Page 75 of Always Almost You

The two canine-human couples wove through the crowded tables, oblivious to the curious and delighted smiles of those who had witnessed the reunion. “I’ll be back for my final two songs,” Lauren told the host as they passed by and stepped out into the night.

They stopped near the now-deserted balloon arch, standing closer than strangers, but not yet sure how to be anything else. They watched as their dogs continued to reacquaint themselves.

Lauren broke the silence. “I can’t believe what just happened in there.”

Mike nodded. “I’ve imagined moments like that ever since we met. Buddy heard you singing and brought me straight to you.”

“You’re an even better boy than I thought,” Lauren said, bending to run her hands along Buddy’s back.

“I planned to get your contact information the next morning at the hotel,” Mike said, “but you’d already left. The hotel wouldn’t give it to me, of course. The woman at the gift shop wanted to help and sent me to the front desk. They insisted on following the privacy laws.”

“I left you a note with my phone number,” Lauren said. She massaged Buddy’s ears. “I wanted to know what happened to our friend here.”

“I got the dog pajamas, but there was no note.” Mike shook his head. “That confused me. I finally decided you were just being kind with the pajamas and didn’t want to hear from me. If I had your number, I would have called,” he said, leaning slightly toward her. “I would have called immediately.”

Lauren tilted her face toward his. “I checked my phone constantly for days. When I didn’t hear from you, I concluded you weren’t interested, or were married or involved.”

Mike shook his head. “I desperately wanted to find you. I even asked AI how many women between twenty-five and thirty-five named Lauren live in Los Angeles County.” He gave her a wry smile. “Turns out there are thousands.”

Lauren laughed softly. “I chased a tall, dark-haired stranger walking a golden retriever the other day, hoping it was you.”

“He’s been doing the same thing,” Mike said. “Every time he sees a small brown dog, he checks to see if it’s Pumpkin.”

As if on cue, Buddy nudged Pumpkin, inviting another round of play.

“I finally told myself I was being ridiculous,” Lauren said. “I tried to force you from my mind.” She paused. “I wasn’t successful.”

“I couldn’t stop thinking of you, either.”

Buddy and Pumpkin settled at their feet, finally worn out. Buddy stretched out along the ground while Pumpkin curled into the curve of his side as if she had always belonged there.

Lauren shivered in her thin dress and crossed her arms.

“If I had a jacket, I’d give it to you,” Mike said. “May I put my arm around you?”

She nodded and leaned into him. “I’d better get back inside,” she said reluctantly, enjoying his closeness more than she wanted to admit. “I’m one of the performers raising money tonight, and I have two more songs to sing.”

“I can see why people requested you,” he said. “You’re incredible. I’ll stay to hear you sing again. And I’ll see the two of you to your car.”

“You’re a fabulous singer yourself. If you were a regular, people would have paid to hear you sing. I’d donate to hear that Elvis number again.”

“I was inspired by the person who went on before me.” He winked at Lauren.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Walking Buddy tonight was perhaps the best decision of my life. Now that I’ve found you again, I never want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” she whispered against his shoulder.

“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

She nodded.

“Except there’s one problem with that,” he continued. “I can’t wait until tomorrow night to see you again. How about breakfast?”

She tilted her head back and smiled up at him. “I can do breakfast instead.”

“I didn’t say instead of,” he replied. “I meant breakfast and dinner.” He smiled. “Let’s both take tomorrow off. I won’t be able to get you off my mind after seeing you in the morning.”