Page 98 of DadBod

ROME

Openingthe door to the Pet Project, I hold it for Calvin to go in first. “Dad,” he says excitedly. “I want to show you the puppy room.”

Elizabeth is standing in the large lobby space looking through a glass window. She isn’t alone. A man, taller than me, is next to her. Not only that, but he’s also got his fucking hand on her shoulder. The urge to punch first and ask the man questions later is strong. Keeping it together, I place my hand on the back of Cal’s neck. “Hang on a second, pal.” I need to kick someone’s ass.

The pair of us walk toward the couple.

Couple?Imagining Elizabeth with anyone other than me…? That word tastes like kerosene on my lips.

I’m about to interrupt their little cuddle when I hear Elizabeth. “I can’t believe it. She’s done wonders with him.”

That draws my attention to the window. Beyond the window is a large open room. There are plastic gates, some fencing for dogs, and several kennels. That’s not what garners my attention. It’s my kid, Ryann, rolling around on the floor––with a dog. A dog who’s licking her, barking, and wrestling. With my kid. The thing that hits me hardest? She’s laughing. Hysterically.

“Is that Charlie?” I ask, moving closer to the window and to Elizabeth.

“Yeah.”

We’re all quiet for several minutes. Even Calvin’s watching the pair.

“He’s nearly ready to foster.” The tall man turns to me, holding out his hand. “I’m Bernie I run this crazy place.”

Shaking his hand, I remember hearing about him from both the kids and from Elizabeth. “Rome. Nice to meet you.”

Ryann still hasn’t noticed she’s got an audience, which is probably good.

“Thank you.”

Glancing over, I see Bernie is talking to me. “Don’t thank me. Thank these three.” I point to my kids and my girl. “It looks like they’re doing good work.”

“They are. They really are.”

Smiling down at Elizabeth, I see her eyes shining and a wet streak on her cheek. “You’re crying?”

“I’m––I’m just happy for Charlie and for Ryann. That poor dog.” I feel her hand on my arm. “You should be proud of her, Rome.”

I am.

“I am too,” Calvin says as he watches his big sister play with the dog. “She’s super good at the dog stuff.”

“She is.” Elizabeth’s hand moves from my arm to Calvin’s head. “Be sure to tell her that, bud. She’d appreciate hearing that from you, Cal.”

“Yeah. She’d ’preciate me saying that.”

The smile that glides across my face can’t be helped. Calvin’s hand slides into mine and tugs. “Come on, Dad, let me show you the puppies. Elizabeth can show you cat land when we’re done.”

I look at the man who runs the place. “Sure. Go ahead. Cal knows what he’s doing.”

* * *

“Ryann?”Her door is open far enough for me to see her laying on her bed, clutching her mom’s fuzzy robe. It’s after ten now. Elizabeth went back to her place as soon as I got home. Part of me wanted to convince her to stay, but I know she’s missed her apartment, so I didn’t press.

Calvin’s in his room, supposedly getting ready for bed, but I’ll have to stop down there after this to make sure. It’s nice being here with just the three of us. Don’t get me wrong, I want it to be the four of us, but with everything the way it is, I need this time with the kids. Those were Elizabeth’s words. She’s the one that encouraged me to take Cal with me today. And tomorrow, Cal will go to Phee’s while I take Ryann to lunch and to shop for a new swimsuit. Apparently, Ryann’s invited to a pool party, and Elizabeth thought it would cheer my kid up to get something new. I tried to explain to my stubborn woman that she’s got a million swimsuits––she lived in California for Christ’s sake. Those words fell on deaf ears. “She’ll want a new one. Trust me.”

I’m at her door about to ask my kid if she wants to shop and go to lunch with me. Honestly, I’m nervous. I’m afraid she’s gonna turn me down.

“Come in.”

“Hey.”

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