I look back at Ewan, but he’s stuffing his checkbook into his backpack—the same L.L. Bean one he’s had since kindergarten. Some things never die.
Chapter
Seven
Ewan
I’m not just a shitty husband. I’m also a shitty dog owner. Pretty sure I forgot to put Pascal in the house when I left for the hospital.
While Maddie is changing in her hospital bathroom, I call Rowdy.
“I got him,” he says, and I blow out a breath.
“Thanks, man. I owe you.”
“No problem. But we’re gonna have a talk soon.”
I understand that tone. Shitty husband, shitty dog owner, and I’ve also been a shitty friend.
I have a lot to make up for.
To my pleasant surprise, Maddie allows me to buckle her into my car when we leave the hospital.
She’s not fighting me as I baby her.
It seems the arguing has gone out of both of us.
Stopping by the Sparrow Family Pharmacy, the tech in the drive-through recognizes me.
“Ewan Hayes, is that you?”
“In the flesh,” I say.
“Wow, I haven’t seen you since well…I guess you didn’t come to the 10-year reunion last year, did you?”
I shake my head.
“No, I guess that would be awkward,” the tech replies.
“Yep,” I say. Much like this conversation is awkward.
“It’s nice to see you. What are you doing in town?”
I tell him I’m picking up my wife’s prescription.
“Oh, are you remarried?” He cranes his neck around, trying to get a glimpse of the passenger.
The passenger makes it easy on him. Next to me, Maddie waves. “Hi there, Wyatt.”
She is unendingly smiling and polite most of the time, even when she is ill.
I’m the only one who gets to see the dark side. And that ain’t a complaint.
“Oh! Well, that’s…something,” Wyatt says.
I clear my throat. “Hey Wyatt, do you think you could grab a couple of bottles of Pedialyte and add those to the bill?”
“Sure thing, buddy, I’ll be right back.”
