“What’s wrong?”
Buck picked up on the second ring, with most of the sleep leaving his voice almost immediately.
“Hi Sheila. It’s Bobbie. I have a little problem.”
“Wha…? Sheila…? Fuck. Someone’s there with you.” Buck immediately got it.
“Yeah. I’m sorry to call so early, but when I got to my boat, I found I had a couplefriendswho wanted to head to Canada with me today since the weather is going to be so nice. One of them, however, is allergic to dogs.”
“It’s your brothers,” Buck growled, now fully alert.
“That’s right,” she agreed breezily. “So, I need someone to look after Reyghan for me. I have to shove off, soon, but I’ll leave her in Lou’s office down at the harbor.”
Buck clearly wasn’t happy. “Goddammit, Bobbie. You need to call things off.”
“I’m just about ready to go,” she countered, hoping he’d realize that she couldn’t back out, now.
“Fuck,” he swore, then pulled himself together. “Okay. I get it. I don’tlikeit, but I get it. I’ll make sure Reyghan’s taken care of, and I’ll let everyone know about the change of plans.Shit.I’m not sure how Tex will want to deal with this, but try not to worry, Bobbie. One way or another we’ll figure things out. You just go along with everything your brothers say, and try to slow things down. Drag your feet. The longer you give us to make a new plan, the better.”
Bobbie could hear the worry in his voice, but smiled as if everything was a-okay.
“Thanks, Sheila. Will do. I’ll see you on Wednesday night when I get home.”
“Stay safe, Bobbie. Please.” Buck’s voice broke. “I love you.”
If there was ever a point when the words were ready to come off her lips, it was now, but with Drew nearby she couldn’t say them.
Shitty timing.
“Yeah. You too,” Bobbie managed, then with great reluctance, she cut the connection.
“Okay,” she told her brother, mock-cheerfully. “We’re all set. Sheila’s coming to take Reyghan.” She bent and scooped up her little dog, who, none the wiser, was yipping with excitement, thinking there was an adventure ahead.
There was, but it wasn’t one where the doggo would be involved, and Bobbie certainly wasn’t looking forward to it.
“I’ll just bring Reyghan to the harbormaster’s office,” she stated.
Drew jumped down from the van after putting the fourth of the remaining boxes on the pavement. “I’ll go with you.”
Right.
He wasn’t trusting her.
Drew might be an asshole, but he’d never beencompletelystupid, and becausehe,himself, was always scheming, he figured everyone else was, too.
Bobbie shrugged. “I know the way, but if you want to…”
“I do,” he snarled, then dogged her heels all the way to the office which wasn’t yet manned at this time of morning. Someone was always in by six, however, which was fine. It would leave Reyghan alone for less than an hour, and she’d have fun exploring.
Bobbie had been meaning to dawdle, as per Buck’s suggestion, but Drew kept snapping his fingers to hurry her along, and she had no choice but to comply if she didn’t want to raise any doubts in him.
Silently sighing, Bobbie went in through the always unlocked door, Drew at her back, and placed a happy pup on the floor. She easily located a pen and paper, scribbling a thoughtful note.
Hi, Lou, Something came up and I couldn’t take Reyghan with me today.
Everyone in the office had met and fawned over her puppy, so Bobbie wasn’t afraid they wouldn’t know who she was.
I have someone coming to get her very soon. She’s been fed, but treats are always good.
