Page 39 of You and Me, For Real
Griffin
You’re great at what you do. I’d love to continue working with you. And you’re more than welcome to bring Teddy with you anytime. He and Roxy seemed to really hit it off. Plus, I think he might have a thing for me.
That last part. Why does he have to be so adorable? Not to mention accommodating?
Griffin
Is there anything else?
Nope. He granted me everything I’d laid out to continue this insane venture. I had no more reasons to withhold pursuing this massive step. With numb thumbs, I type…
Ashton
How does next Saturday morning work for you?
12
ASHTON
The following weekend, my ancient Camry squeals to a stop at the gated entrance to Griffin’s neighborhood. A guard emerges from the guard house. He’s hulking with a wide frame and bulky thighs beneath tight tactical pants. He steps off the curb, approaches my car, and scans it up and down. Judging by his squinted eyes, he’s wondering if I made a wrong turn somewhere.You and me both, buddy.
I roll down my window. “Hello, sir.”
He tips his gray guard hat with a company logo on the front. “Ma’am. I need to see some identification, please.”
“Right. Of course.” I lean toward the floorboard, fumbling for my purse. “Just give me a sec. I have it here somewhere.”
He bends his knees and peers into the passenger seat. “Nice dog you have there.” He rests his thumbs on his belt; strapped to it are a gun and pepper spray.
I hand him my identification. “Thank you. He’s been with me for several years. He’s a great companion.”
He raises his eyebrows. “I bet.”
He takes my license into the guard house. From a small window, I can see him looking up and down as keys clack on acomputer. He pops his head out the open door. “You’re headed to the Ford residence?”
I swallow, feeling like I’m being questioned in the principal’s office. “Yes sir.”
He types for another minute before returning to my car door and handing back my license. “Mr. Ford notified us of your arrival. I’ve got you entered in the system, as well as your car and license number. Next time, just verify your name and we’ll buzz you in. You have unlimited access.”
I nod, mouth ajar, not quite sure what “unlimited access” might entail. Should I tell him this very well could be a one-time event should things progress as poorly as they did last time? Probably not.
“Thanks, Mr.…” I prompt, hoping to learn his name.
“Jimmy, ma’am.” He lifts his hat and tugs it back down.
“Thanks Jimmy, I appreciate it. Have a great day.”
I slip my wallet into my purse and drive into the community. The houses are the size of private museums—each McMansion bigger than the next. A prickling sensation crawls across my skin as if I’m driving into my past, his street reminding me of my childhood neighborhood. My stomach pinches at the sight of a group of kids racing down the hill on their bikes—a skill I never mastered due to being too busy with tight filming schedules. It’s a wonder Mom even let us attend school.
I turn to Teddy. “We’re a team today, okay? You going to help me through this?”
Teddy hangs his head out the window, tongue lolling out as he catches the breeze—completely oblivious to my inner turmoil.
I snap my fingers, snagging his attention. “Hey. Hey, I’m going to need you in there. You help me whip Roxy into shape so we can take care of this uncomfortable celebrity business and be done with it. Got it?”
His head tilts, and his ears perk the way they do when he’s really considering my words, making me at least feel like he somewhat understands. I scratch his head between his pointed ears. He leans into my touch.
“You’re the best friend a girl could have, you know that?” He’s the reason I’m doing this. He saved methatnight. Gave me purpose. And now it’s my chance to be an advocate for dogs just like him—to be a voice when they have none, just like I never did.
