“Well, keep me in the loop. This is one thing in your life that I actually find interesting. Everything else is boring. Seriously, go out and make some friends or something instead of sitting at home with your dog, drinking beer, and watching documentaries.”
“I’m worried about Hermes.” Ross’s gaze dropped to the dog in his lap, who watched him with one solitary brown eye.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“He’s been very low energy lately, not eating very much and he’s starting to feel really skinny. He just seems different.”
Luna released a long sigh. “Ross, who knows how old that dog is? He’s probably just winding down.”
This wasn’t reassuring at all. Ross had a sinking sensation in his gut, and the feeling was all-too familiar. “I’m taking him to the vet tomorrow just to be sure.”
“I remember when that dog first appeared at the jewelry store, and you were so annoyed you tried to push poor Hermes out. Now, look at you. I’m sure the vet is going to tell you the dog is too spoiled and has given up on walking. He probably expects you just to carry him around in a baby chest carrier thingy and be hand-fed fresh steak.”
A smile tugged on his lips at the idea. “Do you think he would fit in one of those?”
She laughed. “I’m sure Hermes is fine. Just keep in touch and let me know how it goes.”
“I will. And don’t give up, Lulu.”
“You too, Ross.”
Chapter Eleven
“Tea for Aanya,”Mia called from the Pony Expresso counter. “Oh, Aanya, hello! How are you?”
“I’m good now that I have my tea.” The older lady took her drink with a sweet smile.
“I’ve been busy lately, but I was planning on stopping by after work to maybe start taking some images in the store. Can you let Ross know? Maybe he’ll be less cranky if he’s prepared.”
Aanya frowned. “I don’t think today would be a great day. Ross took a call earlier, and poor Hermes has cancer. He’s been sitting in his office with the dog all day. Maybe you should talk to him.”
“God, that’s horrible. Yeah, thanks for letting me know.”
Mia hadn’t known Hermes for long, but a heavy sadness settled in her heart for the El Dorado Jewelry family. After work, she walked to the jewelry store to pay the dog and his owner a visit.
Aanya’s eyes raised at her arrival, and she pointed to his office door. Mia tapped on it, opening it when she heard, “Yeah?” from the other side.
Ross leaned his head against his knuckles as he read something on the computer. The other chair had been pulled close and turned into a pedestal, the dog’s bed placed in the center. It was clear Hermes had ascended to the status of royalty in the small jewelry shop, which was understandable.
“Hey,” Mia said.
Ross blinked in surprise as she placed an Americano on his desk.
“Aanya told me the news about Hermes. I brought you a coffee and Hermes his favorite muffin,” Mia said, giving the animal gentle pets. Hermes opened his eye, and she offered him a muffin chunk. The dog sniffed the food but turned away uninterested. Mia’s heart broke for him, and she returned to petting. “It’s okay. We’ll save it for later.” She turned her focus to Ross. “How are you doing?”
His finger fiddled with the plastic edge of the coffee lid. “It took me three tries to spell canine lymphoma before Google could actually figure out what I meant.”
“Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Yeah, I’ve been reading up on it.” He studied her as she continued petting the sick dog. “You don’t know how frustrating everything is. And when something like this happens, it just makes my process that much harder. I already have to read every word twice to make sure what I think I’m reading is actually what’s there. By the time I get to the end of the sentence, I’ve already forgotten how the beginning started.” He focused on the screen, leaning against a bent arm on his desk.
“If you’re tired, I can read a section out loud. Give yourself a break, Ross. Anyone would have trouble processing information under these circumstances.”
He didn’t move. “I don’t need any help.”
“Okay.”
Mia focused her attention on the dog instead, running her fingers through his soft curls.
