By delegating. I never expected that.
“Here’s the list of where to pick them up.” I hand it to Boen, and yes, I make sure my fingers brush his. “It’s within two blocks, really close to here. You can just walk them around—how much time do you have before class?”
It’s impressive how all the kids turn to Boen. “We have thirty-five minutes,” he says firmly, ignoring Rusty, who is pulling his leash to get closer to him. Like all dogs, Rusty knows the person who doesn’t like him, and does his best to change the fact.
“That’s plenty of time. I told them you were coming. They all have key codes so you don’t need actual keys. I included them on the list.”
Boen nods and backs away. “We’ll be fine.” He gives me a tight smile and heads for the sidewalk, his students trailing after him.
“Let me know if you have any problems,” I call after him.
Boen turns back. “I don’t have your number.”
“Dude,” the jock with Rusty says.
“It’s on the list,” I say. And with another nod, he walks away.
Of course, I start to worry once they’re gone, counting the minutes until I think it’s time that someone brings Rusty home.
And when I hear the knock on the door, my relief is mixed with disappointment because it’s not Boen who brings him back.
“Mr. C had to get back.” The girl is tall, with a sheet of silky black hair and beautiful in a serious way. “He’s given us a couple extra minutes to bring Rusty back.”
“Great dog.” Jock is with her. “I’m Bryce, by the way. And this is Amal.”
“Rachel,” I say.
“We know,” Amal says without a smile. “Mr. C told us about you last week.”
The surprise hits me like a jolt of electricity. Last week? “What exactly did Mr. C say about me?”
Bryce opens his mouth, but Amal swats his arm. “No,” she says. “That’s for him to tell her.”
“Seriously?”I sputter a laugh. “You’ve got to give me something. The guy hated my dog on sight and now he’s gone and walked a half dozen of them.”
“It’s not that he dislikes dogs,” Bryce says before Amal can stop him. “He’s afraid of them.”
“Afraid…”
Boen is afraid of dogs. Now it all makes sense.
“Gotta go.” Amal pulls Bryce away from the door. “Nice meeting you.”
“Thank you,” I call. “I hope you get a really good mark for this.”
Boen
Rachel must have been watching for me to come home from school because a few minutes after I get home, she’s at my door.
“You’re afraid of dogs?” she exclaims.
My shoulders slump. “Let me guess—Bryce told you.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have never—” She cuts herself off. “I would have done things differently.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve avoided animals for years and I can continue to do so.”
“Is that why you blew me off?” I’ve always thought Rachel’s bluntness was off-putting, but I’ve never been put on the spot quite like this.
