Page 26 of A Furry Thing Called Love
“Love you too, sweetheart.”
Hanging up the phone, I let out a breath.Talking to my parents always brings up weird feelings of guilt for leaving, and reassurance that I did the right thing.I hate that it has to be that way, but the distance is good for all of us.
I’m an adult, I have been for a very long time.I had my own life before my diagnosis, and as hard as it was in the beginning—the first few years, if I’m being honest—that’s still true today.There’s a reason I ended up here in Gaynor Beach the first time.
I don’t want to say I was running away from my problems, but I spent those few months recovering from a bad relapse and finally coming to terms with my new normal.It had been about four years since my initial diagnosis, and those four months I spent in my rental house?They were exactly what I needed to get to where I am today—comfortable in my skin on most days, and not catatonically depressed on the days I’m not okay.
Even though he probably wasn’t aware of it at the time, Jordan had a lot to do with it as well.He treated me as if telling him about the MS didn’t change literally everything about our relationship.He didn’t ignore it, but he made sure I knew he still saw me as a person, rather than just my diagnosis.The days that were hard, he took them in stride, acting no different toward me, even if he did help when I asked for support.
He’s a mother hen, and I could see it in his eyes how much he worried, but he never pushed.Even now, he tries his best to respect my boundaries.His confession in the car on the way to the hospital…it’s stayed with me for weeks now.I could hear the fear and true emotion in his voice.
It sparked something in me, and the seed I buried long ago started to regrow again, hope filling it.Every moment with Jordan since has only added to the seed, and I’ve done my best to not let it overgrow.The last thing I want is to scare him away, especially when he keeps insisting that we’refriends.
God, I’ve never hated a word more.But, if that distance is what Jordan needs in order to have me in his life, I’m more than happy to give it to him.Because if the three years we were apart, and now the few months we’ve been back in each other’s orbits, have taught me anything, it’s thatnothingis more important than him.
Chapter16
Jordan
“How’s thedoggie daycare working out?”
Arlo smiles a little.“Good.Millie seems to love it, and Brooklyn is a good person.”
“He’s a sweetheart; I’m glad it’s going well.”Brooklyn’s soft nature is endearing, and though I don’t know him well, I’m happy that his doggie daycare is turning into a big success amongst the locals.I’ve sent more than one client his way, and have heard nothing but positive things about not only his friendliness, but in how he genuinely cares about each animal that comes to him.
“He even sent some pictures throughout the day, so I wouldn’t worry as much.”
I grin.“Did it actually help?Or make you feel guiltier?”
Arlo blushes a little.“You know me too well, but no, it was good.Helped ease my mind, so I could actually get work done.”
I knock my shoulder against his.“I’m surprised Jon’s company didn’t fall apart without you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, we both know it’s Sunny that keeps us all running.But luckily, they’ve been really good about letting me have time off with my relapses, and then my fucking arm.”
“I mean, that’s what happens when you work with your sister and brother-in-law,” I tease.
He bumps his shoulder hard into mine, almost making me fall over into the sand.“Shut up.”
Laughing, I press my side against his, enjoying where his warmth sinks into mine as we watch the dogs play in the waves.
“I haven’t thanked you,” he says.“For all your help with Millie.”
“You don’t have to, I was happy to do it.I don’t want to say it’s my job, because I don’t want to cheapen our friendship, or make it seem like that’s the only reason I’m helping you, but it’s literally my job, Ar.”
“Yeah, but still.You’ve helped me a lot over the last two months, and I don’t know where I would be without you.”
“Well…” I turn my head to smirk at him.“You would have had a fractured arm and a rambunctious puppy.Not to insult my fellow trainers, but…I’m the best for a reason.”
I’m teasing, but Arlo laughs and says, “You really are though.”
“I don’t know about that, but thanks for saying it.”
“Compliments still make you squirmy,” he teases.“Definitely no praise kink there.”
“Shut up.”
“Mmm, make me.”Arlo grins, and our eyes lock.
