“But she said it's Milo's problem, ergo, it is now my problem,” Jack said.
“Mazel tov!” I said, raising my glass.
Jack poured me another while he and Chloe exchanged a look.
“Do you want to see the puppy?” Chloe asked.
“Sure, I guess,” I said, trying to figure out what was going on.
She disappeared for a minute.
“So how's the bake-off?” Jack asked, grinning. “Find a cute girl?”
“No. You know I'm done with dating.”
“You can't let Sloane turn you off of love!” Jack exclaimed.
“Who are you, and what did you do with my cold-as-ice brother?” I remarked, feeling his forehead.
“You're soft on the inside,” Jack cajoled. “You still talk to Mom and Dad.”
“I shouldn't,” I sighed. “But I keep thinking they'll have a revelation and apologize.”
Jack snorted. “The Svensson brothers think you're lonely.”
“I'm not.”
“Also, they want me to make sure you don't go after Meg.”
“What? Hunter's Meg? Why would I?”
“You made the comment at Thanksgiving that you would pursue her. It's been a serious point of contention. Liam showed me the group chats,” Jack said seriously.
“It was a joke, and also Hunter would probably light my tower on fire. I'm not an idiot,” I retorted.
“We know, but they're all concerned. You know how tightly wound Hunter is,” Chloe said, coming out with a bundle of floof in her arms. “Isn't he cute!” Milo wagged his tail as Chloe placed the puppy gently in my arms.
“He definitely doesn't look like he came out of a Dalmatian,” I said, inspecting the puppy. He was the spitting image of Jack's husky.
“Do you love him?” Chloe gushed.
“A dog can add a lot of value to a person's life,” Jack added. I looked between him and Chloe.
“No, thank you.”
“Take the dog, Owen.”
“I don't have time.”
“Idon't have time,” my brother insisted.
“He pees everywhere,” Chloe explained, “and I just had the penthouse redecorated. He's ruined several very expensive shoes and a nice couch I had imported.”
The puppy stuck his tongue out and licked my face.
Hewascute.
“He likes you,” Jack said. “Just take him for a little while.”
