“Yes.” He attempts a half smile. “All of the above.”
I let Cersei off her leash to roam the park.
Shep’s gaze roves over me in my pink jogging shorts, white midriff tee, and white sneakers. Pink-framed glasses, of course. “You look edible,” he says with an odd blend of sex appeal and anger. It almost sounds like he’s angry that I look edible, but I doubt that’s the case.
“I do, don’t I?” I give him the confident grin with the matching response that he would give me if I complimented him.
This frees a bit more of his smile. I’m making it hard for him to stay grumpy. That’s what friends are for.
“Come here.” He doesn’t move, a statue that’s frozen in place, one that can only be admired.
I don’t know why, because I know better, but I find myself taking those four steps to get to him.
Because he asked.
Because I want to.
Because I think a part of me needs this.
He drops his propped foot to the ground. Taking my hands, he pulls me into him until my cheek rests on his chest and his rests on the top of my head. Slowly … so very slowly … he exhales. It’s food to my soul, feeling so needed, so appreciated.
“Hi,” he whispers.
“Fine. Thank you.” I grin.
In the next breath, he stiffens then releases me. “She’s here.”
I step back and turn.
Shep’s feet pound the ground as he takes long strides toward the skinny blonde with fire engine red lips, tight denim capris, and really cute heels. I stay back, way back, just a stranger at the same park. No big deal.
“Sorry I’m so late.” She hands the leashes to him. “I had to drop off some products and the lady was really chatty.”
“Okay.” Shep takes the leashes and greets Julia and George with kisses and pats their bellies before unleashing them to play with Cersei by the tiny pond.
Millie slides her sunglasses onto her head, craning her neck past Shep to me.
“Shit,” I whisper, turning my back to them and calmly walking toward the pond.
“Hi. I’m Millie.”
“Double shit.” I cringe, slowly turning around and pinning a fake smile to my face. “Hi. Sophie.”
She makes quick, confident strides toward me with Shep right behind her, a huge frown on his face. “Fun glasses.”
I smile, stiff and awkward. “Thanks.”
“How do you know Shep?” She slants her head to the side.
She saw me in his arms.
Shep sighs. “Sophie shops at Wash Your Tail. Her dog, Cersei, likes to run around with Julia and George.”
Millie nods slowly. “So you’re … friends?”
“Yes,” Shep and I say at the exact same time. It’s too timed. Too obvious.
Friends who hold long embraces in the park.
Another slow nod from Millie. “Oh!” Her eyebrows jump up her forehead. “Are you the one?” She shifts her gaze to Shep. “Caroline said you were dating someone you met at the shop. You told Howie.”
“We’re not dating.” I feel the urgent need to make that clear. “Just friends.”
Shep eyes me while smirking. It’s the I’ve-seen-you-naked smirk.
I return the you’re-not-real-in-my-world scowl.
“Well…” Millie shrugs “…that’s probably for the best. Shep’s … a lot.”
“I’m a lot?” Shep scratches his chin, jaw clenched.
Millie crinkles her nose into something akin to a half apology, more like a “sorry to be so brutally honest” smile.
“I’ll drop them off at your place next Monday morning.” Shep does a great job of dismissing her.
Millie lowers her sunglasses to her nose again. “It was nice meeting you, Sophie. Say …” She digs into her purse and pulls out a business card, handing it to me.
“Jesus Christ …” Shep mumbles.
She ignores him. “You have beautiful skin. I think you could keep it looking that way for many years. If you’re interested in some skincare designed by some of the world’s leading scientists, I’d love to give you some samples to try. I can also let you try some amazing products that are incredibly nutritious and so good for your body. I can speak from experience, they are life changing.”
I stare at her card in my hand because I can’t look at Shep. If I do, I won’t be able to stop myself from giggling. He’s fuming and it’s hilarious.
“How generous of you. If I’m interested, I’ll definitely contact you.”
“Do. Really. I’d love for you to see what I’ve seen. I can be reached anytime. Have a great rest of your week, Sophie.”
“You’re incorrigible,” Shep mutters as she breezes past him to her car.
There’s no way she doesn’t hear him; he’s not that discreet. Yet, she’s clearly mastered the art of ignoring him.
After she gets into her car, I shift my gaze to him. I’m not sure why he looks embarrassed, but he does. Embarrassed and livid.
“It’s funny, there have been several times that I’ve wanted to ask about Millie’s profession, but I didn’t because it didn’t matter for our friendship.” I hold up her business card. “Multi-level marketing. Interesting.”