Probably.
But I already miss him.
How’s your morning going?
Trying to decide if coffee will make me a better person today.
It’s worth a shot. Coffee is magic.
Agreed. Let me know if you need anything, okay?
I can bring you some if you want.
Part of me wants to tell him to come over. But right now, I’m far from presentable—looking and feeling as though I’ve just crawled out of a wreckage. Besides, I still don’t know how much time I have before I need to head out.
With a hint of reluctance, I type my reply.
Will do. Thanks, Misha.
I let out a heavy sigh. “Jamie, do you know what time Grey usually goes for his walks on the weekend?”
“His schedule isn’t consistent enough for me to give you an estimate. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, I’m just going to—” I get cut short by the chime of my phone in my hand. Expecting to see another message from Misha, I’m surprised when I see a new notification—from Grey.
Grey
I’ll pick you up in an hour.
They’re both psychic, it seems.
A mix of nerves and excitement flutters in my stomach. I smile to myself and can’t stop smiling, even when I can barely shuffle to my bedroom to get ready.
“Good boy,”I murmur as Peanut and I stand in front of Amelia’s apartment, fretting with the loop of the leash handle, well-worn from many walks.
Peanut pants beside me, nerves making his sides heave more than usual.
He’s as nervous as I am.
I had debated picking up Amelia first so we could get Peanut together, but he’s shy around strangers. He might’ve just hidden away, too anxious to leave the house for a walk.
“This is going to be fine,” I assure him. “I’ll explain that you’re a little scaredy-cat, and I bet she’ll be nice about it. Amelia is very nice.” Peanut cocks his head, looking up at me with doubtful eyes. “Look, I would not take her with us if I thought she wouldn’t be cool. So be cool, too, okay? Just be cool about it.”
And please don’t embarrass me.
Taking a deep breath, I decide against ringing the doorbell, opting for a gentle knock instead. After a moment, the door swings open, and Amelia stands there with the biggest smile, making something in my chest tighten.
“Hey,” she whispers.
“Hey, Princess,” slips out before I can think better of it.
She blushes, her eyes darting away from mine, only to comically widen when she notices Peanut beside me. “This isPeanut?” she asks, amusement clear in her voice.
I look down at the bundle of thick, bushy brown fur that comes up to my waist. He’s more a real-life teddy bear than a dog. “Didn’t I tell you he’s a Newfoundland?” I ask, racking my brain for whether I’d mentioned it before.
She laughs, a sound that eases some of the tension in my shoulders. “No, you definitely did not. I was expecting a chihuahua or something small with a name like Peanut.”
I rub the back of my neck. “It’s a long story.” Her answering laugh makes me smile, but I quickly add, “Are you scared of big dogs? I promise he’s gentle as can be. Heart as big as his body. He’s more scared of y—” I cut short as she crouches to greet him properly, grimacing, reminding me that she’s aching.
