Page 119 of The End of Me

“When I was told she needed a home, I knew you would be the best person to open their home to her. She’s a Havanese mix and can travel with you anywhere.” I lift a shoulder. “She could be your companion during those times I’m not invited to Seattle, which happens all the time.”

Piper inhales and exhales several times while twitching her lips. “Where am I going to put her during the day? She needs a lot of attention.”

“She’s hypoallergenic, and we can train her to be with the patients.”

Her eyes open wide. I feel like she wants to say yes but has a lot of doubts about it. “I should say no.”

“But you already fell for her.”

“I… where did you get her?”

“She’s a rescue. The breeder was mistreating her parents and siblings.”

Piper tucks her closer to her chest. “She definitely needs a home.”

“Your home?” I ask, hopeful.

Piper gives me a serious look. “We’ll co-parent. There’ll be times you’ll have to keep her with you. We have to find the perfect name for her and buy her everything she needs to be comfortable. We’ll find her a vet close by.”

“Already found a couple, and we should go to the pet store to pick up everything she needs.”

Piper focuses her attention on me, her eyes are wide and warm. She pushes on her tiptoes and gives me a peck on the lips. “Thank you, I wish…”

“I know,” I whisper, taking her into my arms. “Maybe someday.”

She doesn’t acknowledge me because that would mean she believes he’s dead. I wish she would tell me more about him so I could show her that he’s gone.

ChapterFifty-Seven

May 13th,6:10 a.m. EST

FinnG: I received the schedule for book one and noticed it won’t come out until next year. Do you have the timelines for book two?

May 13th, 9:01 a.m. EST

PCoop: I’ll send you a schedule soon. Are you working on it?

FinnG: No, but I need to add the deadlines to my calendar so I can meet them.

PCoop: Hmm, I have the feeling that you just added something new to your load. What is it?

FinnG: I’m finally taking over the family business and starting a new venture.

PCoop: Are you still committed to releasing this series? We can put it on hold until you feel like you can continue writing.

FinnG: Yes, I’m committed to the books, but I hate to admit that I can’t continue writing the sci-fi or plan the GG books.

PCoop: GG books?

FinnG: Greek Gods.

PCoop: Is this your way of telling me that I won’t get the anticipated essay?

FinnG: That’s not what I meant. I just have to push the plans for a year or five. That includes your essay.

FinnG: How’s your soul doing these days? Still not moving on from your past relationship?

PCoop: Nope. I know he’s coming back.

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