Straightening my spine, I grab my and Jensen’s nearly empty bottles and Dottie’s leash. “There’s a kitchen, we can refill and get her a bowl.”
Walking down the hall, Dottie pants the whole way, but she’s got that border collie energy for sure. As much as this was a good excuse to spend time with Jensen, I freaking love this dog.
Grabbing one of the bowls out of a cabinet, I fill it up with some water. “Here we go, Dot.” Patting her head, I make my way over to the small table where Jensen’s set us out new water bottles.
“Do you think it’s odd how much we talk to her?” Jensen asks, watching Dottie absolutely demolish the water.
“No,” I say without a thought. “If someone thinks we shouldn’t talk to our dog then I don’t want to talk to them.”
Jensen shakes her head with a small huff of a laugh. “She’s my dog, remember.”
“Semantics.” I wave her off like that didn’t hurt my soul. “So, are you going to be my date to Dex and Lucie’s wedding tomorrow?”
Jensen gives me a side-eye. “I’m her best friend. Don’t reduce my presence there to being your arm candy.”
“Alright, fine, I’ll beyourarm candy. Dex gave me the title of best man in the group chat, that’s all the acknowledgement I needed.”
“Dios mío, you’re hopeless.”
I take a drink of my water, letting that tension really hang. “I didn’t hear a no. It’s settled, I’ll be your date. Don’t worry, I put out.”
Jensen shakes her head as she bites her lip. “So, do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?”
Shit, was not exactly looking for that change of topic. Adjusting in my seat, I lean back and look toward Dottie now. “I, uh, guess not really. My dad’s messaged a few times, but I haven’t responded.”
“Beck…” Jensen sighs.
“It’s fine, I’m fine. I’ll talk to him before Christmas, I just think both of us could use the space.”
Jensen’s lips fold together. “Well, Stella asked if she could come down from Salem for dinner. Do you want to join us?”
I should politely pass so Jensen can have quality time with her sister. I should let there be some boundaries for hers and my benefit. Eh, fuck that.
“Okay, Jenni-cakes, I’ll take you up on that.” I take another sip of water. “How are you feeling about the whole Reagan situation?”
“A little antsy and nervous, but equally excited and a bit relieved.” Jensen rolls her shoulders back. “As contradictory as that sounded, it all sort of feels right. I don’t fully love that it comes at me spending your money, but the trade and being able to use it when I need it does make it a bit easier to swallow.”
There’re so many inappropriate jokes I want to tack on, but it’s probably not the right moment for that. “I guess this will call for some adjusting in that five-year plan.”
Jensen’s cheeks pinken, but she holds eye contact as she says, “I think I’m going a bit rogue, and I can’t say that I’m regretting it.”
Chapter 20
Jensen
Callie has changed the name to Daddy Dex + Baby Mama Day!
Callie
HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!!!
Emma
hehehe I’m so excited. The stadium looks soooo good!
Lucie
I’m afraid to see what you and Callie have done to the place… is it even a stadium anymore?
