Page 124 of Only Fate

I immediately respond.

Me: Hold on. I’ll ask him.

I do, embarrassingly, look over at my dog and say, “You want to go see Essie?”

Then, I hurriedly tell him to calm down when he attempts to get up and rush toward the door.

As soon as he’s situated again, I return to my conversation with Essie.

Me: He said we’re a package deal.

Essie: You can wait outside while we hang out, then. The patio furniture is comfortable.

Me: Tucker said that’d hurt his feelings, and since he already has hip pain, that’s kind of evil to make him feel even more. Tsk, tsk, Essie.

Essie: Fine, come over. But I’m only doing this for Tucker.

Me: Tucker says thank you and see you soon. *bark*

I regret thebarkcomment after I hit Send.

I don’t know what it is, but Essie brings out the cheesiness inside me.

As someone who grew up with a serious mindset, it’s nice to joke around.

“Let’s go,” I say, going to help Tucker up.

I smile while helping him into my car’s back seat.

Dogs are referred to as a man’s best friend for many reasons.

One of them I’ve learned is that women love them.

Even if they’re pissed at you, they’ll always make time for your dog.

“Thank you for letting me come over,” I say as soon as Essie answers her door.

She points at Tucker before lowering herself to one knee to pet him. “You’d better thank him.”

“Oh, I gave him an extra treat and promised him pup-corn and a movie this week. He’s a big fan ofAir Bud.”

A hint of a smile plays at her lips. “I loved that movie growing up.” She rises to her feet but keeps her attention on Tucker. “You’d better hold him to that.”

I shut the door, and Essie helps Tucker into the living room, where she has a dog bed, along with pillows, blankets, and toys.

“Whoa, did you recently get a dog?” I ask, looking around.

“No. I bought them for Tucker,” she comments. “Joint custody means he needs belongings at both homes.”

I scratch my cheek. “How long have you had all this?”

“I ordered them from Amazon.” She shrugs, looking away from me and petting Tucker. “There was no point in sending them back.”

“Does that mean Tucker is spending the night?”

“He needs to be comfortable while he’s here.” She kisses his head, and Tucker nuzzles his head against her knee. “The little man needs catered to.”

I groan, suddenly pretending my leg is sore. “Did I tell you I had a little accident too?”

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