Page 44 of A Furry Thing Called Love
“Because he has an important job to do,” Arlo explains patiently.“So he’s not allowed to be petted right now, okay?”
The kid’s grown-up finally comes over.“Is there a problem here?”she asks.
“No problem.”Arlo smiles up at the woman.“I was just explaining that my service animal is working, and so no pets or other distractions are allowed.”
The woman huffs and rolls her eyes.“Oh, so you’re one of those.”
Arlo’s smile dims a little and I tense.“What do you mean?”he asks politely.
She waves her hand.“You know, willingly bringing your pet where there’s children, and then getting upset when they want to pet it.”
“As I’ve explained,” Arlo says carefully, “Eli is a fully trained service animal.He’s working right now, and for his safety, and my own, I need to ask that he not be petted, or interacted with, except by me.”
“I don’t see the harm in letting a child pet a damn dog, but you people are all the same, thinking you’re better than the rest of us.”Before Arlo can say anything in return, or I can, she continues.“I don’t have time for this argument.”The woman huffs, snatches her child by the hand, and hurries off.
“Wow,” Luka says, moving closer to us.“Does that happen often?”
Arlo shrugs.“I wouldn’t say often, but enough that I have a handful of responses ready to go if someone decides to push the issue.”
“What a rude bitch,” Val grouses.“You have more patience than I do with someone like that.”
“It wouldn’t make a difference to get angry or upset with those types of people.They want you to react negatively, so they can point fingers and makeyouthe problem.Anyway, let’s not let her ruin the rest of our day.”
“We could feed her to the kangaroos?”Callum offers.“Those things are mean.”
Arlo laughs.“I like that plan.Tell me about the kangaroos?”
Cal lights up, and the two of them head over to the next habitat, Callum chatting away, happy to have someone’s undivided attention.
Valery loops their arm through mine as we follow along.“He’s perfect for you,” they say.
“We’re just friends.”Though my words sound weak, even to my own ears.
“Have to agree with Val,” Luka tells me.
I sigh and shake my head, ignoring them both, even as I’m rendered breathless by the sight of Arlo grinning at an animated Cal.My chest warms and I can’t keep the smile off my face.
I never had any doubts that Arlo would fit in with my friends and family, but this right here, seeing how accepted he is…it means more than words will ever say.
Chapter23
Arlo
Walking into Randy’s Diner,I’m not quite sure what to expect, but white and light-blue checkered flooring, and the neon pink strip of lighting around the upper perimeter wasn’t it.Though with Val, I should have expected something…unique.
Val waves at one of the servers.“We have a big party today.”
“Grae and Denver said, they’re already sorting the tables, I’ll be over soon, doll,” the server says.
“Perfect.”
Valery leads the way, further into the restaurant, and we find Graeme and Denver trying to adjust chairs around two obviously pushed-together-tables.
“Having fun there?”Val teases.
“Oh good, you can help.”Denver steps back, sweeping their arm out.
Val sighs and maneuvers the last few chairs into place.
