Page 31 of Backed By You
“Have you ever seenThe Devil’s Lake?” I ask, and he nods. I point to myself. “All me.”
“Now I’m impressed.” He leans back, regarding me with new interest. “How did you get into that?”
The tea cools in my hands as I explain my writing journey throughout high school and college. He listens intently, asking questions here and there. The conversation flows easily from movies to places we’ve traveled and places we still wish to see someday.
It’s strange how comfortable it feels, sitting here with him. Like we’ve known each other longer than a few weeks. Or maybe it’s just him. Something about his steady presence makes me feel safe.
As I listen to him talk about his time overseas, I realize for the first time since the accident, I’ve gone several minutes without thinking about Hulk. The guilt is immediate, but then I remember what Beau said earlier about howsometimes the bravest thing is accepting help, and the tension in my shoulders eases.
Maybe, just for tonight, I can let myself be distracted by this unexpected friendship.
Hulk would approve, I think.
Twelve.
Beau
Thebachelorpartygroupchat that Rhett decided to throw me into goes off three times in quick succession. I grit my teeth in response. I was supposed to meet everyone at the bar an hour ago, but Callie texted me not too long ago asking if I could help her get Hulk down from her Jeep when she gets home.
And like hell was I going to say no.
Last night felt…right. She fell asleep on the couch while we talked. Her feet had somehow ended up in my lap, and I wasn’t about to wake her to move. Instead, I tossed the throw blanket over us and sat there all night. I dozed off a bit, but woke anytime she moved to get comfortable. She apologized half a dozen times when she finally did wake. And I wished she hadn’t.
There was nothing to be sorry for.
She made us breakfast, and we talked about our plans for the day. Hers included running to the store for a new phone andstopping by the animal hospital to check on Hulk. I offered to go with her because, truth be told, I need to take it easy today. There’s some swelling in my knee from yesterday’s exertion, and I’m not trying to push my luck any further than I already have.
Unfortunately, she declined my offer, thinking I had work to do on the new cabin build before I needed to get ready for my brothers’ dual bachelor party tonight.
Then, as I was about to leave for the bar, she texted me, asking for help.
I must look like one hell of a sucker sitting here waiting on her as friends of my new sisters-in-law begin showing up for the bachelorette party they’re throwing at the rental cabin.
I can’t stand the side eyes of curiosity much longer.
Less than a minute later, however, Callie’s Jeep pulls in. Slow and steady. I stand, not seeing Hulk in the front seat as I have in the past. I walk toward her as she kills the engine and hops out onto her booted foot with a cringe.
“Hey, sorry we’re late,” she says, limping to the trunk of the car. “I didn’t want to go too fast and jostle him. I even took the long way around town to avoid the mass of potholes on Main.”
“No worries,” I say, popping the tailgate open to a big, cone-headed pup. “How is he?”
“A little high, I think.” She giggles, the sound melodic enough to draw me a step closer. “They had a heck of a time managing his pain meds throughout the night, I guess. So he’s still coming down from some strong stuff.”
“Did you fill your script?” I ask, maneuvering Hulk in a way I can hook my arms under him to lift him. His ears perk to greet me, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. He looks happy to see me.Definitely high.
“Yes,” she says, hurrying beside me to catch the blanket he was lying on.
I slow my steps to keep her from straining her ankle. She’s moving with more confidence than yesterday, but clearly favoring her right.
Hulk’s considerable weight is solid in my arms, and I’m reminded again of how big he truly is. The German Shepherd seems content being carried, though his head rests trustingly against my shoulder.
Callie opens the door and I step carefully into the cabin, following her directions as she gestures toward the back door. “I set up his bed over by the patio door,” she explains. “I figured it would be easier for him to go out that way. Less walking.”
I gently lower Hulk onto the plush dog bed. Pillows, blankets, toys. His food and water bowls are close by. He settles with a contented sigh, stretching out his front paws. The plastic cone around his neck bumps against the floor, and he gives me a look of such dignified resignation that I can’t help but smile.
“Home sweet home,” I say, giving his head a gentle scratch.
Callie kneels beside him, running her fingers through his fur, careful to avoid his bandaged back leg. “Thank you for waiting,” she says, looking at me in a way that does something to my chest. “And you’ll…” She hesitates, her hand resting on Hulk. “Will you be coming back tonight? After?”
