“You only say that because you’re supposed to. It’s in the best friend handbook.”
“Even if it wasn’t, I’d still say it. You’re an amazing woman, Presley. It’s time someone shows you that. You’re unaware of your own self-worth, but I can tell you, if he’s lucky enough to be in your life, he’s going to see it, too.”
She comes to sit next to me and grabs my hand. “Does he fit your ridiculous safety profile?”
“Yes and no. I mean, he’s been in wartime situations, and I assume he probably carries a gun when working, but he’s so kind and seemingly gentle. I feel safe around him.”
She studies my face then pats my cheek gently. “We’ll get you sorted, and I’ll be right by your side all night for moral support.”
“Thank you.” I lay my head on her shoulder. “You’ve been my rock for so long.”
“And I’ll always be. I’m furious with myself that I missed the last few weeks.”
“It’s okay. I understand you had to work.”
“Work, my ass! If I wasn’t in another country, I’d have quit when my fucking loser boss wouldn’t let me come home for the funeral.” She’s still angry her boss insisted she remain in Sweden when I called to tell her Simon was killed. Her job as a fashion buyer takes her all over the world.
I’m about to respond when my phone rings with an unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Presley! It’s Ember Hayes.”
“Hey, Ember, how are you?” I try to sound as cheery and bubbly as her.
“I’m fantastic! We picked up Blade today, and he
seems to love the house. So far, I’ve taken him on two walks, given him a bath, and made him a homemade dinner from a pet friendly recipe I found online. He acts happy and is now passed out on the new bed my cousin bought him.”
“Oh my God, he’s in doggie heaven. How’s Robbie with him?”
“He’s pretending to scowl, but I can tell he’s as thrilled as I am. He threw a ball for Blade for an hour after walk number two.”
My heart hurts a little, but it’s pushed aside knowing Blade is with such a loving couple. I read through their file when I went back to the center a few weeks ago and know Robbie is a veteran recovering from a severe leg injury and PTSD. Blade will be the perfect dog for them.
“Anyway, I hope you don’t mind, but I badgered Finn for your number. He was here last night and told Robbie you’re going to the symphony event tomorrow night. I was going to skip it, but knowing you’ll be there made me change my mind. I was wondering if you’d like to go together?”
“That would be great, but my friend Reese will be with me. She’s agreed to be my plus one. We’re meeting my dad and brother there.”
“Robbie’s sending a car to get me. We can swing by and pick y’all up.”
“That’s awesome. Hold on a sec.” I put my hand to cover the receiver and look at Reese. “You care if we ride with Ember Hayes tomorrow night? She’ll have a car pick us up.”
“Sounds good to me. I’d like to meet her, too.”
“Ember, we’d love it.”
“Wonderful, we’ll pick you up at six-thirty. My dog sitter will be here at six.”
“Dog sitter?”
“My dad is ecstatic to meet Blade, and we spoke to the Director at K9 for Warriors. She told us it was okay for a few hours.”
“Of course it is. He’s going to love it.”
“Jesus, I hope so. I’m a wreck, but my family is excited to meet him. He’s so sweet, Presley. I’m in love with him already.”
“He’s an easy dog to love. I’ll miss him.”