Page 7 of Long Shot

“Right, right.” How could I forget? All three of my bosses have that commanding presence and strength that struck me on meeting each of them. “I guess you’ve probably had to swim in some pretty hellish situations.”

“Oh, yeah.” He jerks his head toward the slightly rough Pacific. “This is nothin’.”

His bravery is impressive, I have to admit. Although he’s probably done even braver things than swimming in the ocean. For some reason, a knot of dread forms in my gut.

God, I’m such a wuss lately.

My cellphone rings in the back pocket of my jeans. I frown and reach for it, juggling my now-empty mug, phone, and Jack’s leash. Cade reaches for the leash and I let him take it so I can answer the call. It’s the pet shelter.

“Hi, Reese?”

“Yes.” I watch Cade crouch and hold out a hand to Jack for him to sniff.

“It’s Barb at the Ventura Animal Shelter. Just checking to see how Jack is doing.”

“He’s doing great, thanks.”

“We may have someone interested in taking him permanently.”

“Oh.” My heart bumps. “Really?”

“Yes. Just giving you a heads-up. There are a few dogs they’re interested in, and we’re arranging meetings. Would you be available later this week?”

I try to recall my schedule. “Um . . . I’m off Wednesday. And I’d be available during the day Thursday or Friday.”

“Okay, good.” Sounds like Barb is making notes. “I’ll get back to you, then! Thanks, Reese.”

“Sure, no problem.” I end the call and purse my lips as I slide my phone back into my pocket. “That was the shelter where I got Jack. They have someone who might be interested,” I explain to Cade.

“You don’t look happy about that.”

“No, no, it’s fine.” I paste on a smile and straighten my shoulders, despite the heaviness in my chest. “I knew it was just temporary, like I said.”

He eyes me, then turns back to Jack to pat him, running a hand down his back. Jack pants, gazing at Cade with what appears to be an adoring smile. “He’s a good dog.”

“He had some issues when he first came to me. I think just anxiety.” I can relate to that. “But we sorted things out.”

Cade straightens and hands the leash back to me.

“Thanks. We’d better get home so I can shower and get ready for work.”

“Don’t be late!”

I catch the smirk on his face as I turn away and shake my head.

I look down at Jack, obediently at my side. Damn. I’m getting attached to the little dude. I shouldn’t do that. I can’t keep him. But that too-familiar feeling of tightness in my chest and accelerated breathing is already gathering.

Shit. I take long, slow breaths in and out as we walk back toward Thomas Street. I have to be better than this. If I can’t handle giving Jack back, I never should have taken him in the first place.

Being angry at myself doesn’t help things. I have to change my self-talk. I know that, but sometimes it’s not easy.

I stop and pick up Jack. He’s not a pocket dog, but I can lift him and hug him and let him lick my chin. Hugs and affection make me feel better. “Thank you. I love you, too.” Then I set him back on all four paws to cross Ocean Boulevard and walk the last blocks home. By the time we get there, the anxiety is easing, thank God.

I rub a hand over my stomach walking to the bathroom as Jack slurps water from the bowl in the kitchen.

Cade beats me getting to Conquistadors, even though I get there early for my shift. When I walk in, now dressed in a short black dress, my hair pulled into a neat ponytail, all three of my bosses are standing at the bar, smiling, slapping each other on the back and doing bro hugs. My eyes widen as I move toward them.

“Something good happen?” I ask.

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