Page 35 of Backed By You
“I know,” I mutter, biting my fingernail in thought. Could I ask Beau? Would he come with me? The guy offeredonenight, not weeks of his time. “I don’t know, Shea. He always seems so busy.”
“Then pay the guy. You said he doesn’t have a job, so why not this? I mean, be honest, if Beau doesn’t come with you, what would plan B be?”
“This wasn’t even plan A,” I huff.
“Plan C, then. You know what I mean.”
I do know what she means, and I also know the point she’s trying to make. I sigh. “I’d hire a bodyguard.”
“Exactly. You would hire someone to attend all the events with you and be your two-legged version of Hulk,” she states proudly. “You already have security meeting you at the interviews and events, why not ask Beau to attend everything with you? And…he can get your bestie’s stamp of approval at the same time.”
I smile. “A very important stamp.”
“Averyimportant stamp, ma’am.”
“This whole side conversation is pointless. I don’t even know if I like him like that…” I trail off, hearing the lie in my voice at the same time Shea does.
“You like him enough to trust him,” she says, softer now. “Isn’t that enough for now?”
A light knock on my front door has me jumping in my spot perched on the floor. Hulk perks up beside me and looks at me, waiting for my reaction.
“I have to go. Someone’s here.”
“Ooh! Is that him? Okay, okay. Text me later. Love you.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “Love you, too.” I hang up the phone and get to my feet. When I reach the window beside the door, brushing the curtain aside to peer out and see who it is, I’m surprised to find Cassidy walking away. Six cars lining the driveway catch my attention at the same time.
I wonder what’s going on next door? I haven’t spent much time with her, usually only seeing her in passing with Maci and their babies at the store or around town. I chew my lower lip, debating whether to let her walk away or open the door.
Hulk’s whine decides it. I return to his side a moment later, and he bumps my hand, telling me he needs to be let out to do his business.
“Okay, big boy. Just like before.” I grab the towel I’ve been using to help support his hind legs and slide it under him, hoisting his rear in the air as we slowly make our way out the patio door and onto the back porch. It takes him a moment to get down the two short steps, but he manages.
Once he’s done, we make our way back up to the porch when he stops by the fire pit. He lies down with his front paws, forcing me to ease his booty down, too.
“Really?” I sigh as he peers up at me with puppy eyes, making me feel like some villain for straying away from our routine. “You’re lucky you’re so darn cute,” I mutter. “Let me get your other blanket. I don’t want you getting dirty.”
I hurry inside to get him a blanket to lie on and get him settled before fetching a few pieces of firewood from my little stockpile. I’m busy lighting a match when loud laughter and shouting next door catches my attention.
I glance over my shoulder and Hulk’s ears perk up. They must be having a party. Is that why Cassidy stopped by earlier? Tolet me know they’d be a bit loud tonight? I suppose that makes sense.
I pull my outdoor chair close to Hulk’s spot by the fire that’s steadily growing. “We won’t stay out too long,” I tell him, petting his head and toying with his ears.
The fire crackles, sending sparks up into the night sky. Hulk rests his head on his paws, his eyes drooping as he enjoys the warmth.
The sliding glass door next door squeaks open, and I glance over to see Maci stepping onto the back porch. A pudgy dachshund waddles out beside her, his little legs barely keeping his belly from dragging on the ground.
“Come on, Frankie. Do your business,” she says, wrapping her cardigan tighter around herself. She notices our fire and does a double-take, surprised to see me. “Callie? Is that you?”
I give her a small wave. “Hey, Maci.”
She hesitates for a moment before calling over, “Mind if I join you while this little guy takes his sweet time?”
I laugh. “Not at all.”
Maci waits for Frankie to sniff around the edge of the porch before making her way over to our fire. She’s careful not to trip over any roots or stones in the dark, her steps illuminated by the flickering firelight.
“Cassidy stopped by earlier,” she says, warming her hands over the fire. “She said you weren’t home.” Maci glances over at Hulk, who’s watching her with gentle eyes. “What happened? You both look pretty banged up.”
