After a minute, he pulled out his notebook and switched some words around his latest song.
But don’t let it be the last time that my heart raced in my chest
It just can’t be the last time because you loved me best
And I’ll never lose you, my love, if I keep your memory forever in my heart
Diego looked down at the oddly hopeful lyrics as a slow smile spread across his face. Yes, this sounded good. Troy would probably like it better, too, with its uplifting message.
Maybe love didn’t always ruin lives. What a concept.
Chapter Thirteen
Thelasttimethathe’d made this trip to Houston, it had been everyone piled into Aaron’s suburban—Aaron, Audra, himself, and the boys. But now it was just Brody, with Peach riding shotgun next to him in his truck, his overnight bag tossed on the passenger side floor.
Why did he feel so guilty? This meeting with the foundation was critical for their organization, and Audra and Aaron both insisted—several times—that he stay the night if he didn’t feel comfortable driving back in the dark. Just a quick overnight trip, and he’d be home tomorrow with signed agreements, ready to make plans to expand their business. That’s it.
But Brody snorted audibly to himself as he pulled out of the driveway. He knew why he felt guilty, why he felt longings and hopes and desires and why this trip excited him. All of it centered on a sweet and handsome man with warm brown eyes, talented fingers, and long, curly hair that Brody wanted to run his hands through.
He wasn’t nervous about his meeting with the Edwards Foundation representatives (though he should be).
No, it was the idea of seeing Diego again tonight that had his heart racing—and that knot of dread twisted up in his stomach at the idea of telling Diego exactly how broken he was.
Instead of the coffee shop where they’d first met, Chance invited Brody to visit the office of a dog rescue located in the same building. End of the Rainbow Rescues had a large room filled with pictures of adopted animals and their forever families, with a comfortable sofa and chairs on one side of the room across from the manager’s desk. Brody could hear animals in the back and spotted a pair of shepherd mix dogs trotting down the hallway to investigate the newcomers as they entered the office. He looked down and saw Peach’s ears perk up as the dogs approached.
“You guys—get back. I’ll let you know when the boxes get here.” A young woman with curly hair greeted him, introducing herself as Jessica, the office manager. She laughed and pointed at the dogs, all sniffing each other in a friendly manner. “It’s delivery day and they’re waiting for an Amazon order. Can I get you some coffee?”
“Yes please. Cream, but no sugar. Decaf if you’ve got it.” Brody followed her around for a quick tour of their office and kennels.
Jessica jotted it down. “I know you’ve got to get business done first. That’s the reason for the visit. But once you’re done with all that paperwork, I’d love to hear more about what kind of dogs you’re looking for. Maybe we can partner up to get more dogs out of the shelters, yeah?”
Brody liked that idea a lot. “My business partner is the one who’s got the eye for the dogs. He can look at them and sorta tell by their temperament who’s going to be best for our needs.” Brody laughed as he ran a hand over his chin. “I’m too much of a softie, he says. I’d take them all with me if I could.”
Soon the front door opened, and Chance Edwards walked in, still wearing his veterinarian blue scrubs, with a well-dressed older woman who he introduced as his mother, Marcia. “She signs the checks, so that makes her the one with all the power.” Chance grinned as they sat down at the table.
“You’re being silly,” Marcia told him, but her cheeks flushed pink at the teasing. “But I have gone through your application carefully after my son recommended your organization, and we see a great deal of potential to grow and serve not only the animal rescue community but our veterans as well. My father was in the Navy.” She gave him a soft smile. “Thank you for your service.”
Brody often felt self-conscious when people said this to him, but in this case, he accepted her words with an honest, “Thank you, ma’am.”
Jessica returned with their coffees, and before Brody could even finish his beverage, they signed the papers. This marked a formal affiliation between K-9 Companions and the Edwards Foundation for an initial contract of five years, with the option to renew when the term expired. When Jessica suggested that End of the Rainbow Rescues partner with them as well, to be a second set of eyes to monitor Houston shelters for dogs that fit their criteria. Chance couldn't contain his excitement. On his face was a broad smile. “This is a great day for all of us.”
Brody couldn’t agree more. “I can’t thank you enough,” he said as he shook Chance’s hand. His eyes darted around the rescue; even though Diego hadn’t mentioned being here for the meeting, a small part of Brody had hoped to see him here.
Chance seemed to pick up on that. “Diego mentioned you guys might get together later tonight after the show.”
Brody froze—had he been that obvious? “I told him I wanted to thank him for bringing us together. I’d love to have you join us if you can.”
Chance’s knowing glance made him wonder how much Diego had told him about their past. “Thanks for the invitation, but I promised my boyfriend we’d stay in tonight.” Chance excused himself when his mother headed toward the door and Brody pulled out his phone.
Brody: We signed! Thank you again for everything.
Brody: Can you still make it for dinner tonight?
It took a few minutes for Diego to respond.
Diego: We picked up a gig tonight. We’re playing early, though. Should be done by ten.
Diego: Is that too late for you?
