Page 3 of Puppy Love
She looked at me and our eyes locked, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling.
“Work’s good. It’s been busy at the hospital.” Her lips curved up to a smile.
“Staying busy is good, hopefully it’s not stressful for you and you have time to do things for yourself. Have you been dating?” I asked. I didn’t want to hear about her being with another guy, but knowing that she may be with someone would help me get over feelings I had for her.
“Yeah, I’ve been going on dates that my coworkers have been setting up for me,” she started, and my jaw clenched. “But nothing ever happened from it,” she said, making my body relax.
“Sorry to hear that,” I said, giving a small smile.
“It’s okay, Uncle Leo. I’m not lonely. I have Oreo to keep me company.” Her smiled widened, brightening up the room.
Michael told me that Cecilia adopted a tiny maltipoo pup. I’ve seen the dog a couple of times, and she was adorable.
“How’s Skip?” Cecilia asked about my German shepherd.
“He’s good, keeping me company, too.” I took a forkful of my dinner.
“But it’s not the same as having the company of a woman,” Michael interjected.
Cecilia rolled her eyes, and I chuckled.
“How about you, brother? Dating?” I asked, turning to Michael.
“Here and there,” he said, shrugging. “Nothing serious.”
“I rather not discuss my dad’s love life.” Cecilia snickered.
I nodded then changed the subject. “Dinner is delicious, Cece.” Then I took another forkful of chicken and vegetables, washing it down with my ice cold beer.
“Thanks, Uncle Leo,” she said, a small smile on her face. “By the way, I’m planning to go to your charity event. I want to show my support.”
“Thank you, Cece. I appreciate you supporting us. I guess I’ll see you there.”
I rather go with her to the event, but I don’t think that would be a good idea. I didn’t want Michael to find out.
“If, for some reason you don’t find a date, just take Cece,” Michael suggested.
My body stiffened, surprised to hear that from Michael. My brows furrowed, confused as I twisted my head toward Michael.
“What? Not like a romantic date. That’s just gross. Just take her with you. You both are going to the same place any way, and it would give me peace of mind that Cece’s not out late at night by herself,” he explained.
I nodded. “Sure, I can drive Cece if both her and I don’t have dates.”
Inside, I was thrilled at Michael’s suggestion, but worried that Cece would shoot down that idea, not wanting to be seen with herUncle Leo.
“How does that sound, Cece?” my best friend asked his daughter.
Michael and I both looked at Cece, and she shrugged. “That’s okay. I’ll let you know if I have a date or not, Uncle Leo.”
I guess we’ll see what happens when it gets closer to the event.
3
CECILIA
I’m still in disbelief that my dad suggested Leo should take me to the charity event. I get my dad’s reasoning. He’s trying to make sure I was safe and hated the idea of me dating. After dinner, I hugged my dad and Leo, then went home, smiling wide. I hoped that Leo doesn’t find a date. I wanted to be the one to go with him to the event, even if it’s only as friends.
To prevent Uncle Leo from finding a date, I decided to sign up on the Holidates app, too, and see if I can convince him to be my holidate. My best friend, Nina, used the app before and found a date for a National Donut Day event, and said it was the most fun date she’s had in a while.
