“Are you familiar with the charity event happening tonight at the winery here in town?”
“Yeah, of course. The mayor hosts it every year.”
“Damn it.”
“Why?” she asks.
I hesitate, then decide to trust her. “Finn asked me to go with him.”
There’s a beat. Then—“Finn?” she asks. “O’Donoghue?”
“Yes.”
“As in Officer O’Donoghue?” she nearly yells.
I close my eyes. “Yes.”
“Oh my God, are you going?”
“Well, now I am not sure,” I admit. “I asked him about dress code, and he said anything would be fine, but… considering it's the mayor’s event, I’m assuming jeans will not cut it?”
“Absolutely not,” Cassie says. “I mean, you could wear them, but you’d be the only one. People come from all over for this, and he’ll probably be in uniform.”
“Fantastic,” I mutter.
“And I’m guessing you didn’t pack a dress in your two little suitcases.”
“I did not. Is there anywhere in town where I could find a dress?”
“Girl, the closest place to buy a dress here is Corvallis or Albany, and that’s at least a two-hour drive.”
“Well, that’s not happening,” I sigh. “I’ll just text him and cancel. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“Oh, hell no. What size are you?”
“I… don’t know. An eight? Maybe?”
“I think I have just the thing. Send me your address. I’ll come by right after work. You are going to look fine as hell dancing the night away.”
I hang up the receiver and reach for my phone to text Cassie my address. As I unlock the screen, I notice an unopened message.
Aiden:
Hey May. Since you’re going out tonight, I was wondering if you’d be okay with me taking Neptune out on a hike. Skye and Houston would love the company.
I smile at the screen.
At lunch, I went home as I usually do and walked Neptune a little longer than normal, guilt tugging at me at the thought of him spending another evening alone. First, the workday, now a charity event. Knowing he’ll be with Aiden—outdoors, moving, having a good time—loosens something in my chest.
I type back right away.
Me:
That would be amazing. Thank you for thinking of him.
The reply comes almost immediately.
Aiden:
