“Is that the guy from the Alabama Jets?”
“That’s the one. He just got traded to the Comets.”
“Your father was excited about that trade—he likes players who work their way up instead of coasting on hype. And I’ve heard he’s a real Southern gentleman.”
I pin my brows together, guilt funneling into my chest. “I don’t think we’re off to the best start… Things have been a littletense.”
Never mind the fact that Cocoa ruined his basketball shoes.
“Hmm,” Mom hums. “Maybe it’s because he thinks you’re cute. I think that’s how that works, yeah?”
I glance down at the real culprit, who seems completely unbothered. “Um… I don’t think that’s the problem this time… It’s just… He left his gym bag outside his door…”
“It’s the dog, isn’t it?” My mother’s voice flattens, and I can’t decide if she’s about to lecture me or laugh. “I know that rescue dog of yours is a handful.”
“He’s really not, though.”
“He’s a boy named Cocoa.”
“Hey, now.” I pout. “It’s a cute name. I think it suits him…Good evening, Sir Cocoa.” I say the words in a deeper voice, and pointedly, my mom laughs.
“You’re something else, you know that?”
“Yeah.” I sigh.Unfortunately, I do.
She pauses, giving me a moment just long enough to wonder if our call dropped. However, then she speaks, low and sweet. “Focuson you and enjoy life. You don’t have to stress over making a name for yourself.”
“Okay, Mom,” I say. “Love you.”
“Love you more.”
I let the call end, and for a minute, I just sit, staring at the tangle of leash in my hand, feeling the words settle like sand in a bottle. They always say they don’t care if I win or lose. That they love me either way. And I believe them.
So why does it still feel like winning is the only way I know how to matter?
Cocoa looks up at me, tongue lolling, already expecting the next adventure.
And I do what I do best. I smile, get up, and try again.
Fur-Ever Homes Forum
Forum Thread: Help! My dog peed on my neighbor’s shoes!
@NicoleandCocoa25:
I need some advice, and maybe a witness protection program. My dog peed on my new neighbor’s gym bag. And not just any gym bag—an NBA player’s gym bag. It soaked through and got on his basketball shoes. How can I make sure this never happens again?
@ballisdog:
Wait. Your new neighbor plays for the actual NBA?
@NicoleandCocoa25:
Yes, and he’stall. Very tall.
@callum&fergie:
The fact that your dog chose that bag feels targeted. Dogs sense greatness.
