Page 48 of Before We're More Than Friends
“I was going to say the opposite, actually.”
“My wrinkles are that noticeable?”
I laughed. “Joking. You don’t look a day over thirty. And I can tell that this comes naturally to you.” I beamed at Flap Jack, whose eyes fluttered shut. “I’ll let him rest now. Thanks for talking to me. Our other vets are more focused on the animals than people.”
“Well, if they liked people, I’m sure they would’ve become a human doctor instead,” she said.
My lips curved in a smile. “Your humor is on point.”
She returned my smile, her eyes sparkling. “It was really great to meet you. Come back whenever you like.”
“Thank you.” I got up from the chair and waved goodbye before going back into the hallway.
After grabbing the dog food for my next task, I went inside the dog kennel. In the outside the area, Dallas was playing with the puppies with Kami, both of them with big grins on their faces. I couldn’t help but smile myself. They would be at home here in no time.
CHAPTER 13
Dallas
For what had to be the third morning in a row, I wiped dog slobber off my face, holding back a gag. I shot a glare at Houston, who sat on the floor innocently, his paws crossed.
I grabbed a towel I’d left on the floor and wiped my hand. Apparently, Houston had used the towel because now my hand was covered in black fur. I grunted and wiped my hand on the sheets. “Am I going to have to start locking you out?”
He let out a low bark.Sure, if you want me to cry at the door all night.
I pulled the sheets over my head. Already not off to a great start for my first day at April Springs High. As if ending up at the same school as Chloe—the girl I’d been terrified to be more than friends with for years—wouldn’t be hard enough.
If only my parents would fall for the fake-sick trick.
After throwing on a plain blue shirt, my signature green jacket, and some jeans, I went downstairs. My family was already at the kitchen table, eating our favorite cereal combination—a Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes blend.
“Good morning, Dallas,” Dad said with a smile, his dimples present. “Your cereal is on the counter.”
“Thanks.” I finished preparing my cereal and joined my family at the table.
While Mom and Dad were wide awake, Kami was face-down on the table. I rubbed her shoulder, and she shot up. Dark bags were under her eyes as her mouth hung open. “Huh?”
“I’m guessing I don’t need to ask how you slept,” I said before taking a bite of my cereal. “What the hell happened?”
“Watch your language, Dallas,” Mom warned.
“But what the hell happened?” Dad asked Kami as he ate his donut.
“Gerald.” Mom sighed.
“I don’t know.” Kami’s eyelids were already fluttering shut again. “I guess . . . I didn’t sleep well.” She shook her head and got up from the table. “I just need some coffee.”
“Oh, Kameron.” Mom gave a sympathetic frown. “You can stay home if you need to.”
Dad nodded as he sipped his own coffee. “There’s no point in sending you to school if you can’t pay attention.”
“Says the guy who made me go to school with a fever last year,” Kami muttered, sitting back down at the table with the coffee Dad had made.
Mom narrowed her eyes at Dad. “You said she had a mild cold.”
“Um, I’m not a doctor like you.” Dad let out an awkward laugh. “Dallas, how are you feeling?”
“Anxious,” I said, eating my marshmallows. “It’s nice that I already have friends, but everything is still new to me.” From the impression I’d gotten at the Saturn Frenzy, April Springs High was livelier than what I was used to.
