Page 57 of Paging Dr. Breakup
Elijah had left her.
Calvin had left her.
Didn’t matter the details. The fact that it had happened was enough for her to recognize the pattern and close the door. No risk meant no pain, which was incentive enough.
She paused while Kenai caught up with Mav as they walked back to the house.
Damned Breakup Festival. Damned fake relationship. Damned small town.
Her phone dinged. Text from Calvin. Her heart skidded in her chest.
“Meeting with elders and mayor’s council this Tuesday night 7p.m. at the town hall.”
No mention of last night. No mention of their next fake date. Nothing.
At some point, they’d need a game plan for the Breakup Festival. Or not. Maybe they should let the farce of a relationship die where it lay.
She texted back a cordial, “Sounds good, thanks” that she in no way felt.
Guess their next date was a meeting.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cal paused withhis hand on the front door handle of Mom and Pop’s house Saturday evening. After looking around to ensure the homestead appeared safe, he pasted on what he hoped was a neutral expression, similar to when he had alarming results to convey but didn’t want to worry the patient.
He sucked in a breath. Let it out. Smoothed his palm over his fleece jacket and black pants.
Opened the door—anything to stop the relentless yapping going on behind the entryway.
Doofus greeted him exuberantly with the usual sniffs and wet-nose nudges, demanding ear scratches. Cal dutifully obliged by petting his parents’ beloved mutt.
The aroma of pot roast and carrots drew him deeper into the cabin. He was surrounded by wood and warmth and childhood memories that ended right when he left Yukon Valley.
Dodging a doggy lick to the cheek, he sat and took off his boots, setting them inside the entryway. Then he hung up his fleece jacket. In socked feet he entered the living room.
“How’s it going?” Pop said, from where he relaxed in his ubiquitous recliner position. beer frothed in a glass on the table next to him.
“Good.” Cal lifted his chin. “That stuff safe to mix with your blood thinners?”
Mom made ahmmphnoise, drawing Cal’s attention. Then she rolled her eyes and turned back around to meal prep.
Pop glared at him. “You ever stop being a doctor? Getting in people’s business?”
“You’re welcome?” He ran his hand over his hair. “Twelve years of education and you still won’t listen to my advice.”
“Medical advice is just that—advice.” Lifting the glass, Pop added, “It’s alcohol-free.”
Knock him over with a pine needle. “No way.”
He gestured. “Have some.” Pop peeked over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “It’s terrible.”
Cal laughed. “I’m impressed. Old dogscanlearn new tricks.”
“See? I changed my ways.”
He leaned down as if scrutinizing the man in the chair, then called out, “Mom, what did you do with Pop? This guy is an impostor.”
Dishware clinked in the sink as Mom said, “Don’t get too excited. We’re shopping in Fairbanks this week. We have to make it past the package store, the smoked meats shop, and a bakery.”
