“No, you’re not. Just take it slow and never let him treat you like anything less than the princess you are. Because if he does, I’m going to punch him right in the nose,” she says with exuberance.
“You’d have to stand on a chair,” I tease.
“I’ll get a ladder,” she counters. “But seriously, he’d better treat you right.”
“He’s bringing his dog, Wolfie.”
“He has a dog named Wolfie?”
“A German shepherd.”
“You’ve always wanted a dog.”
“So you’ll be here?” I confirm.
“With bells on,” Mina answers with a giggle. “See you at seven.”
Chapter 4
Gertie’s Wise Words
Wire
Wolfie’s glad to see me, and as soon as I open the door, he brushes up against my legs, waiting to be petted. I come down on my haunches and give Wolfie the attention he needs. I found him when we raided a farmhouse. There were six puppies in total. I took it upon myself to find them all homes, but I couldn’t bear to give Wolfie away. Having a dog doesn’t suit my lifestyle when we’re called away on a mission, but Kailyn, Maya, and Sadie have been great about coming over and taking care of him when it can’t be helped.
Wolfie follows me around as I pack more clothes into my bag and cart the necessities to make Wolfie comfortable at Remmi’s place. He happily hops into the truck, waiting for his road trip.
Rebel took the women grocery shopping and is now outside getting the bags out of the trunk. From the half dozen bags in his arms, I can see we’re going to have more food than we need. Wolfie gets excited when he meets new people, and I don’t want him bounding toward Remmi and knocking her off her feet. He’s friendly and mostly well trained, but I haven’t gotten him to tamp down his eagerness yet.
Wolfie tugs at the leash, but I keep a tight hold, and he lets out a bark to get Remmi’s attention. She whips around, her focus going directly to my dog, who whimpers, begging to be let go.
“Calm down, boy,” I state firmly. “Sit.” Wolfie does as he’s told. “Remmi, come here, baby.” She comes closer. “Hold out your hand, let him smell your scent.” Wolfie takes a sniff, then nudges her hand, urging her to stroke his soft fur.
Remmi goes down on her knees to snuggle Wolfie. “Hey, Wolfie. It’s nice to meet you. You’re so soft and furry. Such a handsome boy. That’s what you are,” she coos.
Jesus, I’m jealous of my own dog!
“I can leave him outside if he’s in your way for now, and he can roam for a while, while you do what you have to do in here,” I say.
“No way!” she exclaims. “Wolfie’s part of the family.”
I take Wolfie’s leash off. “I’m going to go grab the rest of the stuff out of my car.” I stand, bringing her with me. “Don’t worry, Wolfie will explore, then settle in a spot he’ll call his own.” Remmi gives my hand a squeeze, then starts back toward the kitchen to where Sadie is unloading the bags Rebel set down. Wolfie follows her. It’s clear he’s decided that his job is to look after Remmi. He plops down beside her while she works in the kitchen.
Phoenix and Kailyn are the first to arrive. Kailyn falls in love with the art pieces that Remmi has around the room.
“If you like these, I’ll take you to my workshop out back, and you can take a look around,” Remmi offers.
“I’m in!” Kailyn quickly agrees.
“Better wait for Maya,” Phoenix suggests. Then, right on cue, Bull and Maya come through the door, with Gertie leading the way. “Now that’s timing.” Phoenix laughs, as do the rest of us.
Gertie doesn’t hesitate to make her way over to where Remmi and I are sitting. Remmi quickly rises to greet her new guests. The room goes very quiet. Gertie stops right in front of Remmi, reaching up to cup her cheeks with her hands. Remmi bends to accommodate Gertie’s tiny frame.
“Such a beautiful soul,” Gertie says, her eyes locked with Remmi’s. “I see they hurt you, my child, but Wire will help you heal.”
“He already has, ma’am,” Remmi responds, giving Gertie a shy grin.
Gertie returns with a smile of her own. “Not quite, my dear, but you’ll get there.” Gertie scans the room and looks at the rest of the crew. “Wire and Remmi aren’t moving into the building,” Gertie says, apparently coming to the conclusion that Remmi and I will not be joining the other couples that have made the apartment complex their home. She sighs, then her gaze turns to me. “I’m an old woman, and that means you’re going to have to pick me up and drop me home,” she states, and finishes with “Feed me. Falcon is late. Again.”
