Page 9 of Hook, Line, and Summer

He chuckled and nodded.

“That was Molly. Why?”

“Thea just started doing it,” I said. “So far, she’s only gone next door, but I don’t want her getting out and roaming around town.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t go far, but I understand your worry.”

“I don’t want to put a lock on the gate. What did you do?”

“A bungee cord worked,” he said. “In fact, I have some in my truck. I’ll run out and grab a couple for you.”

“Thanks.”

I just finished typing the last of my patient notes into the system when Dr. Madden returned with three bungee cords.

“They’re different sizes.” He held up a blue one. “Try this small one first. Just put it around the gate and fence post, It took Molly a while to figure out how to unhook it. Then we moved to the longer ones and wrapped them a few times.”

I took the bungee cords from him and stuffed them in my purse.

“I can’t believe I need something more than a gate to keep my dog in the yard.”

“She’s a smart girl,” he said as he walked over and rubbed Thea’s ears.

“That she is.” I dug into my purse and fished my keys from the bottom. “But hopefully she won’t outsmart the bungee cord anytime soon.”

Or at least in the next few weeks while Adam is here.

The bell on the front door sounded.

“That’s my cue,” Dr. Madden said.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”

“I’m sure,” he said as he walked toward my office door. “You two enjoy the rest of your day.”

I grabbed my purse and slung it over my shoulder.

“Let’s go, girl.”

Thea stood and stretched, then followed me out of the office, down the hall, and out to the parking lot. I opened the car door and she hopped into the back seat. Once I got settled behind the wheel, I started the car, and put the windows down. Thea immediately stuck her head out and I could see her in my side mirror. The big smile on her face brought one to mine. She’s such a sweet girl and helped bring me back to life after Nanny Jules passed away. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

Instead of turning right out of the parking lot, I went left to take the long way home. Today’s weather is perfect for driving with the windows down and the music up.

It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a drive just for fun and I was surprised how much I enjoyed myself. By the time I pulled into my driveway an hour later, my hair was a mess and my cheeks hurt from smiling. It’s amazing how something as simple as leaving work early can help you step off the hamster wheel and slow things down.

“What do you think we should do with our extra hours?” I asked Thea. “There’s always housework, but I think we’ll work on the yard. It’s too nice out to stay inside.”

She trotted next to me, wagging her tail, as we made our way from the driveway to the front door. I just put the key in the lock when her ears perked and a second later, she took off running.

“Thea!”

By the time I stepped off the porch and headed across the yard, Thea was standing with her paws against Adam’s open truck window. I have no idea why she’s so obsessed with him. She’s usually friendly, but this is beyond that.

“Do you carry bacon in your pockets or something?” Adam looked confused by my question. “She’s always chasing after you.”

“More than likely, I smell like fish.” He chuckled and looked at Thea as he rubbed her ears, then back at me. “I guess she likes it more than you did.”

“I never–” I shook my head. He always smelled good to me, but I don’t want to discuss that. Or think about it. “How are things going on the boat?”

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