“Watch the front sight and squeeze the trigger back.”
A light crack snaps when I pull my finger back, and the gun moves.
I drop my arms, and with one hand, I pass it back to him. “I really don’t like it, and I’m shaking, so I don’t think I’ll be good at hitting any target.”
He gives me a reassuring smile. “I know it’s daunting, but you did well. It takes time and practice to get used to it.”
I learned something different, and I appreciate he’s trying to help me.
We walk in the direction of the clubhouse. “How did you sleep last night?”
My shoulders drop. “Not good. I’m tired today.”
“I didn’t sleep well, either.”
My eyes dart to the ground. We had a better night’s sleep when we were in the same bedtogether.
“What are you going to get up to now?”
“I think I’m going to introduce Conan to his toys.”
He gives me a small smile, though it looks like he’s trying not to laugh at me.
“What?” I ask defensively, with a hint of amusement.
“Nothing.” He’s quick to respond. “I’ve got to talk to Viper first. I’ll be back.” He walks toward the people sitting on the seats.
When I reach the house, Conan is inside his new doghouse. It was worth every cent to see him happy. He gets up to greet me.
“Hold on,” I tell him, then go inside and head to the cupboard where I store his things and pull out a squeaky, soft chicken toy and a tennis ball and make my way out the back.
As soon as I open the door, Conan’s tail rises and wags. His awkward jump of excitement makes me laugh. He pounces up on me next, making me step back.
“Wow! Conan,” I say as I budge him with my arm, “get down before you push me over.”
He drops, though his tail is in full force. I place the toy on the roof of his dog kennel and bend, showing him the ball. “Look what I have.” He sniffs it and licks my hand. “Are you ready?” I pull my arm back and fling the ball as far as I can. His eyes follow the ball and he sprints after it.
I skim the clubhouse and see Reaper watching me as Vera, Candy, and Viper talk around him. He gives Viper a chin lift, then walks toward me. Vera’s eyes narrow.
Conan comes running back and drops the ball at my feet. When I pick it up, it’s wet and thick with slobber. I grimace. “Conan, gross!”
A throaty chuckle comes from beside me as I throw the ball again. Reaper looks amused, though I feel Vera’s hostility boring holes into my back.
“Are you with Vera?” He inches back with a quizzical look on his face. I nudge my head in her direction. “She does not look happy.”
He turns back, and Vera’s eyes soften. Then she goes back to talking to Viper and Candy.
“There’s nothing between us, and there never will be. I’ve told her many times.”
I give him a tight smile, thinking she has not gotten the hint, and if she didn’t hate me before, she does now.
Once everyone goes inside and Conan is exhausted, I walk inside to Axle, who’s sitting by himself in the lounge. “Where’s Elena?”
He turns his head from the TV. “She said she was going to the bathroom.”
Knowing I need to wash my hands after spending time with Conan, I walk in the bathroom but pause when I hear Grace’s voice.
“And you call yourself an ol’ lady.” Laughter erupts.
