Page 55 of The Things That Hold Us

“Goodnight Logan.”

I watch as he disappears into the elevator, and hate that he’s leaving so soon. It’s probably best though.

I shut the door, leaning against it and stare at my wine.

“Stop making me feel things.”

I groan to myself and walk into the kitchen.

He cleaned up everything. The trash, the dishes. All of it.

This would be so much easier if he wasn't…I don't know what he is. But he makes it hard to keep mywantsin check.

Maybe I just need to keep my distance from him for a little while.

Chapter Ten

ashes, ashes….

Iwake up to the sound of sniffling, and feel something fuzzy nudging my face.

When I don’t move, I hear a bark and jolt awake.

“Pudding, jesus.”

I open my eyes, and there he is, just staring at me wagging his tail with his leash hanging from his mouth.

“I don't speak dog, but I’m assuming this means you want to go for a walk?”

He barks at me, as if he's answering me.

“See, I knew dogs were loud.”

I slowly roll out of bed and go to the bathroom. I don't bother changing, I won't be out long because I have to come right back in and get ready to go open my shop, so I just slip on my slippers, and head outside.

I walk Pudding up and down the street, letting him pee on everything he possibly can and sniff around.

My phone dings with a text.

Charlie! Are you at the shop?? Call me!- Cassie

I put my phone back in my pocket and take Pudding back into my apartment. I’ll call her in just a minute.

Once I’m in, I grab clean clothes for the day, and go to my room to start changing.

But before I can, my phone rings.

Looking at the caller ID, I see that it’s Cassie. Typical of her not to give me a minute to reply.

“Cass, I was about to call you. I was walking Pudding.”

“What? Who the fuck is Pudding?” she says, then continues, “Charlie you need to get to the store. Something has happened.”

My heart sinks at her words, and without a second thought, I'm putting Pudding in his cage and heading out the door, still dressed in my pajamas.

“What happened? Are you there?” I ask her.

“I’m on my way there..” her words are clipped, voice tense, and I'm terrified of what I’m going to find.

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