April:
I love that! I can’t wait to meet him!
You always find the best rescues.
June:
Remember that time you rescued a baby duck, and it pooped on your bed?
Me:
Ugh, don’t remind me. Neptune’s better than a duck.
April:
Obviously.
June:
I’m glad you’ve got him. You sound really happy.
I smile down at my phone, feeling that warm glow only my sisters can give me.
Me:
Okay, it’s 8 P.M. here, I’m gonna go find something to eat.
June:
Love you both. Be careful.
Me:
Love you too. Talk tomorrow?
April:
Love you. Be safe!
I slip my phone back into my pocket, the sea breeze still cool on my face. Neptune rests his head on my thigh, warm and reassuring. Maybe everything’s going to be okay.
Chapter 2
Isit in Rusty, my faithful but slightly wheezy Toyota Tacoma, with Neptune riding shotgun. He’s staring at me with those patient brown eyes, tongue lolling as if he’s perfectly content to let me figure things out.
“Alright, Neptune,” I say, scrolling through my phone. “Let’s see what’s open.”
Surprise, surprise—absolutelyeverythingis closed.
“What is this?” I mutter. “I knew it was a small town, but come on. It’s just after eight.”
I search for pizza. Closed. Chinese. Closed. Fast food? Not a single golden arch in sight.
I sigh and start driving, heading toward the closest gas station Google Maps can find. A Shell station, supposedly open until nine. It’s already dark outside, the last light of the day long gone, but I hold on to a little bit of hope.
We pull in, and my heart sinks. The lights are out, and the door is locked tight.
“You’re going to have to share your food with me, Neps,” I say, glancing over at him. He lets out a soft “aoo” sound, the canine equivalent of a resigned sigh.
