I shook my head. “No, you’re absolutely right. I said I didn’t have many friends and then I don’t follow up with someone who offered to be a friend. I will reach out. I just hope it’s not too late.”
“If it is, then you weren’t meant to be friends with him. If he extends that friendship back, maybe you can connect.” Andre sighed. “This from the man who has no friends.”
“All the better to encourage me to find them wherever I can.” I squeezed his hand. “Let’s get my pups home.”
Andre ducked his head before meeting my gaze. “I like when you say that.”
“Because I’m speaking the truth.”
Those words carried us home. Daphne had a small drink of water while Andre and I each had a small bowl of ice cream.
“Time for bed.” I put our bowls in the dishwasher.
“I’ve been thinking—” Andre swallowed. “I don’t need you. I mean, I’ll be okayalone.”
Even as he said the words, though, I read fear in them.
“Too late. You asked me to join you, and I’ve sort of prepared myself to step back into the room I shared with Marty. In truth, I want to see you curled into his bed with a blanket. Oh, and a stuffie. Did you pick a stuffie? Why don’t you go downstairs and grab one?”
Again, his eyes lit. He hotfooted downstairs.
I took the opportunity to head upstairs. I did my business and brushed my teeth. Then I headed into the spare bedroom I used and got undressed. Figuring enough time had passed, I headed back into the primary bedroom.
To find Andre had pulled out the dog bed and sat nervously on the human bed. His fingers were curled into the covers.
I moved to him and stroked his cheek. “It’s all right, pup. If something makes you uncomfortable, then you say stop. Solo, you’re a good boy.”God, I really hate that name. He needs something that suits his gentle and kind personality—not something that implies he goes through life alone.
He held out a well-loved stuffed giraffe.
“That’s Stuart. Don’t ask me why Marty named him that—but he did. Stuart was Marty’s favorite.”
Andre grinned. “Then, while I’m here, he’ll be my favorite too.”
I scratched his scalp. “How about you keep him? Even when you leave here. Then, if you want, a part of Marty will always be with you.”
“And a part of you?”
“And a part of me, pup. But only if you want.”
He held Stuart close. “Best present ever.” He scrunched his nose. “No.” He drew in a deep breath. “Mom gave me some awesome presents. Most amazing was the gift of knowing where I came from.”
“You mean the investigator’s report?”
He nodded.
“You’re allowed to have several best presents ever.”
He cocked his head.
“Zahir’s rule.”
Slowly, a smile crept onto his face. “Yeah.”
“Now, shall I tuck you into bed?”
He nodded vigorously. Then he got onto the bed.
The night was cooler than last night, but still warm. “Blanket or not?”
