“Your mom hasn’t roped you into working at Andre’s?” She asks.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll end up there at some point, but I need to find something fun too.”
“Any thoughts?”
“I used to volunteer at the animal shelter, so maybe I’ll go back there.”
“Oh, I bet all the dogs and cats would love that.”
Not wanting to talk about myself anymore, I change the subject to ask her how things are going with her and my brother.
When I get up again to go to the bathroom, I hear a noise coming from the shower. When I yank open the curtain, I find Luna sitting down eating a mini candy bar.
Before I can ask any questions, she puts a finger up to her lips. “Shhh. Mommy thinks I’m playing with the pots.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me, kid.”
Chapter seventeen
Try me, Pretty Boy
Beau
“Hey, Annie,” I greet as I walk into the animal shelter.
“Morning, Beau.” Annie is always super cheerful and bright. It’s no wonder all the animals love her.
“Do you have a list for me?” Every day, all of the volunteers for that day get a list of all the dogs and cats they are taking care of. We clean out cages, make sure they’ve got fresh food and water, and then, get them out to play for a bit.
I don’t get here as often as I’d like, but I come every chance I get. Volunteering here led to me to adopting Mia, so I’ll always do it. Every one of these animals deserves a good home.
I look over the list and realize it’s a bit shorter than usual.
“Have you had a lot of adoptions this past week?” I ask.
“A few but no more than usual.”
“Hm. List seems short.”
“Oh, we have an extra volunteer today. She got here a few minutes ago.”
Immediately, I have a sinking feeling in my gut that I know who it is.
I could make up an excuse and walk out of here right now, but I don’t. I made a commitment, and I don’t walk away from that.
Plus, I don’t even for sure know that it’s Jo.
After looking over the list one more time, I shove the paper into my pocket so that I can get to work.
The moment I round the corner past the first row of cages, I see Jo filling up a food bowl at the feeding station.
Fuck.
She looks up and sees me, prompting her to let out a heavy sigh.
“What are you doing here?” She spits.
“I volunteer here every week.”
