Page 52 of Tequila Tuesdays

Another dog owner came over to talk with me. Roberto’s dog was a little border collie mix named Lyla, and Gary and Lyla sniffed each other to say hello. Roberto sometimes came to the park with his boyfriend, but today he was alone.

He was in his late thirties and sold real estate. Roberto was handsome and friendly, and I think he’d even picked up a client or two at the dog park because of his good nature. We stood and talked about our dogs for a few minutes while Damien finished his phone call.

Roberto put Lyla back on her leash, and I said goodbye to him as Damien walked back over.

“Who was that?” he asked.

“Roberto. He’s here a lot with his dog. I think Gary considers Lyla his girlfriend.”

“Hmm.” He stared at Roberto walking away.

I turned to him. “Do you need to get going? It’s no problem if something came up. I’ve taken up enough of your day.”

He studied me. “Are you trying to get rid of me, Legs?”

“No, but I don’t want you to feel obligated. I know you probably have other things to do on a Saturday night.” I nodded at the phone in his hand.

He shook his head and grinned. “No. Pizza and a movie with you tonight sounds fucking great.”

If he was okay with spending a Saturday night with me, then I was more than happy to hang out with him. We walked back to my house and ordered pizza, then scrolled through the movie selections.

We finally agreed on the first episode ofThe Last of Us.It seemed like a safe choice.

“It’s kind of a tragedy that you’ve never seen it before,” I told him.

“Did the video game or the movie come first?”

“I think the videogame. Which is odd, I know. But Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are great in it. And the third episode of the first season is… I have no words.”

He stared at me. “You’re kind of a movie nerd, aren’t you?”

“Yep. Except for horror movies, and my sister loves them. But I like being entertained, not traumatized.”

“Fair enough. Okay, let’s see what all the fuss is about.”

We ended up watching three episodes, and we only quit because I was yawning almost nonstop by the time the third episode was over.

“You were right, that was great,” he admitted. “It’s not very happy though, is it?”

I laughed. “No.”

At the door, he held my cheek. “Are you going to be okay?”

I nodded and gave him a tight hug. “It’s been years since anyone took care of me the way you did today. So thank you.” I felt awkward, but I wanted him to know.

He brushed my unruly hair behind my ear. “It was my pleasure. Get some sleep.”

I nodded, and he leaned down and kissed my forehead.

“Sweet dreams.” Then he turned and walked out.

Damien texted me on Sunday in the early afternoon. I’d woken up that morning and knew I needed to get out and get some fresh air. So I packed some hiking gear, food and water, and took Gary to Fern Valley to find a hike and some solitude.

Damien: How r u feeling today?

Me: Better. Thanks for yesterday. Owe u one.

Damien: No, you don’t. What r u doing today? I’m catching up on a few things.

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