Page 5 of I Knew He Was Trouble
I have much bigger issues at hand than her dogs deciding to use my yard as their personal bathroom.
The second I get inside, I strip off my scrubs and throw both of today’s soiled pairs in the washing machine, getting the load going with hot water and a decent amount of detergent. I go to my room and pull on a pair of athletic shorts before heading to my workout room. I usually just exercise in the morning, but I need another session today to rid my body of my pent-up stress from my phone call with Tess.
After putting on headphones and turning on my workout playlist, I start by lifting weights and then go for a jog on my treadmill. But no matter what I seem to do, anxious thoughts cloud my mind.
Now that our parents are retired and traveling the world, I know I’m Tess’s only option. Besides, family helps family, so of course I said yes. But I just haven’t figured out how I’m going to be my five-year-old niece’s guardian for three months with exactly zero notice when I work at Little Louisville Pediatrics every weekday from eight to five.
Who’s supposed to pick Evie up from school and take care of her while I’m at work? And what foods does she like? I mostly eat a protein-based diet. Do kids nowadays even eat protein besides dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets?
I groan as I power off the treadmill. I need more time to research and prepare, decorate my guest room with girly things, and go grocery shopping.
But first, I need to find a nanny for Evie.
Fridayhasbeenmyfavorite day of the week since my besties and I began our sleepover tradition in sixth grade. Now that we live together, it’s like a girls' night every night, but I still look forward to our weekly ritual. Especially now that I’m juggling four jobs, I’m exhausted by the end of the week, and that time with them is the light at the end of the tunnel.
I didn’t realize how draining it would be to balance my time between so many places and still try to be a good friend. But I should only have to keep working all these jobs for another year before I have enough saved to open a dog rescue. It’s scary to think those words in my head, let alone imagine saying them out loud to anyone.
Dogs have always been my favorite animal, and I’ve dreamed of helping them find their fur-ever home for as long as I can remember. Hopefully, by this time next year, I’ll be able to make that dream a reality. Between all the money I’ve saved from my jobs in high school, college, and over the last two years, plus the money I inherited from my grandparents’ passing last year, I think it’s going to become a reality.
I gently tug on the leashes. “Let’s get you cuties home.” I walk Winston, Brutus, and Lilo three days a week for families who want their dogs to stay active but don’t have the time or capacity to do it themselves.
After dropping Brutus and Lilo off at their homes, I walk a few streets down to where Winston lives. I knock on the light blue front door and his owner, Pamela, answers.
“Kelsey, do you have a minute to talk?” Her brow furrows, and my stomach drops. I can’t think of anything I might’ve done to upset her.
“Of course.” I pass Winston’s leash over and step into her home. It’s impossible not to notice the brown packing boxes littered throughout the entire first floor. “You’re moving?”
She nods. “It’s time for us to downsize, and we found the perfect retirement community in Florida.”
“That’s exciting.” I try to sound encouraging even though I’ll miss Winston. I mean, he’s the cutest golden retriever ever. How could I not adore him?
“We’re looking forward to it.” Pamela’s eyes dart to the floor, and I know there’s abutcoming. “The only downside is that the community only allows dogs under twenty pounds.”
I reach out and offer her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m so sorry. You must be devastated.”
Pamela pulls a tissue from her pocket and dabs it under her eyes. “We are.”
“What are your plans for Winston? I’m happy to help you find a good family.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” She looks at her dog with so much love it makes me tear up. “Winston loves his walks with you. He’s always waiting by the door like clockwork for you to pick him up. I don’t know your living situation, but we wanted to see if you might be interested in adopting him before we try to rehome him.” She sniffles.
I hold a hand to my chest. “I’m honored you would think of me. My lease allows one pet, but is it okay if I step outside and check with my roommates?”
“Of course. Whatever you need, dear.”
She opens the back door for me, and I walk into their screened-in porch. After pulling my phone out of my pocket, I sit on the outdoor sofa and open the “Long Live Girlies” group text thread.
ME
What do y’all think about another roommate?
I attach a picture I took earlier this week of Winston smiling up at the camera and hit send. All their responses come in rapid succession.
SHAYNA
Is that Winston?
ME
