"Don't. Just promise me you'll try to take it slow. Love is a beautiful journey, and you don't want to miss the scenery in order to get to the end of the path."
"Oh, God. Have you been reading romance novels again?"
"Just be careful, okay?"
"Okay."
We get up and give each other a hug. Then I go to the front desk to get my note.
"You're in my black book, Missy." I tell Luna.
"He's really hot, Emma. Good job."
I want to strangle her, but I don't because there's a line in front of her and I don't want to make a scene. I go back to my office behind the grooming area and open up the note. Hey, it was folded, so she cheated.
We need to talk. I want shared custody of Buddy. Here's my number (555)435-3233 T.
How do I face this man in the light of day? I'm both embarrassed and at the same time turned on when I think of what we did last night. You know what? I'm a modern woman and if I choose to sleep with someone it's my right to do so. I won't let anybody or even myself make me feel bad about it.
Before I go back to work, I send a quick message to Tristan.
Me: Vet checked Buddy. Needs some supplements. He typed up the recommendations. There might besome leftover lasagna soup with your name on it if you come by tonight.
Tristan: I thought you'd never ask.
Chapter 8
Tristan
Iwake up alone in bed and no dog in sight. My eyes search for some sort of note, but there's nothing. I get dressed and take a look around. The space feels different without Emma in it. I need to talk to her desperately. I don't know where we stand or what direction we're taking with 'us'.
Us is a nice word for it. I want there to be an 'us'. I'm not used to taking things as fast as we did last night, but that's what she does to me. She makes me forget myself, and I think that's a good thing for me. What can I bring into our relationship?
I'm good looking, hardworking and loyal. I sound like Buddy. He's probably got more of a chance with her than I do. I hate to leave Emma's apartment without saying goodbye, but looks likeshe's taken the lead on how things are going to be with us. I need to change that.
I go down the stairs and see that the shop is already open and serving customers. I go to the grooming area where we were last night and see two young girls setting up their gear to work.
"Hey, have you seen Emma?"
"She was here a minute ago, but I don't know where she went. Do you want to leave a message with us?"
"I'd rather write a note."
"Luna, the cashier can help with that. She'll get it to Emma."
"Thanks."
I look around the pet shop, but I can't seem to find her. Is she hiding from me? I thought we left things on good terms after that third time we had sex. She's got some stamina. I was exhausted after that and now I'm going to be late to the office.
The lady at the cash register eerily resembles Emma and I wonder what the other two sisters look like.
"Hey, are you Luna?"
"And who is asking?"
"Hi, I'm Tristan. I wanted to leave a note for Emma. No one seems to know where she is."
"Maybe I can help you with whatever it is that you need."
