Page 69 of In It to Win It

The corners of her mouth lift. “Yes, they do. Okay, I’ll check in with you.”

We hug. I take one last look at the house, push down the sadness, and straighten my shoulders.

Once more, Byron and I make the drive to JP’s place. He seems to know where he is, which is good. JP is already there, waiting in the lobby for us. He relieves me of some of the paraphernalia I’m carrying, taking the big doggy bed and a large bag, leaving me with Byron’s leash and another bag. In the elevator, I tell Byron to sit, and he does, looking happy, tail waving on the floor.

“He thinks you’re going to give him more treats,” I remark to JP.

He grins. “I am.”

Inside, he tosses Byron a cookie, which Byron catches and crunches. I pull his food and water bowls out, set them on the kitchen floor, and unpack the food and treats I brought while JP takes Byron’s bed into his bedroom.

“This is his water bottle,” I explain, showing him the collapsible dog dish. “For long walks when it’s hot. Poop bags. Brush and comb. And this is the number for our vet . . . It’s not exactly close, but I’ll find another one. Just in case of emergency.”

I hand him the typewritten list of instructions he needs for feeding, walking, and grooming Byron, showing him the dog food and treats. He listens and nods solemnly, although his eyes twinkle.

“Okay, we’d better get to the apartment,” I say. “I should be helping.”

I kneel and throw my arms around Byron. “’Bye, buddy. I’ll see you soon.” I squeeze my eyes tight as they sting with tears. He licks my face.

I try not to feel sad as I drive from JP’s condo to my apartment. It’s not very far, which is good, as I’ll be able to see him often. Byron, I mean. Not JP.

JP

I meet up with Taylor in front of her new apartment building.

“We went over my schedule, so you know I have a couple of home games coming up, tomorrow and Sunday.” I glance at her as I lift a box out of her trunk, catching her as she surreptitiously wipes a tear. Fuck, this is torture, seeing her upset. Me taking him is better than having to give Byron up to a shelter or something, but she’s still so sad. Her love for that dog shows what a big heart she has. “We have a skate in the morning, but I’ll be home in the afternoon before the game. I’ll let you know the practice schedule; we might have a day off Friday.”

She nods.

“If you want to come see Byron Wednesday night while I’m out, that’s fine.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

I’m doing my best to be her friend, since that’s what she wants. Even though there’s still enough electrical energy between us to power the ExCorp Center.

It doesn’t take long to unload her things and carry boxes from one room to another. The apartment is tiny and old-fashioned, but it’s clean and freshly painted. Lacey puts things away in the kitchen while Taylor unpacks her clothes and makes her bed in between directing where she wants her furniture placed. I go help her with the bed, fitting pale green sheets over the mattress, then shaking out a big white duvet with sunflowers. She’s determinedly cheerful in her ridiculous witch hat.

“I’m sensing a theme here,” I say, nodding at her bed.

She frowns. “What?”

“Sunflowers. I notice you have a bunch of sunflower things in your kitchen, too.”

“Oh. Yeah. They’re my favorite flower.”

“Ah.” Somehow, this isn’t surprising. She’s . . . sunshine.

When the movers have left, Théo produces a case of beer that he stored in the back of the refrigerator earlier. This is greeted with enthusiasm by Dutch, Abs, and Copper. Even Lacey and Taylor crack one open.

“I can order pizza,” Taylor says. “I feel I owe you guys food.”

We all look at each other and shrug. “Sure.”

“I have no idea what’s nearby.” She grabs her phone and spends a few minutes frowning at it as she swipes the screen trying to find something close.

“This is my favorite place.” I show her my phone. “I think they’ll deliver here. Let me order.”

“No! I want to buy everyone pizza as a thank-you.”

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