Page 5 of A Furry Thing Called Love
“You’re right.Hell, the only reason I went up to him today was because he needed a bit of help.I think we’re on the same page, though.He might have decided this is his forever home, but it’s mine as well, so we’ll figure it out.”
Valery continues with their task, sewing up the turkey they finished stuffing before putting it into a roasting pan.“If you want to be his friend, because you have a soft heart and are too good of a person sometimes, then I’ll support that as well.You two have some things to work out, which means you need to actually talk to him, but whatever you decide, make sure it’s the right choice foryou, and not what you think others want from you.”
I give him a watery smile.“This is why you’re my best friend.”
“I know.”Valery winks.“Feel better?”
“A little.Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
“I should let you go.”
“You sure?I don’t have anything else to do.I’m making Rory do all the side dishes, and this is going to take a while in the oven, so there’s time.”
“Yeah, I need to finish my errands and get home.”
“Okay.Well, you know where to find me.Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Luka flips the camera and gives me a small smile.“Call us if you need to.”
“I will.Talk soon.Tell your harem I said hi.”
My cousin rolls his eyes.“Not a harem.”
“Sure, sure.”
He huffs, but is smiling when he hangs up.
I don’t know if I lied to them or not, but talking to the two of them did help at least ease my panic enough so I can drive.As for helping with what I should do about Arlo not only being back in town, but planning to stay?That’s something that is going to need more than a video call and the support of my family from three thousand miles away, no matter how well meaning they are.
There’s a reason I’m friends with every single person I’ve ever dated or slept with more than once—not that there have been a lot—exceptArlo.
I fell head over heels for him three years ago, despite my best efforts not to, knowing he was leaving, and that’s not a wound I’m interested in reopening.Not when I barely survived him walking away the first time.
Chapter4
Jordan
Early morningson the beach are some of my favorites.Just me, my border collie—Indie, the water, and the occasional jogger.
Talking to Valery and Luka the other day helped clear my head, but parts of me still can’t get over the fact Arlo is back in town.The past three years have been both the longest and shortest of my life.
The first few months, I was heartbroken, hating both myself and Arlo over what happened.Regretting that I didn’t ask him to stay, even when I knew it wasn’t what he wanted—needed.Then I poured everything I was into work.
I built my business to be what it is today, growing and reaching people who really needed my guidance.I made friends, started volunteering, and was just…living life the best I could with a heart that wasn’t solely mine anymore.
Now, he’s back, and I feel as if everything I’ve done to pretend that summer didn’t happen is unraveling before my very eyes.
Indie gets close to the water and I let out a long, low whistle, calling her back, because it’s far too early in the morning to deal with an ocean-scented dog.
“Come on, Indie!”I call out, turning to walk back up the beach, but stopping when I see someone sitting on one of the benches at the top of the sand.
The distance between us means I can’t make out his features, but I’d know Arlo anywhere, especially with Eli at his side.My traitorous heart skips a beat at the sight of him—another sure sign I’m right about who’s sitting on the bench; I’ve only ever felt that way around him.
I want to pretend I don’t see him, but I can’t.
