Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Oh, look at that sweet boy,” I say while opening the door, wedging myself inside, and closing the door behind me. Mackie sits on his bottom, his short nubby tail swishing along Talia’s wood floor, waiting for attention. I drop to my knees and give him all the pets a boy could ask for. We’ll do this for a few minutes before I’ll take Mackie out back, allow him to do his business before we leash up and hit the streets.
“You’re such a good boy. Let’s go outside and play fetch?” I scratch his ears. He gives me a big slobbery kiss on the cheek, lets out a yip in agreement, and we make moves to do one of his favorite things. Mackie leads the way, doing crazy circles since I’m taking entirely too long for his patience. The minute I’m at the door, he jumps and shows his goofy smile, teeth and all.
The chirping of my phone in my side pocket makes me pause, and I’d probably look at the device first if it weren’t for the short, glossy-furred with a warm tan to reddish brown color baby boy who won’t let me forget about him.
“There you go. Run free, chase lizards, sniff the air, and find your ball,” I tell Mackie, but he’s already taking off to the nearest tree, lifting his leg and marking his territory. “Typical boy,” I mutter and go about seeing who is sending me text after text.
Talia: Thank you again. I’m sorry for the short notice. I know he’ll love spending the night with his Aunt Serena, though. I promise a trip to the farmer’s market and lunch on me soon!
I shake my head at her nonsense. We have a standing girls' day out once a month to the market, where we both stock up on as much fresh produce as possible, she splurges on flowers, and I usually go for the fresh-baked breads, buying enough to freeze in order to last me a month. Lately, we’ve been passing in the wind with conflicting schedules, but she’s right, we’re due. Except she doesn’t need to pay for my lunch.
Me: You’re welcome, and yes to our Saturday ritual soon. Hold the lunch, though. Mackie brings me so much joy. Plus, he keeps me from rotting on the couch while either doom-scrolling or watching a serial killer documentary.
I snap a quick picture of Mackie. His front paws are on the trunk of the tree, his tail is going non-stop, and he’s looking up at what I’m sure is either a bird or a squirrel.
After backing out of that thread, I see a few more messages, along with some emails.
Mom: Do you have dinner plans? We’re going out to Twisted Oak, if you want to join us.
Me: I don’t, but it’s my night to help with Mackie. Plus, I’m exhausted, and the thought of putting on a pair of jeans and shoes that aren’t sneakers makes me want to curl into a ball and cry. Next time?
Mom: I remember those days. Epsom salt in a hot bath will be your friend. Next time. Love you!
Me: Good idea. Love you, too.
I put my phone away just as Mackie is coming to join me where I’ve taken a seat on the concrete patio. The warmth from the sun leeches into my skin through the fabric and feels amazing.
“Mackie, what did you do to your ball?” I ask him as he drops the slobbery mess with a few pieces ripped up down near my hand. A quick toss to the furthest part of the yard, and he’s off at the speed of light. Since he’s occupied, I go back to looking at my notifications.
Uncle Todd: Hey, Serena, I meant to tell you before you left today that you’ll be starting with Crew tomorrow. You should receive an email from the two of us, but don’t answer it tonight. You’re off the clock.
Me: Hey, I’ll look at it later. Thank you. I hope you don’t work too late, or your wife will go out to dinner without you.
Uncle Todd: You know more than you’re letting on. I'd better call your aunt now. Thanks for looking out, kiddo.
I’m half-tempted to check my email now, except I’ve got a dog to hang out with, and the way my thighs automatically clench to alleviate the ache that’s already building, it’d be better if I waited until I’m back at home, maybe in the shower, and have time by myself. And isn’t that something? The mere mention of Crew’s name, and I’m acting like a sex-starved wild woman.
“How are you going to handle working with him, then?” That’s the million-dollar question and one I’ll have to unpack later tonight while trying to sleep. Which won’t happen now, damn it all to hell. Luckily, Mackie interrupts my thoughts with his need for attention.