Page 26 of The Good Guy on My Porch

“Maybe it would be better if I carried him up and down the stairs,” Oscar said.

“Lola said exercise is good for Buddy. He needs to work that hip to keep it functioning.”

He nodded. “If I’m not needed here, I should hit the shower.”

Buddy did his business and we went back inside. It was my day off and I had no plans. I had all day to show Buddy around and get him used to everything. I would not think about Oscar next door with Molly and wonder what they might be doing together in that shower. I would not think of Oscar’s bare chest with water sluicing down it. “Gah,” I growled. “What is wrong with me?”

I swear Buddy grinned at me. “How about some breakfast?” I asked. “Are you hungry?”

Buddy and I ate. Then, I called my mother and promised her I was spending the day at home. Buddy and I had another walk, and I cleaned a bit. None of it helped me stop thinking about Oscar and what he might be doing with Molly. I needed serious help.

“What’s up?” Carrie asked, answering on the third ring. Normally, she’d be at work on a Monday, but it was spring break and Carrie and her family weren’t leaving for their trip to Disney World until the next day.

“I know you’re probably busy packing and getting things ready,” I said. “But I could really use some shopping therapy.”

“We’re all packed. But Cody’s at the vineyard and Kayla’s with him, so I’ve got Jenny and Simon.”

“Why don’t you bring them to my place? I’ve got someone for them to meet, and you and I can do some online shopping.”

Normally, I liked my shopping to involve walking, so I got a work-out in at the same time, but I wasn’t going to leave Buddy alone on his first day and I knew he loved kids. He always got excited when kids came into the shelter.

“They’re so excited about the trip, they’re fighting every five minutes. Some time out of the house would be perfect.”

“Awesome. I’ll see you soon.”

On her end, someone screamed with impressive ear-shattering loudness and she sighed. “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

I hung up and grinned at Buddy. “We’ve got company coming over. Do you want to see some kids?”

He looked up from where he’d been resting in his bed and his tongue lolled out of his mouth in his expression for pure excitement. “You’re going to love these kids, Buddy.”

I rolled my eyes at myself. I was talking to a dog. Pretty soon, I’d be imagining him talking back. I glanced toward the front of the house at the sound of a car door slamming. Oscar’s girlfriend was in the passenger seat of his car and he was getting into the driver’s seat. He sat behind the wheel and Molly’s lips moved. Oscar laughed at whatever she’d said, and my heart twisted. They looked really happy together. I was happy for him.

“He deserves to be happy, Buddy. He’s a good guy.”

Buddy dropped his head to his paws, uninterested in Oscar’s happiness.

Fifteen minutes later, Carrie was there with a scowling Simon and crying Jenny in tow. Carrie looked beyond frazzled, but she smiled and gave me a hug as soon as they were all inside. “It’s good to see you,” she said. “How are you doing?”

“I’m great. Come on in and I’ll introduce you to Buddy.”

Carrie raised her eyebrows, like she thought I’d date some guy named Buddy. I scowled and led them into the living room where Buddy was sitting up, his tail wagging. “This is my new friend, Buddy. He’s an older guy and he’s got a sore hip, but he loves gentle petting.”

Jenny and Simon smiled, all their troubles forgotten, and knelt next to Buddy, petting him and loving on him. Carrie just looked at me and waited.

“Lola was going to put him down. Oscar and I are co-parenting.”

“Oscar?” I guess it had been a while since I’d really talked to her.

“ Yeah, he said he’s been wanting to get a pet for a while. He’s going to share custody of Buddy, help me out if I ever need to leave him.”

“You never leave Catalpa Creek,” she said. “Are you thinking about taking a trip?”

And this is where I had to lie to my best friend. “No, but I might want to spend a night somewhere else every now and then.” I gave her my best saucy wink.

“Are you seeing someone new?”

One thing about lies in a small town, it was best if I told everyone approximately the same thing. As far as Carrie was concerned, I dated a lot more guys than I’d actually ever dated. A lot of pushy, demanding guys she disapproved of. “I am. It’s still really new, but he’s a great guy and so much fun.”

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