“I guess so,” I snort.
“But yes.” He smiles, his brown eyes shining. “We can keep Boomer.”
After Coach Harris returned to his office with his coffee, I let him know our decision, and then we headed out to the parking lot and moved all of Boomer’s belongings into my Jeep.
Who knew a dog came with so much stuff?
Now we’re lying on the couch in the same position we were the first night he stayed over. He’s fast asleep between my legs, head resting on my stomach. My fingers comb through his fur as I stare aimlessly at the TV.
The moment I got him settled, it was like I hit a wall. This wave of exhaustion came over me, and my body felt so heavy and numb. I felt so drained I could barely move.
In the posts I’d read online, a lot of people mentioned how they felt fatigued after receiving their diagnosis. I didn’t really pay much attention to it because I kinda expected to be told I have it. But it seems expecting it and having it confirmed are twodifferent things. And while there’s a weight that’s been lifted, I’ve been left feeling sluggish.
All I want right now is to curl up next to Hunter and sleep. Have him play with my hair in that relaxing way he does, but he’s on shift.
There’s a deep ache in my chest at the thought of not seeing him until after practice tomorrow afternoon, but then Boomer chooses that moment to let out a loud snore.
I press my lips together, trying to stop myself from laughing as he mimics a freight train. Smiling to myself, I settle back into the cushions, feeling pleased I’m not completely alone.
The sound of someone knocking on my door wakes me up some time later. Boomer jolts off the couch and runs over to the door, letting out a low huff. I toss the blanket off me and stand, stretching my arms over my head with a yawn. I grab onto Boomer’s collar before opening the door.
Standing on the other side are Blaine, Zach, Jackson, Peyton, and Ethan.
“W-what are you guys doing here?” I ask, rubbing my tired eyes with the heel of my palm.
“Can we come in?” Blaine asks, his smile a little wobbly.
I step aside, keeping hold of Boomer’s collar. Ethan’s last in, and he’s holding two plastic storage containers.
I brighten slightly, pointing at them. “Is that Jacob’s bread?”
“Yep, and some muffins.”
I shut the door behind him and let go of Boomer so I can make grabby hands. “Ooo, gimme.”
He hands over the containers, and I open the top one. I take a deep inhale of the smell of fresh bread and let out a happy sigh.
“I fucking love Jacob’s bread.”
Everyone takes a seat on the couch. Boomer pushes Blaine out of the way to steal the spot next to me and puts his head on my lap.
“What have I done to deserve this visit? Have you finally decided to take my idea to start a boy band?” I ask, kicking my feet up on the coffee table. I tear off a chunk of bread and shove it in my mouth, holding the container close to my chest in a clear sign I’m not sharing it.
“No, and I thought we’d vetoed that idea,” Zach replies with a lopsided grin.
“Never,” I say between bites. “Imagine how cool intermission will be. We could build a stage and everything. Peyton will be the one who always takes his clothes off.”
“Hey! I do have some dignity, you know,” Peyton argues.
We all scoff in response.
“Well, you can count me out,” Jackson chuckles. “I have enough of that at home.”
I grin. “How’s Isabela enjoying the drum set?”
He gives me an unimpressed look. Clearly, my Christmas gift didn’t go down well. “It’s in the theater room. Where it’s soundproof.”
“Damn. I’ll have to go louder next time.”
