Page 36 of Will Bark for Pizza
“The cookie,” I said, a sudden revelation dawning as Husker trotted back to her side.
“What?”
“You were celebrating. It said, ‘Congratulations on your 25th Book’, didn’t it?”
She crouched down to scoop up the leash. When she stood, her devious gaze flickered to mine.
“Maybe.”
I knew I nailed it.
“Is that what you do?” I asked, my curiosity knowing no bounds.
“You already know I’m an author.”
“But, do you write books for a living?”
“Yes.” This time her reply was more stretched out and unsure. As though the answer required an asterisk for further explanation. “And before you ask, I will not tell you my pen name.”
“Pen name?”
She turned part way, facing toward the back door. But before she took a step, she said, “You didn’t think I wrote under my real name, did you?”
“If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn about you, Red, it’s to expect the unexpected.”
“Goodnight,Campbell,” she said, turning away completely and leaving me with a wiggling finger wave.
Because I was a glutton for punishment, I watched her walk away, the sway of her hips barely visible beneath her blanket of a sweatshirt. It was enough to cause my blood to rush south.
The back door closed, and I dropped my head to the back of the chair, searching for a shooting star. Yeah, I was that desperate. Because how the hell was I supposed to sleep tonight, knowing Red was right across the hall?
THIRTEEN
HUSKER
I smell bacon.
Bacon’s my favorite.
Pizza’s my favorite.
Bacon pizza.
Is Grandma Connie making bacon pizza?
Mom, wake up!
I need bacon pizza.
Mom’s making that funny noise again.
Doesn’t she care about bacon pizza?
I’ll go get us some.
The door is closed.
Why did Mom close the door?
