Page 48 of The Things That Hold Us

“Don’t look at me like that. I didn't name him.”

He holds his hands up in defense, “I didn't say anything.”

“You didn't have to, your face says it all.”

He watches me for a minute, but doesn’t say anything, and I wonder what he’s thinking right now.

“What made you get a dog?”

“I wanted one, I don't know. It was a last minute decision.”

“Did you prepare before you went and got him?” he asks.

“No. I told you, it was a last minute decision.”

He looks at me, and I can tell he knows it was animpulsedecision.

“But the guy at the store gave me a paper with a list of things to get him, so I’m not completely unprepared.” I say.

He holds his hand out, “Here, let me see the paper.”

I hand over the paper, and watch as he reads it over.

His lips tug up in a smile.

“What? Is something missing?” I ask him.

“There's a phone number on here from Jacob.” he laughs, turning the page so I can see.

“What?”

I look the paper over, and sure enough, there it is.

Call me sometime- Jacob

I roll my eyes. “I didn't see that there. It’s the guy who helped me with Pudding.”

“Hey, I don’t need an explanation.” I watch his face, his jaw ticking, and if I’m not mistaken, he seems jealous.

“Ok. Well, I need to go get this stuff and get home.”

Logan hands the paper back, looking away from me, his jaw still tight.

“I’ll see you around?” I say, confused about his reaction.

He’s still looking away from me as if deep in thought, or trying not to say something, and as I turn to walk into the store, he says, “Do you want some help?”

“Huh?” I turn back to him.

“With the list. I could help you grab everything, and walk you home. It’s getting dark, and I would feel bad if I left you alone now.”

Nodding, I say, “Ok.” and he follows me into the store.

I end up buying way more than what was on the list. There's just so many cute things for dogs.

I got Pudding a new collar and leash, because the other one was gross, and who knows how old. And a tag with his name on it.

I also get him some shirts, because they're cute.

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