“I think he’s one of those Tibetan terriers. Maybe you could name him Chewy or Bear.”
The look on her face said she wasn’t amused, and the pitiful whine that came from the dog said he sided with Erykah.
“Okay. I’m not usually bad at this.”
“Oh really? You named your ferret Kimble. That’s terrible.”
“But you got the reference.”
She laughed. “Fine. Maybe Chewbacca wouldn’t be so bad, but he doesn’t like the name.”
Just then, her phone chimed. She pulled it out and smiled. “I sent a pic of him to my sister. She says my niece likes Charlie as a name.”
The dog’s tail wagged with excitement.
Chris passed the pup back to Erykah. “Looks like he likes the name too.”
“Is that right?” she asked the pup softly. “Should I call you Charlie?”
He barked, and his tongue lolled out.
“I guess Charlie it is.”
“Let’s head inside and get Charlie some supplies.”
He had to remind himself that this outing was just between two friends. Still, he couldn’t deny the way his heart thumped in his chest every time she spoke to Charlie or smiled at his antics. Soon they were at the checkout with dog food, a collar, a leash, and other supplies.
“Hey, Chris. Didn’t think I’d see the day you came in here with a normal pet.” The salesclerk’s eyes twinkled as she scanned a squeaky toy.
He chuckled. “Norma, this is Erykah. Erykah, this is Norma. And Norma, that’s Charlie, Erykah’s pet.”
“Phooey. I thought you’d joined the domesticated world for a second.”
“Nope. I’m still hanging out with the wild ones for now.”
Norma looked at Erykah. “You need to convince this man to get a normal pet.”
“You don’t like Kimble?” Erykah threw a smirk his way.
“You’ve met the ferret?”
Erykah’s laugh floated around him and skittered goose bumps across his arms. Thank goodness no one could see under his fleece hoodie.
“I haven’t, but Chris has told me about him.”
“I suppose it’s a good thing he saved him, but that man goes home to an empty house. No pets, no people, nothing.”
Ouch, Norma. Way to twist the knife.
Only she wasn’t wrong. Chris didn’t have anyone to keep him company. He used to believe it was better that way, butlately, other thoughts were trying to creep into his mind. He wanted more, wanted someone. A person. Not the same type of woman he’d chosen in the past. No, he had to ensure he never made that foolish mistake again.
Was Erykah likeher, or was she different? Erykah’s smile was different, seemingly genuine and pure kindness. The subtle honey scent of her perfume—or was it some type of body wash?—was enough to entice his senses but not overwhelm them.
Observation told him Erykah was different in other ways too, but Chris wouldn’t go past friendship until the idea felt right in his spirit. Being friends was a good move in his opinion. He could get to know her in a non-pressurized environment and discover her character and who she was as a person.
Despite telling his friends he’d jump back into the dating ring, Chris opted for extreme caution and was merely dipping a toe in the tepid waters.
Erykah peered up at him before returning her gaze to Norma. “I’ll make sure he does better.”
