Tara and I were together from freshman to senior year of high school, and though we were in love—or as close to in love as teenagers could be—we always knew our relationship had an end date. Music always pulled at me, and as soon as I graduated, I knew I’d be off to audition with bands, travel to gigs, and try and make it big.
She, on the other hand, intended to become a vet, and from the information on her Facebook page, she accomplished her goal. We both have, I muse, staring at the light smattering of freckles on the bridge of her nose. She wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and take over his veterinary practice outside of Los Angeles, near Brentwood. Obviously, that part of her plan changed, and I wonder why.
The good news, at least for me, is that she now lives on the East Coast. Is that a coincidence or a sign? Taking it as the latter, I know I have to see her.
I’m not sure how to approach a woman I haven’t kept in touch with since we said goodbye over a decade ago, and I wrack my brain, trying to come up with a plan.
A car horn honks in the distance, disturbing Bella, who jumps up and starts to bark, causing the sunglasses to fall to the ground. I retrieve them and hold them in my hand. After a minute, Bella settles with a low growl.Dogs, I think, amused.
That’s it. Dogs. I turn to Xander and ask, “Can I borrow Bella?”
“What for?” Xander asks as he shifts toward me.
I don’t reply because I know how the other man will react to me borrowing the dog to visit my ex-girlfriend.
“Whatever it’s for, you do realize you could get your own dog, right?” Xander asks.
“Nah. Not practical while I’m renting. Besides, I’m on the road too often to commit to ownership,” I say, one hand stroking the dog’s fur.
“And yet you spend a remarkable amount of time at my house. Funny how that works.” Xander shakes his head, a grin he’ll never admit to on his face.
I ignore the dig about the hours I hang out here. Who wants to be alone twenty-four seven? Give it some time, and Dash or one of the other guys will show up. And if not them, Cassidy will come to see Sasha, and I enjoy hanging out with the women.
As for the dog, she is the primary part of my plan to see Tara, and I’m not about to give up. “So can I borrow Bella for a couple of hours?”
“Why do you want to borrow our dog?” Sasha is walking on the deck, already close to the lounge chairs, when I ask again. She sits down on the edge of Xander’s chair and places a hand on his leg.
Xander glances at his wife, his expression softening as he takes her in, then turns back to me, gaze narrowed. “Wait a minute. You were just on Facebook looking up an old girlfriend. Don’t tell me you want to use Bella to pick up chicks.”
“Chick,” I say, correcting him because it’s important. “One chick.” I hope the clarification will help the cause.
“Which chick?” Sasha asks, her eyes lighting up at my explanation.
She’s been trying to set me up with anice girlfor months now. But as much as I want to find someone, the notion of first dates and getting-to-know-you time turns my stomach. I just about decided I’ll have to accept the inevitable and give in to Sasha’s matchmaking when I was given a reprieve.
Now Tara is firmly in my mind.
I glance at the phone, which turned itself off, and reopen the screen for a look at her personal information. I’m relieved there is no relationship status listed under her name and take that as another positive sign.
“Aah. Silence,” Sasha says in an amused tone.
She’s right. I’m not eager to reveal the name of my old girlfriend, which is odd. I normally explain everything going on in my life to these people who, in a short time, have become more like family than friends.
“He’s clammed up,” Xander agrees, his gaze steady on Sasha as they talk over me, no doubt hoping I’ll get annoyed and reveal more.
“That tells me the woman in question means something to him.” Sasha curls one tanned leg beneath her.
I’ve had enough. “I’m right here while you’re talking about me,” I remind them. Jesus fuck, these two mean business. Isn’t it enough that they know borrowing Bella is important to me?
Sasha laughs and rubs Bella’s soft head. “Just have her home by seven. She has an early curfew.”
With her permission to take the dog, the muscles in my shoulders ease. They just gave me the reason I need to pay Tara an impromptu visit. And that’s all I’ve been waiting for.
I sit up and put the sunglasses back on Bella’s face. “Come on, girl. We need to make a good impression.” I rise, and as if she were my pet, Bella stands and begins to follow me toward the house.
Xander and Sasha stand and join my trek inside. Once in the kitchen, Sasha hands me Bella’s leash, and I hook it to her collar, adjusting her sunglasses, which are going to be a pain in the ass to keep on. But she looks cute, and that’s what matters.
“Thanks, guys. I owe you one.” My car is parked in the driveway out front, and I start to walk out of the room.
