In too short of a time, he deposits me on the couch and sets my crutch within easy reach. He fusses to make sure I have all the paraphernalia I might need, the magazines and drinks and remote controls.
Then he grabs the leash off the rack in the mudroom. Archie flies around the corner, a shoe in his mouth.
“Fuck! Archie! That’s my favorite pair of shoes!” Ryder yells, snatching the now-mangled loafer out of the dog’s mouth. Archie just barks, jumping to get it again.
I laugh. “Give it up. He’s ruined more pairs of one-of-a-kind vintage shoes than I can count.”
He shakes his head, but his mouth twitches. “I’ll take him for a walk. Maybe it will wear him out.”
I grin. My plan is working. My fake-a-twisted-ankle-but-get-a-real-one-instead plan. “If you’re walking him into town, stop by the ice cream shop, or Lorenzo will be disappointed. Archie loves his pup cones. Also, the girls working at the fudgery like to give him pets. And Taylor’s dog Louis at Closet Dreams likes to play. And Mrs. Cunningham in the photography store is a littlelonely and loves company. There are a few others, if you want a list.”
“Are you kidding?” Ryder asks.
“Nope.”
“I can’t go into all those stores. I’ll end up on social media.”
I wave a hand. “Eh. Aren’t you supposed to be awesome with disguises? Just wear the baseball cap and shades. Maybe that fake mustache you use sometimes. You’ll be fine. You always blend in.”
Unlike some celebrities, Ryder has the magical ability to fade into the background. It’s especially impressive because when he’s onstage, he commands stadiums with just a few words. He told me once that he learned to adjust his body language to go unnoticed when he was in the boy band. It’s instinctual now. He has more elaborate disguises, but with shades, a big ball cap, and a slouch, the man becomes invisible.
It really is a superpower for such a big star.
He grumbles as he spends a few minutes trying to get Archie to sit, then gives up and leashes him. But his grumbling doesn’t fool me. I see how he pets and murmurs something sweet to the corgi before attaching the leash. And how he slips him a treat when he doesn’t think I’m looking.
He’s totally falling for the dog, even if he’s resisting it.
And he allowed Archie to sleep in his room last night.
In my book, that’s serious. Taking things to the next level.
I lied and told Ryder that I was worried about Archie lying on my ankle when he cuddled in bed.
Ryder didn’t seem to believe me, but then fate intervened. Or maybe Archie can understand English. Because he leaped onto the couch and landed dead on my ankle.
It hurt like hell.
But it worked. And now he sleeps with Ryder. The dog’s been ecstatic about all this quality time.
Unfortunately, it’s not just Archie getting used to it.
“I’ve always wantedto see inside this place,” Taylor says when he pops by for a visit a few days later.
I balance on one crutch as he gives me air kisses.
He looks me up and down. “At least you look great when you’re wounded. Love what you’ve done with the crutch.”
“Thank you. I got bored yesterday and found a glue gun, basket of ribbon, and this fabric from the sixties in the sewing room.” I gave the pad supporting me under my arms a little more cushioning and pizzaz with the floral fabric, and I decorated the leg with a pattern using ribbon. The effect makes me smile.
“Ooooh, what are those?” I ask, pointing to the two shopping bags Taylor carries.
“Patience. Let’s get you seated.”
As I hobble and he walks beside me, he takes in the formal entryway, the high ceilings, and the dark furnishings. He peeks into an open doorway that leads to an impressive library lined in mahogany, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and leather club chairs.
“You’re right. It’s divine. And totally haunted.”
“Right!?” I lead him into the large living room with its floor-to-ceiling windows fronting the water. “Here’s my office,” I say, dropping my crutch and hopping to the couch.
