Page 16 of Hook, Line, and Summer

“I don’t think you’re supposed to be doing that,” I said as I leaned down to pet her. She licked my hand instead.

“Here you go,” Summer said as she returned. “Two treats because you were such a brave girl.”

Thea sniffed at the treat Summer offered then gently took it from her hand. She did the same with the second. I thought it was strange when Summer inspected Thea’s mouth after to make sure she swallowed, but she explained that she’d actually given her medication in pill pockets. An antibiotic and something for pain, which will also make her sleepy so she doesn’t run around or bite at the bandage.

“I guess a broken nail is serious business on a dog.”

She nodded and turned off the light and stepped into the hallway. Thea followed with her awkward gait.

“Yeah, the exposed quick can get infected pretty easily.” We stepped outside and she locked the door behind us. “And one of the biggest challenges is to keep her from licking it. Hence the excessive wrapping.”

After some coaxing, Thea jumped into the back seat. It’s got to be tough for her to walk with that bandage on. I had a stress fracture on my foot once and had to wear one of those pain-in-the-ass boots for six weeks. It wasn’t pretty.

“Has she broken a nail before?”

“Yeah, a couple times.” She pulled out of the parking lot and turned toward home. “It’s pretty common actually. Think about how often you chip or break a fingernail. Imagine if you were walking on all fours.”

“I guess I never really thought about that,” I said. “I’m just glad I don’t need a soft cast everytime I do break one.”

Her answering chuckle gave me a sense of satisfaction. Being with her on the trail where we’d spent so much time, I’d felt a sharp pang of nostalgia, longing for what we used to be to each other. Asking her if she ever thinks about us had probably been a mistake, and I have no idea how she would have answered if Thea hadn’t hurt herself.

We only live a few miles from the clinic, so we were pulling into her driveway before I was ready to part company. I’d like to spend more time with her and hopefully clear the air, but I’m not sure how to make that happen.

“Thank you so much for helping out,” she said as we got out of the car.

“It was my pleasure.”

“Thea and I owe you one.”

Those six words gave me the in I was looking for.

I waited until Thea hobbled onto the porch before speaking.

“Maybe we can grab a bite to eat sometime and catch up.”

“Oh uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said.

I’m sure she’s concerned about us being seen in public together, but that problem is easily solved.

“We could head out of town and find a place along the coast.” I gestured toward Thea. “Somewhere with outdoor seating so she can come along.”

She didn’t seem thrilled with the idea, but the fact that I didn’t plan on taking no for an answer must have been obvious.

“Dr. Madden is on vacation this week, so I’ll be on call. Let’s touch base next week.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that,” I said, then added with a smile. “And I know where you live.”

She shook her head and offered a faint smile. I know she’s not totally convinced it’s a good idea for us to spend time together, but I think it’s the best one I’ve had in a long time.

CHAPTER5

Summer

“Sorry I’m late,”I said as I stepped out of the car.

Eve had been sitting up on her deck when I pulled into the driveway, but walked down the steps as I let Thea out of the car.

“No worries,” she said. “Oh, look at your poor paw.”

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