“I’ll send you a link in case you have nothing better to do than listen to me go on for a half hour about the latest in…well, it doesn’t matter what. You would be bored to tears.”
“Send it to me. I want to hear you be the keynote.”
I shrugged. “It’s just very technical and I was only nominated because the administration put me up for it. It’s good for the hospital.”
“It’s a big honor. Send me that link immediately.” This smile was real, but he still looked so tired.
“All right. I shouldn’t keep you. You need to get some rest.”
“I’m fine, just haven’t slept too well. You look pretty wiped out, too.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that. So, I’ll say good night and we’ll both get rest. I’ll be home tomorrow.”
“I’m glad. I’ve missed you.”
“Me too, Ernie.” Zoe popped into the frame beside him, only half of her big head fitting in. “And Zoe.”
He pulled the phone back a bit so I could see both of them, his arm slung over her shoulders. “She misses you, too.”
“She looks pretty happy. How many treats has she had?”
“Not nearly enough to make up for the sadness.” He hugged her and looked back at the screen. “Could I ask you a favor?” His voice changed, sounding younger, more like his little self although not entirely there.
“Of course. Anything. Want me to bring you a present from the airport? Toblerone?” I’d seen those things in all the gift shops and always wondered what they were like.
“No present, but would you tell us a story so we can go to sleep?”
I caught my breath. “Okay, but first, you go put on your pajamas and brush your teeth. Get all ready for bed and I will think of what story I want to tell.”
“Don’t hang up.”
I actually had thought I would and he could call back when he was under the covers, but I said, “No. I’m right here. Take me with you.”
I stayed on the phone while he brushed and flossed and changed and climbed in bed, Zoe bounding in next to him. And, when he was all settled, I began.
“Once upon a time, there was a dog named Pup-Pup…”
“And he didn’t have a boy.” The dog in question was tucked in safely on the other side of him from Zoe. She had her own baby, the one that stayed at my house, under her chin, and she hadn’t made another move for Pup-Pup, but we were always careful just in case.
“That’s right. He lived with a doctor, while he waited for his boy to come…” I went on telling the story of how we met, and how we reconnected, leaving out the really scary medical details, and by the time Zoe of the story had turned up with Pup-Pup in her mouth, Ernie and Zoe were sound asleep.
Chapter Fifteen
Ernie
I’d been thrilled that Jovan’s trip was over and had been watching the door for his arrival for the past hour. It was ridiculous. He was going to get here when he got here, and watching the painted wood was going to accomplish nada.
When he finally walked in, I ran to him, not pretending to have an ounce of chill.
“I’m so glad you’re back.”
He wrapped his arms around me.
I’d missed him. How could I not. But I hadn’t fully understood the depth of that until I stood there in his arms. I sank into his embrace, holding on, savoring the feel of him.
Zoe was having none of that and kept trying to push her way between us, eventually succeeding and getting the attention she desperately wanted from her human.
“I see somebody missed me.”
