Page 52 of Love is Blind

“It’s those solar panel people, they call me all the time. I told them I don’t have a roof over my head, but they seem to think they can sell me one of their panels for my ass. Apparently, it’s large enough.”

Lies.

It’s my ex-landlord.

I spin around in the stool and bring my attention back to the Beethoven bikers. Dog chatter seems to be the lesser of the two evils at the moment.

“I’m sorry,” I stammer. “What were you saying?

“I don’t know if Ghost got a chance to tell you, but I own a place down in Poplar Creek called Booker and Mann. I specialize in training service dogs,” Hawk reveals.

Well that’s surprising.

“Ghost asked if we had any hypoallergenic dogs available and it turns out that Lucy here is a labradoodle.”

And that’s even more surprising.

I think I’m speechless. A first for me in case you were wondering.

“Should be good on your allergies, Em,” Hawk continues.

“I don’t have any allergies,” Emmy says.

Still shocked, I pull myself together and wave her off nervously.

“Miscommunication on my behalf. Must be another cousin.”

“You don’t have any other cousins.”

If she doesn’t shut up, I’m going to disown her and then I won’t haveanycousins.

“Emmy,” I hiss. “Please.” Turning back to Ink and Hawk, I give them a tight-lipped smile. “I’m sorry, but as thoughtful as it is, I can’t accept a dog.”

It’s a sweet and thoughtful gesture and maybe if my life wasn’t a giant pile of shit, I’d feel differently, but this is a hard no from me.

“Take it up with Ghost,” Ink says. “We’re just here to deliver Lucy.”

“And get you acquainted with her,” Hawk chimes in.

“Oh, yes, but there is no need for that since Lucy will be finding a new owner.” No one responds as I give the dog a little pat on her furry head. “There, there, now it was nice meeting you Lucy and I really enjoyed the hand licks, but you’ve got to go.”

She gives me another lick and I lift my head.

“Someone say something,” I demand.

“Ghost bought you a dog.” This is from Emmy. She should really consider quitting the whole bartender gig and try making it as a private eye.

“Should we go over some commands?” Hawk asks.

“I can’t keep the dog,” I repeat, my voice sounding a little shaky.

“Why not?” Emmy replies.

Does she want the long version or short because we might be here a while. For starters, I can’t live through that pain again. I know how trivial that must sound, especially after learning that Ghost’s daughter died, but pain comes in all shapes and sizes. Oreo was my guide dog for five years and I loved that dog fiercely. He was more than just a companion, he was the one living thing who loved me unconditionally.

Then he was gone.

Killed.

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