Top Dog

“Sounds like a good friend,” I said.

“She’s the best. I met her my freshman year of college.”

“Roommates?” I asked.

“Yep. And Greek sisters,” she said.

“I didn’t take you for the sorority type at all.”

“Fraternity, and we aren’t really. We went to Greek Week on campus, got invited to rush, and we ended up joining Phi Sigma Pi. It’s the honor’s fraternity. Because we were smart or something.”

“Or something,” I said, grinning.

“I should probably get going and get cleaned up. Can I take the coffee to go and return the mug to you tomorrow?” “You're leaving?” I asked, disappointment creeping into my chest.

“Well, Lanie saw me in these clothes yesterday. You think she’ll notice if I’m wearing the same ones?”

She had a point, but I didn’t want her to leave yet.

“She might not notice. She’s only three,” I said.

“Are you willing to take that chance?” she asked.

It was comforting that she was looking out for Lanie like this. We hadn’t exactly planned our encounter, and I’m glad that she cared enough to not want to confuse my niece.

Still, I wasn’t ready for it to be over.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, then,” I said.

She got up from the table and bent over, kissing me on the top of my head.

“See you tomorrow,” she said.

“And have fun with your friend.”

“I will. I promise. We always have fun.”

She bounded out the front door, and I was alone again.

I walked over to the window and watched Amanda all the way back to her house. Her hips swayed lightly, and the loose tendrils of her hair blew in the wind. She disappeared over the horizon, and I sighed. I really hadn’t wanted her to leave, and that stirred up feelings I wasn’t ready to deal with.

A call to Jack would do me some good, so I went in search of my phone.

“I was wondering when the fuck I’d hear from you next,” Jack said.

“Nice to talk with you, too,” I said.

“How the hell have you been? I haven’t heard from you in almost a month.”

“You know you have a phone, too,” I said.

“Yeah, that rings every damn second since you put me in charge of this business four years ago.”

“Everything going that wonderfully?” I asked.

“We finally got the expansion approved if that’s what you’re asking about.”

“Only took you four fucking years.”