had to reach up for his face. He made Miles look even smaller than he actually was.
“Goliath.” I sighed and pulled him back in. “Sorry about that.”
He waved me off with a grin, then bit his lip. “Um, good morning.”
“Good morning!” Now I sounded way too chipper. Great. I was going to scare him off with my happiness and make him regret asking me for help. “I’m ready. Let me just grab my wallet.”
He gave a nod, so I quickly stuffed my wallet and keys into my pockets, checked that I had my phone, gave Goliath a big kiss on the top of his head, and headed out, locking the door behind me.
