Page 10 of A Thirst for Franc

“How could you be scared of this beauty? She’s harmless. Did you know bearded dragons can run up to nine miles per hour?”

“Only nine?” I said. “I bet Sally has that record beat.” That damn lizard had me running sprints the first week we had her. Now we had a strict rule that she couldn’t leave the house without being on a leash.

Gio tucked Sally against him. “Did you know they can collect water through their heads?”

“I did. And did you know they conserve every bit of water, even their urine?” Quinn’s nose crinkled, and it was impossible to ignore how adorable the little wrinkles were that formed at the bridge.

“Eww!” Gio exclaimed. “But… but did you know they regrow their front teeth but not their tail?”

“And did you know all their other teeth are permanent and don’t fall out?”

“I did know that!”

I stood there, mouth agape, watching the exchange. The tension that had plagued me from the minute my parents headed to the airport finally eased. This might work out.

“So, if it’s okay with your dad and the activity of the day permits it, Sally can come with us.”

“Yay!” Gio threw his fist in the air, then held Sally out, their small faces staring at each other. “Did you hear that, Sally? We’re going to go on adventures together!”

“Why don’t you go feed Sally her breakfast while I talk to Quinn?”

Gio put Sally on the ground and ran toward the kitchen. She was on a mostly bug diet until she was little older, but she also ate fruits and vegetables. Sally, knowing exactly what time it was, followed at full speed. Her little legs pattering against the hardwood.

Quinn pushed up from her position and faced me. “He’s adorable. They both are.”

I stared at her, confused and intrigued all at the same time. “Most people’s reaction to Sally is quite different.”

She shrugged, then her cheeks puffed up with her smile, highlighting her cheekbones. “I was a science teacher. As a kid, I was just like Gio. I loved animals. All kinds of animals, including reptiles. My stepdad had a bearded dragon when he and my mom first started dating. He and Freddy were a package deal.”

“You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that. The last sitter couldn’t run out of this house fast enough when Sally made an appearance.”

“Aww, poor Sally. She can’t help how she looks. Beneath the scales, she’s pretty much like a dog.”

“We do walk her on a leash.”

“Freddy also had a leash. I loved walking him. At first, the neighbors would scream and run to the other side of the street, but then their interest drew them in. Freddy was the talk of the neighborhood, and everyone loved him.”

“How long did he live?”

“He made it to fourteen. He was in my life for eight of those years.”

“Let’s hope Sally makes it as long. The last thing I want is for my son to lose something else he loves.” He was too young to have experienced so much heartache. First his own mother left him. Then my grandpa passed. While that affected us all, Grandpa was Gio's best friend. Watching Gio process the loss was one of the hardest things I'd ever gone through.

“As long as she has a well-balanced and nutritious diet, a well-kept and regulated tank, and regular visits to the vet, she has a good chance at a long life. Though males tend to live longer than females. However, it’s pretty hard to tell them apart since they are androgynous.”

“The pet store told us Sally was female. I figured they’d know better than me, especially since I knew little about them before walking into the store that day, but I learned quickly. It’s been interesting. Like Freddy was to you, Sally is family now.” Warmth spread through me at the admission. Four months ago, when Sally came into our life, I’d never have imagined a reptile could hold a place in my heart, but she wiggled her way in. Quinn was right. She was just like a dog without fur. “Anyway…” I cleared my throat. “I shouldn’t be later than five-thirty.”

I stepped aside to let her into the house and shut the door. “I can give you a quick tour and then”—I checked my watch—“I have to head out.”

“That’d be great.”

“I have interns starting today at the winery,” I said as I made my way toward the kitchen. “Or I’d be able to stay a little longer to help you settle in.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m kind of a pro in settling in. Kind of have to be when you’re a teacher. When that bell rings on the first day and suddenly your classroom is filled with almost thirty unfamiliar faces, it’s go time.”

“Thirty kids. I can barely handle one.”

“I was dealing with high schoolers. Still rambunctious but less snotty noses.”

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