But he lied. The one person I truly believed inlied to me.
CHAPTER TWENTY
BIANCA
There’s a breeze across my leg and I quickly tuck it under the covers, finding warmth. I cuddle more into my pillow, but then groan as I can’t seem to find that sweet spot again. Opening an eyelid to see the number nine flashing on my alarm clock, I shoot up, remembering my shift today. Mom had convinced Josh to let me volunteer at the shelter once my wound healed, and no lawsuit was pursued, thank goodness.
After a couple of weeks, the injury has faded away and you can’t even tell it was there. It’s also been a couple of weeks since Liam and I have talked. He hasn’t come by, and every time Ana comes over, she gives me this sad mom look. I don’t dare ask about him, so I tap back into the mentality I’ve had these past years, the years I’ve learned how to live without him. Mom waits for me in the car as I slide in, heading to the shelter. Even though I hated to do it, I apologized to Josh for my outburst and didn’t disclose to Mom what he had told me earlier that day.
It’s the way he is, and I have to accept it, right?
The sign of the animal shelter comes into focus, and even though I didn’t have the best experience last time I was here, that doesn’t stop me. Doesn’t deter me. I just want to keep doing what I love. Pushing open the doors, Rachel is pacing, stopping only to lock eyes with me. She rushes over, hugging me quickly. “Well, I didn’t think you were gonna come in. Thank goodness you’re alright.”
I tilt my head at her, confused. “Yeah, I’m all good, honest.” She nods, placing a hand on her chest. I simply shrug. “I missed these guys.” As if the dogs can understand me, some of them bark happily, and she smiles at that.
“We’re glad to have you, and Zorro has been transferred, so nothing else should happen.”
I nod and rub her arms as if to calm her down. “Rachel, you’re good. Don’t worry, it was an accident.” I smile and she returns it. Her stance becomes more relaxed and I hug her again. It’s been a few weeks, but she’s been so unbelievably sweet to me.
I laugh when her radio grumbles on, saying a certain chihuahua has escaped. “Duty calls!”
Making my way to the kennels, I send a slight wave to the people working in our laundry room. I accidentally bump into someone. Stepping back, ready to apologize, I look up and see him. He has dark circles under his eyes and his hair is slightly mussed, and his eyes ...
Clearing my throat, I say, “Sorry.”
His eyes don’t stray from my face until I cross my arms. They flick down to my once-wrapped arm, and the crease forming between his eyebrows seems to soften. He then closes his eyes, sighing, before he slides around me. I stand there, the warmth from his body leaving with him, but I don’t dare look back. I keep walking, the to-do clipboard having several items unchecked. A bark catches my attention, and I look down at our newest doggy boy, Frankie, as he looks up at me happily. Sticking my hand through the spaces between the bars, he laps at it excitedly. I rub his head, as much as he lets me, and convince myself to think about this. What I’m doing to help these little guys.
Liam
A laugh pulls me out of my daze, and I look back to see Bianca talking to James, the vet intern. He hands her the box of gloves as they bathe the smaller dogs today. She begins to suds up Frankie, cooing at him, and the urge to smile is strong. James gets closer by kneeling next to her, doing the same thing. I roll my eyes as I grab another tennis ball, throwing it out in the yard. Our newest collie, Cookie, runs after it, and a shiver runs up my spine as she laughs again.
I know James is not that freaking funny.
Cookie trots back happily, dropping the green ball at my feet, and I make the mistake of looking behind me in time to see James throw soapy water at her. He guffaws as she smiles rather politely, and I’m this close to leaving Cookie in the enclosed yard. She wipes her forehead with her sleeve and something stirs within me.
The hoodie she’s wearing is mine.
My body warms, not from jealousy, but due to the butterflies roaming my insides. Throwing the ball once again, I turn back when she lifts her gaze. Cookie looks at me expectantly, barking as she runs to fetch it. James chuckles again, but I smirk to myself. It doesn’t matter what he does, what he says, because she’s wearing my hoodie—mine. She hasmyscent engulfed around her. He’s talking and flirting with her, butI’menveloped all around her. I shake my head, wondering why I care so much.
She’s ... just someone I used to be friends with, and who I’m currently trying to stay away from.
I shouldn’t care, right?
The sun sets, and it’s the closing shift, meaning everyone’s pretty much gone home. Walking around, I check our puppies, making surethey have more than enough toys to play with. I check their blankets, food, and water bowls, and some of them bark happily while others stay in dreamland. I run a hand over our new litter of dachshunds, and smile as I remember Bianca’s reaction when Rachel dropped them off earlier today. Grabbing a squeaker toy, I throw it in there and one of the little guys goes after it.
The lights are dimmed, and soothing music plays all throughout the facility to help our animals sleep more peacefully, and for the enjoyment of those working the shift. I check on the patients in our ICU, making sure they’re alright before I realize I did everything I needed to.
I close the door softly as I make my way to the last kennel of the night. I put my hand under the sanitizer dispenser, proceeding to then rub my hands together while pushing the door open with my shoulder. I scan all of the kennels, my mouth quirking up at the corners at everyone having the sleep of their life. Finally, I get to my old pal, Sam.
He’s resting as always, and I bend down, tapping the glass, causing him to open his eyes instantly.
I wave. “Hey, bud.” He looks at me curiously. I laugh softly before grabbing a leash and taking him to one of our playrooms. He hasn’t wanted to go out all day, poor guy. He starts walking, but after a while, I carry him the rest of the way, and he lets out a tired huff. Finding the door unlocked, I walk in and sit with him in my arms before the door opens again, and I hear a yell.
She puts her hands over her heart as she looks at me in shock. “Liam!”
I close my eyes, exhaling sharply. “Bianca, what are you doing here?”
She looks at me confused. “I, um, didn’t know anyone was still here. I—” She trails off before she looks down at Sam. “Guess we had the same idea.” I squint involuntarily, and I sigh while running a hand through my hair, pulling at the strands at the nape of my neck. Her posture sags as an icy look passes through her eyes. The samelook she’s been giving me all day. “I can go.” She bends down to pet Sam for a bit before she starts to walk off.
