Page 22 of Claimed by the Pack

I snickered at the thought of me calling him “Mr. Again,” but the American in me couldn't help it.

It was Mr. this or Mrs. That in my world.

Mr. Balik opened the door with a big smile on his face. I had lived there for over six months now, and I never saw him when he wasn't smiling. He was only about five foot tall and his skin was olive colored. His eyes and hair were jet black and no matter what time of day you knocked on his door, he was always perfectly groomed, like he was waiting for company.

“Miss Cheyenne,” he said, “How are you?” He enunciated his English words precisely. The accent was still there, but his words were perfect.

I smiled back at him and said, “I'm good, thank you...”

“You have a dog!”

“Well no. I found him, under the stairs. He has this collar,” I said, holding it out to Mr. Balik. He squinted at it and I said, “It's the address of the complex but no apartment number. I was hoping you might know who he belongs to?”

He shook his head and looked perplexed. “The only people who had a dog here moved out about two months ago. I don't think they had such a big dog though.”

“You never saw their dog?”

He shook his head again. “No. They paid a pet deposit but no, I never saw the dog. I think it was a small dog though, it lived inside.”

“I hope they didn't forget him. Maybe he got scared when they were moving and ran off. Do you have any way to reach them?”

“No. No forwarding address.”

“Dang. I'm not sure what to do with him. Is there an animal control on the island?”

“No, just the veterinarian. Maybe you could take him there.” The dog started nudging my leg, like he was trying to nudge me away from the apartment door. I laughed and said,

“I don't think he likes that idea.” I pet him again and he looked up at me and I swear he was smiling. “Mr. Balik, would it be okay if I kept him just for a few days and put up posters to try and find his owner?” The little man laughed and my face was suddenly on fire when he said,

“Just like the posters up for you!”

I forced a laugh. “Yeah, like those.”

He waved a hand at me and said, “Sure, sure. You're a good tenant. Just make sure he doesn't bite nobody.”

“I will. Thank you.”

He went back inside and I looked at Gray and said, “I guess you're staying with me for a few days.”

He smiled again and wagged his tail.

I smiled back. Maybe he'd help me with my loneliness.

He followed me up the stairs and as soon as I unlocked the door and opened it, he walked inside, like he owned the place.

I smiled and followed him in, tossing his collar and my keys on the counter.

I put my hands on my hips and said, “I have to apologize, I don't know a thing about dogs. Are you hungry?” As if he understood the question, he got excited and ran over to the refrigerator, wagging his tail.

I laughed.

“Okay, let's see what we have here.” I opened it and picked out some leftover chicken and pasta. “Myrna made this, it was pretty good. Well, not really, but maybe since you're a dog, you'll like it, huh?”

Myrna wasn't the best cook, but she tried and I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I choked it down.

Maybe the dog can help me out there too.

I put it in a plastic bowl and sat it on the floor. Then I filled another bowl with water and put it on the floor too.

Gray sniffed at it, but he didn't take a bite.

“I'm sorry. I guess you don't like it either? Tell you what, let me shower and I'll run to the store and get some dog food, okay?”

Again, he didn't answer me.

I rubbed his soft head and headed for the bathroom.

When he started to follow, I said, “Oh no, Mr. No boys allowed in the bathroom or bedroom. I'll be right back, okay?” I'm not sure why I kept saying okay like I expected him to say it back, but he sat down in the hallway and didn't try to follow me any further. As I gathered my things for my shower I realized I felt happier already. Maybe I didn't need a man. Maybe all I needed all along was a dog, or a therapist. I laughed out loud and decided that yes, the therapist might be a good idea.

---