That was not the text I expected.
ME
Like the insect?
ELENA
Like the award you were nominated for. You’re really good at what you do.
I slowed to a walk and Jasper, looking less winded than I felt, matched my pace like the good boy he clearly was, keeping a curious eye on the people passing around us but not pulling on the leash. I got an irrational flush of pride at her words despitethe fact that she must have gotten the info from the guy at Essex. It was the second time someone had brought up the award in as many weeks, which hardly seemed like coincidence.
What I didn’t know was why Elena was bringing it up now. Surely, she’d uncovered that much about me in her initial search before we started seeing each other.
I’d looked her up too. Nothing creepy or stalkerish. If I put my mind to it, I could have found out pretty much anything I wanted. The illusion of privacy didn’t hold against a dedicated user with a keyboard and internet connection. I just went deep enough to see her business stuff and make sure she was a real outwardly sane person. I had almost no social media presence but even though it was ancient in computing years, the press announcement of the nomination should be easy enough for anyone to find.
ME
It’s an award for an advancement in programming. I was nominated while I was working on my doctorate.
I glanced down at Jasper, who pressed against my leg, giving me anare we going soonlook.I gave his head a rub and he leaned his cheek against my knee, clearly bored but calm for the time being.
ELENA
That’s very cool. You’re very cool.
Jasper swiped at my leg with his paw, his patience clearly exhausted. His look said he didn’t think I was all that cool at the moment.
ME
Thanks. You’re very cool too.
I gave it another minute and another paw swipe from the dog to see if she’d respond again. When she didn’t, we took off running, my thoughts still circling about why she’d brought up the award now. It didn’t have to mean anything. She might have known and just not said anything before. We didn’t exactly have ayou show me your CV, I’ll show you minekind of relationship. More of a share secret fantasies one. I’d never been conflicted about which kind I wanted.
Jasper got a lot of attention from the people we passed, but as long as we kept moving, he pretty much ignored it. By the time we circled back to where we’d started, he had the decency to look slightly winded. I stretched my hamstrings, and he sat and panted until a young girl—maybe seven or eight; I was rubbish at guessing ages—approached with her mother.
“Excuse me,” she said. “Can I pet your dog?”
“Of course.” I tightened my grip on the leash in case Jasper decided to get a second wind or ideas.
He perked up as soon as he realized something was happening, but when I put my hand down and told him to stay, he listened, shocking both of us. The girl held out her hand for him to sniff, which he did with vigor before licking her palm. She giggled, and he did it again, clearly pleased with her response. He strained at the leash, trying to get closer to her. She crouched down next to him, tipping her face up to fend off the puppy licks.
“What’s his name?” she asked.
“Jasper.”
“You’re such a good boy, Jasper.” The girl cooed and petted him while the dog wiggled and relished his good boy status.
“He’s actually not my dog.” I pointed to his Adopt Me bandana. “I just borrowed him from the shelter for a day trip.”
“I didn’t know you could do that,” said her mother.
“I do it as often as I can. Dogs that get out of the shelter and can interact with people stand a better chance of getting adopted.” I glanced from the mother to the little girl and the dog clearly soaking up his chance to socialize. On his back now, tail wagging and tummy exposed for rubs. “And I get a running buddy, which is good for me too.”
“Isn’t it hard for you to take them back at the end of the day? Do you ever think of adopting yourself?” She bent down next to her daughter and offered Jasper her hand to sniff.
“Look, Momma. He’s such a good boy.”
Jasper rolled over and sat up, the perfect example of a model dog. Turned out he could do calm and obedient if he ran five miles first.
