I can’t hold the squirming puppy much longer. I unzip a little, and the mutt’s muzzle and face and ears pop out.
Aiden gasps, his eyes like enormous saucers, and hands on his mouth. Stella sucks in a breath too, holding her heart.
“Eli, you did not just bring home a puppy,” she says.
“Can I hold him?” Aiden shrieks.
“Of course, here, buddy.” I take the puppy out and put him into Aiden’s arms. It licks his face and they bond, instantly. “I’ve always wanted a dog.”
“Me, too. We need to name him. Got any ideas?”
It doesn’t take long. He shouts, “Zamboni? Boni for short.”
Stella and I share a glance and hold in our laughs. I cannot have a dog whose name sounds anything like boner.
“How about Zammie for short?” I suggest.
“Yeah, I like that even better. Can I keep him, Mom?”
“Well, it’s Eli’s pet… isn’t it?” She arches a brow, fear across her face that I’m giving it to Aiden. I’m sure she’s alreadycalculating the amount of walking and feeding and poop-picking-up a puppy takes.
“If possible, I’d like to keep him here in Boulder.” I turn to Aiden. “As long as I can count on you to feed him and walk him when I’m away for practices and games? I’ll even pay you an allowance.”
“You can count on me. Mom says I’m very responsible for a guy my age.”
“Does she now?” I wink at her across the kitchen. “What does she say about a guy my age?”
He scratches his head. “I heard her tell Grandma once that you’re sex on a stick, whatever that means.”
“Aiden! Oh my God! You should not be eavesdropping on adult conversations,” Stella rants, although she gives Zam a few scratches behind the ear.
I bust out laughing, compounded by how dang cool it is to watch her softening up with Zammie. I take a minute to calm my pulse down.
“You know what? Your mom used to volunteer with the animal shelter in college. Don’t let her fool you. She loves dogs.” I wink at her.
“Then why hasn’t she let me have one yet?”
Whoops. I got myself right in the middle of a mother-son battleground. She rolls her eyes. I backtrack.
“They are a lot to care for. So why don’t you take care of Zammie the best you can for me, and prove to her you can handle it. Deal?” I hold my hand out and he shakes it. “Good. Just wait until we get Zammie on the ice. I’ll bet he'll have a great time playing with the Crashers.” I point out.
“You mean he’s a hockey dog? So cool. Coach Eli, can I take him into the yard to play?”
I peer out at the fenced-in yard, and a little snow, which by all accounts to me seems fairly secure with no areas a puppy might escape under. Might as well test it.
“Sure, it’s still pretty wet out there from the snow, so keep an eye on him.” I open the sliding door and let them out.
Stella saunters over and stands beside me. “A dog? Really? With your hockey schedule? Someone will have to be here two or three times a day to let it out into the yard to do its business. I’m not sure you’ve given proper consideration to how much time a puppy requires.”
I’d love to bring her into my arms and give her every reassurance, but Aiden can see us through the glass door. We have done nothing yet that might alert him to our relationship status. Not that we’ve named what this is, other than spending more time together. Some nights when I’m in town, we sleep together in my bed; conveniently, the master bedroom is on the opposite side of the house from Aiden. But I always set my alarm to wake up early in the morning to return to the couch so he doesn’t know a thing.
“Actually, I have thought about that and I have a suggestion. Let your mom have the apartment to herself when she returns. You and Aiden—and Zammie—stay here.”
“Like living together?” She searches my face like waiting for the punchline. The truth is, I’ve already been picturing it. I just didn’t expect to say it out loud yet.
“Sort of. I’ll be here when my schedule allows, in between games and practices. I’d feel better if this place didn’t sit empty a lot. And taking care of Zammie would be easier here with the yard.” I cast a sly smile on her before she could overthink things, changing the subject. “Can we talk about this whole sex on a stick comment? ”
She shakes her head, blushing, loading a comeback to that, when suddenly the door slides open, and Aiden skids acrossmy floor. Zammie follows, tail wagging hard enough to wiggle his butt. They drag in a little snow on their feet. The two romp around giggling. Stella stands there, hand over her mouth, looking at the mess.
