Page 52 of Amore
“Wait.” Lucy wagged her finger on the screen. “Are you two …?”
Was it better to lie or tell the truth? We had feelings for each other and had kissed moments ago, but there were no labels yet.
I looked down at Frankie, wanting to know if she was going to tell Lucy or if we were going to pretend as though nothing was happening between us. She shrugged, and I took that to mean she didn’t care if Lucy knew. So, still looking into Frankie’s honey-colored eyes, I replied, “We’re taking things slow, but yes, we have feelings for each other.”
“Oh my god,” Lucy gasped. “That’s … that’s amazing!”
“Yeah?” Frankie asked, grinning. “You’re cool with it?”
“I know we’re all reconnecting again—clearly you two more than me—but growing up, I wanted you to be my sister, and now … Well, I’m not saying you’re getting married, but …”
I smiled at Frankie. “We’re not getting married—yet.”
Frankie laughed and pushed me playfully. “We’re just going to see what happens. He’s going with me to Canada for a few weeks while I film a Christmas movie.”
Lucy inhaled. “A Christmas movie? You got a role in a Christmas movie?”
“I’ll let you two talk while I take Amore for a walk.” I kissed the side of Frankie’s head again and handed her my phone.
Frankie went to the couch and started to tell Lucy the movie’s plot while I grabbed the bag of food I’d dropped on the floor. Amore followed me, his leash dragging on the floor.
“You need to go potty, buddy?” I whispered. He barked a response, and I picked up his leash and grabbed a plastic bag. “Food’s on the counter. I’ll be back,” I whispered to Frankie.
She nodded and continued her conversation with my sister.
Leaving the apartment, Amore and I walked down the steps to the grassy area in the center of the complex. It didn’t take long for the manager to spot me coming out of the leasing office.
“Officer Davenport,” Arnold called.
“Luke is fine,” I told him for the thousandth time.
“You know you’re not supposed to have a dog.”
“Just watching him for a friend,” I replied.
“I’ve seen the dog more than once.”
I nodded. “Don’t worry. We’ll be gone soon.”
“Today?” He placed his hands on his hips.
“Two weeks.”
“No.” He shook his head. “You can’t keep a dog here for two weeks.”
I smiled. “Arnold, I couldn’t run that report for you, but I did.” He blinked, and I squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t worry. The dog will be gone soon.”
He stared at me for a few moments. “All right, but you better pick up his shit.”
I looked down at Amore to see him doing just that. I chuckled and held up the plastic bag. “Not a problem.”
“All right.” He started to walk away.
“Oh, Arnold.” He turned around. “I’m going to be gone for about a month. Make sure nothing happens to my place, okay?”
“Just pay your rent before you leave.”
I snorted. “Will do.”
