Page 3 of Last Date
I let out a grateful sigh. “Excellent. Now all I need is your address and a time when I can come meet you and your dog.”
“My name is Patsy Reid. I’m Police Chief Dawson’s personal secretary.”
Surprise rippled through me. “Oh, uh… that’s great.”
“He recommended you. He said you’re amazing with animals.”
I felt flattered by her words. I’d never have imagined Merrick would recommend my services to his coworkers. I always felt as if he didn’t take my job seriously. “I’m happy to hear he has faith in me.”
“Oh, he goes on and on about you sometimes.” She laughed. “From what he says, you’ve known each other forever.”
I grimaced. “Forever might be a stretch, but yeah, he’s been… a presence in my life for a long time.”
“I can meet with you after work today? Or is today too soon?”
I had a busy schedule today, but I was determined to fit her in. “Today is perfect. Just give me a time and an address, and I’ll be there.”
She told me a time and place, and I agreed to meet her then. I hung up and went back to watching the dogs play.
****
When lunchtime rolled around, I headed to the Golden Spoon Restaurant to grab some food for Helen and me. Charlene and the others were having lunch with friends, so it was just me and Helen today. I stood at the Take Out window, and a cheerful twentysomething girl rang me up.
“Your food is almost ready. If you’d just wait over there, I’ll call out your name when it’s done.” She smiled and pointed toward a row of chairs in the corner.
“Sure.” I sat down in one of the chairs and let out a tired sigh. I hadn’t sat down for over five minutes since the morning. It was just one of those days.
When Merrick walked into the restaurant, I stiffened. He didn’t see me immediately, so I dropped my gaze and pretended to be busy on my phone. When two well-polished Italian loafers appeared in my line of vision, I looked up. Merrick stood over me, smiling.
“Were you ignoring me on purpose?” he asked, a knowing gleam in his eye.
“Pfft, what?” I spluttered. “No.” I knew my pink face was probably giving me away.
“You sure about that? I’ve never seen anyone that fascinated with their phone. What could you possibly be looking at?”
“Just… stuff.” I tucked my phone away.
“Porn?”
“What?” I yelped.
He laughed. “I’m kidding.”
“Very funny.” I gave an embarrassed glance around. “Shouldn’t you get in line to order your food?”
“I called in my order. They’ll yell my name when it’s ready.” He took the seat next to me, and his wide shoulders bumped mine.
The chairs were so tightly packed, I couldn’t really move away. I tried to ignore the weird feelings the press of his shoulder gave me. Seeing Merrick as anything but my archenemy was new for me. Being aware of him as a man, and not just as a thorn in my side, was perplexing.
“My secretary, Patsy, says you’re going to help her with her dog,” Merrick said, glancing at me.
“I’m going to try.” I cleared my throat. “Uh, thanks for recommending me.”
He shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I? You’re good at what you do.”
“I hope I can actually help her. It sounds like she needs an actual trainer.”
“You did wonders with Spot.”
