Page 13 of Speechless

“Sorry, you can’t go down there.”

“Come on, Jayce. Let me see the restricted section!”

“Nope. Off limits. Under no circumstances can you go down there, okay?” He looks serious but he has to be messing with me again, right? I give him a questioning look, but he doesn’t crack.

“Okay. Is it haunted or something?”

“Yes.” Nothing, no smile, no hint of laughter, what the hell?

“Jayce, what’s down there? Seriously? You’re freaking me out.”

“Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the basement. It’s not safe for you down there. Promise me, okay?”

Suddenly, I wonder if there’s some sort of torture chamber down below us, or some Dexter-esque wet room.

They all seem so normal but what if . . .

I finally see the slightest movement of his nostrils flaring.

He’s good.

“Damnit Jayce, stop screwing with me!” This time I shove him with both hands and finally the laughter escapes from him.

“Okay, okay I’m sorry. But honestly, don’t go down there. Henry’s in the studio, working. I’ll show you some other time if he ever comes up for air.”

Hermit Henry.

I’m learning so much today.

Jayce and I head back outside to enjoy the sunshine. Rowan napped through breakfast but now he’s back at my heels, following us to the pool.

“Umm, does your dog always walk like this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I can feel his nose on the back of my leg. It’s like he wants me to kick him or something.”

I can’t help laughing. He looks so bewildered.

“He’s a sheep dog, Jayce—he’s herding you!”

“Herding me?”

“Yeah. It’s just his instinct to herd, to keep everyone together. You’re part of the pack now. He must like you.”

Jayce gives a show of pride at this. Then he starts weaving from side to side to see if Rowan follows suit. He never leaves his heels.

“Huh. I guess I never thought about how different breeds acted. I grew up with cats.” He frowns at this and his shoulders slump a little.

“I take it you’re not a cat person?” We take a seat by the pool and I dip my toes in the water. I’m tempted to hop on the pirate raft but figure I should wait until I have a suit on.

“Nah, they’re annoying. They don’t really do anything but hide, and hiss. What’s the point? But my parents would never let us get a dog.”

“Why not?”

“My dad and stepmom are both surgeons and have crazy schedules. And they said my sisters and I weren’t responsible enough, which was probably true.”

“Well, you’re welcome to hang out with Rowan as much as you like while we’re here.”

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