Page 13 of Until Now
The two men walk off, and we are left alone. The background doesn’t change. People splashing in the pool, barbecues cooking the last of the burgers and dogs. Some of the guests are staging a fireworks pit. Dogs are lazing. Off in a corner of the yard, McFly and Cali tussle over a pull toy. My girl dwarfs the Terrier, but he doesn’t seem bothered.
It all pales next to what is happening here.
“Yes, then?” I say.
“Yes. I think we should.”
“What about your Ken doll?”
“What about him?”
“I don’t like him. He’s too tame for you.”
“Oh, really? How do you know?”
“Because I see the wild.”
She’s biting her lip, but she isn’t contradicting my statement. So, I continue.
“There’s fire in your eyes. I like the look.”
“You’re imagining more than what’s there. I’m just an average girl. A little fire, a little ice.”
“You’re far from average.”
“So, where are you taking me? And when?”
“Do you ride?” I say it with a grin, knowing the double entendres lands.
“I can ride. I’ve even got a helmet.”
“Really? Good. You into picnics? I know a great spot.”
A wide smile lights her face. “Yeah. I love a picnic. When?”
“How about next Saturday? I’ll come by around noon.”
The next few hours pass quickly. In reverence to the animal guests, the 4thof July celebration consists of sparklers for the kids and a few small fireworks. Overhead the nearby park puts on a better show. It’s great lying on the grass on big blankets. Dominique and I keep our distance. She’s respectful of her date, and I’m respectful of her. Besides, we have already said what needed to be heard.
A minute ago, Ken tried to put an arm around her, but she wasn’t having it. For the first time, I see a kernel of doubt. The guy is beginning to get the message she’s been sending since he arrived. Of course, that goofy looking hat Bing passed on to him isn’t helping. He looks like a dork. When he sang the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ I’m pretty sure the Statue of Liberty hid her face in embarrassment.
A softness settles over the scene as tired toddlers nestle in welcoming arms. Even the animals have gotten quiet. As I pet Cali’s coat, McFly is tucked into his new friend’s belly. Didn’t see that coming. Then McFly lets my girl know who’s boss. When Cali moves to reposition herself, it pisses McFly off. He was very comfortable, and his eyes were fighting to stay open. His lip curls, and he bears sharp teeth in an unmistakable message. Doesn’t matter that he’s outweighed. McFly doesn’t let that stop him. In a surprising response, Cali acknowledges who the alpha is by turning over and showing her belly. I swear there is a smug expression on McFly’s face.
Hunter and Bing lay on July and Wes’ blanket. After looking around for witnesses, Bing shows him something hidden in his hand. When Hunter sees what it is, his mouth opens, and the boys become co-conspirators. It makes me happy. I don’t give a shit what they’ve found. He’s got a new friend. Then Bing motions for Hunter to follow him, and they get up and move across the yard. I lose them when they round the corner of the house.
It only takes a minute. Just after the oohs and ahhs over the huge red, white, and blue starburst in the sky, it happens. The loud explosion of a bottle rocket shakes the trees, the ground, and our peace. Fuck!
The dogs react with barks and howls and general mayhem. Cali gets up so fast she knocks McFly over. It’s a shitshow now. The younger kids are startled and crying. Screaming, actually. Sounds of the adult protests rise. Wes can be heard over them all as he stands and heads for the side of the house.
“Bing! Get your ass over here!”
The fact he knew without looking who the culprit is, tells a story.
