Yep
Erykah
Then what do I do with him?
Chris
Take him to an animal shelter. They can see if he’s chipped to locate the owners. I’ve got numbers for a couple of good ones in the area.
The puppy made a low rumble as if he were sleeping. I stared at our reflection, him content, me looking a little panicked. I couldn’t take him to an animal shelter. What if he didn’t have people? Everyone knew what happened to those animals. Unfortunately, I also knew what it felt like to be castaside. Someone had ditched him, and he was injured. How could I just turn around and abandon him all over again?
Chris
Do you want the numbers?
Erykah
I can’t just abandon him.
Chris
You can at least see if he’s chipped. If he isn’t, are you willing to take responsibility? Raising a puppy takes a lot of time. What will you do when you’re at work?
Erykah
I hate that you’re right. Still, if he doesn’t have a home, I want to give him one. When I go to work, can I leave him in a crate or something?
Chris
He’d be lonely.
The ellipsis danced across the screen.
Chris
If you want, you can drop him off at my nonprofit during the day. If I’m not there, one of my associates can watch him.
I bit my lip. Agreeing to this plan did not sound like it would fall under Operation Stay Away. But the thought of turning the pup over to the pound sounded worse.
Erykah
Okay. Thank you.
Chris
Sure. I like helping my friends out.
Why did being called a friend burn just a little? Still, his words were comforting and made me smile, even if I didn’t feel like doing so right that moment.
Erykah
Thanks. Send me the address, and I’ll see you Monday.
Chris
Will do.
Erykah
