Page 49 of Switch
My last conversation with Wes floats back to me.The one where he mentioned that he hadn’t realized how much younger PJ was than me, and not so subtly suggested he might be more interested in my money.When I pointed out that Wes was the one who set us up, he shrugged and mumbled something about seizing opportunities.
At the time, I was pissed, dismissing Wes for a jealous asshole.After all, I know things between him and Gina haven’t been great.Right now I admit it’s getting to me.
Until I ease down the stairs, quietly trying to hear more.
“Look, I know you’re new at this but do me a favor and don’t piss in here.Especially not on me.We want you to make a good impression.”
What the absolute hell?
My foot hits the bottom step with a loud creak, and PJ turns with a slightly guilty look on his face, and he’s holding a squirming bundle in his arms.
“Hey.”He clears his throat.“You’re up.”
“Since when do you have a dog?And why is it here?”
“Uh, surprise.This is Bruiser.”He holds up the bundle, showing a wrinkly dark gray pit bull-looking mix.Then he places the puppy gently on the floor.
Is this a joke?
The little guy takes exactly one step before toppling onto his side.I can’t stop myself from stooping down to scoop him up and put him back on his feet again.He takes another few steps and falls over again, legs flailing.
I glance up at PJ, who’s watching the whole situation with a look of uncertainty.“What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t remember what it’s called.Something he was born with, something to do with the size of part of his brain?”PJ sets down a bag of what looks like dog kibble he’s been holding under his arm.“My friend Simon volunteers at this animal rescue.I guess sometimes they go to shelters and try to pull dogs off the kill list before it’s too late.There were these puppies that needed a place, and my friend is fostering them, but this guy—” He nods to the puppy.“—was getting pummeled by Simon’s cat, so he needed someone else to take him.”
“You’re fostering him?”
“Kinda hoped you’d be willing to.”
No.There’s no way I’m equipped to help a puppy with special needs.I’ve barely been taking care of myself.
I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off.“Hear me out before you say no.”
My lungs deflate.“Fine.I’m listening.”
“The puppy’s not sick or anything, and according to Simon, he’s not in any pain.He’ll probably take longer learning to walk because of this wobbly issue of his.He could use a little extra TLC.You’ve said yourself you’ve been a little lost or whatever since Marina died.Having this guy to look after, I think it’d be good for both of you.I think you two need each other.”
Dammit.The guy who seemed to have a ten-pound chip on his shoulder the night we met is looking at me now with so much warmth it almost hurts.This is PJ’s way of making a romantic gesture, I realize.To rescue the dog or maybe even me, I’m not sure.
I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that it seems to be working.
I look down at the dog, who has once again fallen sideways.After a minute of struggling to get upright, I can’t take it anymore.Knowing it won’t help the dog learn to walk, I reach down and pick him up, pulling his squirmy body close to my chest.Bruiser immediately stops flailing and settles down, resting his head on my arm.
Fuck.Nothing in the world will get me to admit the warm, soft feeling in my chest right now.
Still.“PJ, puppies are a lot of work.I’ve got school starting next week.”
You always wanted a dog.And kids.
Why am I imagining Marina taking PJ’s side?
PJ hooks his thumb toward the front door.“I’ve got a crate for him in my car.He’s good in there for a few hours a day, and Simon says he’s making progress with the potty training.I could even swing by sometimes to let him out for you, if you don’t mind me having a key.Oh, but he does chew socks and underwear, so maybe don’t leave any of those lying around.”
I make the huge mistake of looking down again.A wrinkly dark gray face with wide golden eyes gazes up at me.
There’s a voice in my head telling me all the reasons why he shouldn’t stay.He needs more attention than I can provide.He might make my allergies act up.Dogs are dirty and messy, and their hair gets everywhere.
All the reasons Marina didn’t want a dog.Reasons I agreed with at the time.
