FIVE
Lucy
The door slams, and I know Miles is heading out on his morning run again. The dedication of that man to his running regimen is either awe-inspiring or guilt-inducing. He hardly misses a morning. Now, for me, I prefer my evening walks. Much nicer. Enjoyable even. And I don’t have to worry about things like injured knees.
I saw the way he was limping around when I fed him the breakfast sandwiches yesterday. Hopefully, it wasn’t anything too serious since he’s out running again this morning.
I finish drying my hair with a towel, then wrap it around myself to go to the kitchen to make some coffee.
I grab my phone and text my friend Krystal.
Me: Are you still okay with this?
Krystal: Of course! You know I love Alexander. I’m just still mad at you for moving.
Me: Thank you for this. I’m hoping to figure something out soon. I miss both of you!
Krystal: When I get a school break, I’ll bring Alexander to visit you.
She texts me a picture of the cutest boy there ever was. A giant head overtakes the picture as my English mastiff smiles at the camera.
Me: That sounds great. I’ll Venmo you some money for dog food. That guy eats more than a horse.
Krystal is my closest friend in Colorado, and she has been an absolute angel, taking care of my dog, Alexander, until I can figure out how to get him here and where I can keep him. I lived with her when I was finishing up school, and she told me it was only natural to leave Alexander there with her until I could find a place that allowed dogs.
But I need to get my life figured out first. I knew he wouldn’t fit in the apartment with Willa and me—literally. He’s the sweetest English mastiff and weighs more than I do.
I’ve yet to mention the dog to Miles. I set my phone down, adjust the towel wrapped around me, and reach for the light roast coffee beans I bought this week.
As I rip open the package, an awful sound greets my ears.Thumping. Then a singsong beeping sound.
Miles is coming back into the house.
And I’m wearing only a towel.
There’s no time to run down the hallway and back to the safety of the room, so I drop to the ground, hiding behind the island as the door swings open.
I hold my breath as I hear him take off his shoes, muttering quietly to himself.
By the sound of his footsteps, he disappears down the hall, and I wonder if I should risk making a run for my room.
Just as I start to stand up, I hear him walking back toward the kitchen. I crouch down as he stops on the other side of the island.
I can hear rustling, as if he’s setting something down or messing with something on the counter. There is a clink andthe audible sound of swallowing. He’s drinking from his water bottle.
I close my eyes, as if that will make him go away. I’m wearing nothing but a towel. I’m at an unfair advantage right here.
The fluffy towel I thought was so comfortable is not my favorite thing anymore. It’s definitely not as big as I imagined when I wrapped myself in it and left the bathroom. Right now, it feels like it’s about the size of a small hand towel.
Miles walks to the front door, and I can hear more shuffling, then the door opening. There’s a pause in movement.
“You know, the couch would be a lot more comfortable than the kitchen floor!” Miles calls out with a wicked laugh as he leaves the house again.
How did he see me?I glance at the fridge that’s directly across from me. The stainless steel is so shiny that it might as well be a mirror.
He must have seen the complete reflection of me crouched on the ground while he was standing on the other side of the island.
That’s it. I’m going to have to color my hair, get a fake passport, and flee the country.
