There was a prolonged pause on the other end of the line before she answered with a simple “Thank you.”
Well, shit. How washesupposed to interpretheranswer? Was that the thank-you of someone who wanted to remain friends or had she read something more into his offer?
And why in the fuck was he even going there?
Evie had made it crystal clear where things stood between them. They were old friends working to save a rescue that was dear to both of them. The last thing he wanted to do was push her away by coming on too strong.
“So, now that the website is done, does this mean we’re moving to the crowdfunding campaign?” Bryson asked, bringing the conversation back to The Sanctuary.
“Kara is working on graphics as we speak,” Evie said. “But I wanted to talk through a few more fundraising ideas we came up with while I was at Ashanti’s.”
There was a static sound, then rustling.
“Ev?”
“Sorry,” Evie said, once back on the line. “Hey, I’m on my way to the City Bark with Waffles,” she said. “Do you and Bella want to join us?”
“What is City Bark?”
“It’s a dog park in City Park. Just google NOLA City Bark and it’ll give you directions. It’s one of the nicer dog parksaround—worth me driving across town for Waffles to visit it. There’s lots of equipment and space for them to run around.”
Bryson thought about the mountain of work heshoulddo this Sunday and knew within seconds that none of it was getting done.
He looked over at Bella, who was back to napping. He’d taken her for a walk a couple of hours ago, so she was probably good for the rest of the day.
“Sure,” Bryson said to Evie. “I’ll meet you there in thirty.”
He disconnected the call.
“Okay, Bells, it’s time for you to take one for the team,” Bryson said. “We’re going to the dog park.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Evie sidestepped a gnarled tree root that had penetrated the concrete sidewalk. Anytime she walked along St. Charles Avenue, it was an exercise in dodging tripping hazards, but the added distraction of Bryson’s bare arm brushing against hers played such havoc with her concentration that she was bound to face-plant sooner or later.
“I’m sorry again about City Bark,” Evie said. She jerked forward as her dog went in chase of a blowing leaf. “Stop it, Waffles.”
“Why are you apologizing?” Bryson asked. “Did you give those teens the paint and glitter they used to pollute the doggie pools?”
“No. And if I ever see them in person, I’m going to jail.”
“It’s not worth jail time,” Bryson said.
“That’s not the point. I hate when a handful of little assholes ruin things for everyone else.”
“The park said they’ll have the pools cleaned out within a day or two. Besides, the dogs seem to be having just as much fun here.”
They’d come back to the area of the city they were both familiar with. Miracle of miracles, they’d both found parking spots on St. Charles Avenue near Audubon Park within a few yards of each other.
“Yeah, but there isn’t a designated dog park here,” Evie said. “I’ve learned that this one likes the freedom to run unleashed.”
As if he’d heard her, Waffles tried to take off again.
“Stop it,” Evie said, tugging his leash. He wiggled his body the way she did when she thought a bug was on her. “Waffles, calm down.”
“Okay, I know you haven’t had a dog in a long time, but you’re still a veterinarian, Ev. You know commands don’t work that way.Stop itandcalm down, especially in that wishy-washy tone you’re using, won’t cut it. You were more assertive at the restaurant the other day.”
“Believe it or not, I have never been good at controlling my own dogs,” she said with a laugh. “It used to drive my mother out of her mind. The worst was when she would come home from the hospital and find the dogs in my bedroom instead of the pool house or sunporch.”
