Chapter 2 #2
“Well, anyway, it’s just a suggestion.” Gigi’s voice is warm, and she smiles sweetly as she redirects the subject. “With the transition and moving, it might ease any anxiety.”
I look down, thinking my dog couldn’t be any less anxious if she tried. She’s a big baby, and if she doesn’t like something, she’s pretty good at letting me know.
Maverick announces the food’s ready, and as he spoons the grilled chicken onto a platter, we line up to fix our plates. Haddy takes baby Lucy from her fiancé and steps into the house to feed her. I hope she’s not leaving on my account, but Gavin assures me she prefers the quiet when she’s nursing.
“I’ve never met anyone who knew so much about dogs,” I say as Gina and I return to our seats at the table.
“It’s my life’s work.” Gigi rolls her soft taco, folding the base like a pro.
“What got you interested in them?”
“She was born because of a dog,” Maverick says, taking Haddy’s empty chair as he quickly rolls up a soft taco.
“What?” I laugh, looking at Gigi, who’s shaking her head as she finishes her bite.
“It’s an old family joke.” Her green eyes roll. “Mom was overdue with me, so she went for a walk, hoping it would help her go into labor.”
Maverick jumps in, taking up the story. “A lady was in the park with a dog, and Aunt Liv says as soon as the dog started barking, her water broke.”
I can’t help a laugh. “You wanted to see the dog?”
“I don’t think that’s true, but maybe?” A smile lifts the corners of her mouth. “I’ve always loved dogs. They’re noble, they protect us and help us hunt. Studying them is fascinating.”
“I believe you.” My voice is low, and Gigi’s chin dips.
The faintest pink shade warms her cheeks, and I decide one beer is enough for me tonight. I’m having thoughts I don’t want to have about her.
Haddy breezes back, cutting through the momentary tension. “It’s better if I feed her before I eat all the spicy food.”
She hands the baby to Gavin, who has just finished. “Come here, Lulu,” he grins, holding up his little daughter to make eye contact.
Her head wobbles as she smiles, blowing bubbles.
“Three months old?” I ask, remembering when Maddie did these things.
“Almost four.” Gavin rests her on his chest, placing a large hand on the back of her head.
I nod. “That’s when it all starts happening.”
“Yep,” he grins, kissing her little temple. “The eye contact, the smiles…”
He’s a big guy, but I can tell he’s completely wrapped around his daughter’s tiny finger. I guess I am, too.
I think of Maddie blinking her big brown eyes at me and making little coos and baby noises.
“Do you miss your daughter?” Haddy asks, and I glance over at her with a smile.
“Yeah. We’re never apart for long.” I push my chair back to stand. “Speaking of, I’d better get to bed so I can get an early start with the realtor tomorrow.”
Ladybird stands as soon as I do, and so does Spanky. The two lift their front legs and then take off down the wooden steps into the backyard, yelping and chasing each other.
“It’s a good thing Patsy’s not here.” Haddy takes her seat. “I’m afraid she’d get trampled.”
“Spanky looks out for her,” Gina argues. “I’m not sure if Ladybird would, though. She’s not used to her.”
“She’s always been gentle with Madison,” I note. “But you’re right. She’s not used to small dogs.”
Gigi looks up at me. “That’s a pretty name. Is it after someone in your family?”
Shaking my head, I look down, exhaling a laugh. “My late wife loved that old mermaid movie Splash. So I guess you could say my daughter’s named after Darryl Hannah.”
“I loved that movie!” Haddy lets out a muffled cry around her bite of soft taco.
Gigi leans closer to my side, surrounding me in the mouthwatering scent of cherries. “I’m pretty sure Haddy’s seen every movie ever made. Her mom’s a total movie buff.”
“Only the good ones,” Haddy says.
I grin at the four of them. The way they go back and forth, lightly arguing, always bantering, reminds me of my family back in Eureka. We’re all close, able to finish each others’ sentences and always have each other’s backs.
The dogs are jumping around when Ladybird suddenly catches a scent and dashes away. Gigi’s white dog is hot on her trail.
“Spanky’s trim doesn’t look too bad from here,” I observe, hoping we’re past that mishap. “I’ve never been into poodles, but he’s a good-looking dog.”
“He was bred to be a show dog, but I worked with the breeder to be sure it was done ethically.” She seems worried, as if I’d expect anything less. “Poodles were bred to be retrievers, but they love to learn tricks and entertain. It makes them perfect for showing.”
“I can see that.” I cross my arms, watching the two follow each other around the yard. “Why is he named Spanky? Isn’t that one of the little rascals?”
“He is a rascal.” Her nose wrinkles. “But I give all the dogs nicknames. His full name is Spank My Bottom. It’s a show thing. You know.”
I don’t really know, but I go with it.
Maverick walks up beside us, holding a beer and watching the dogs play. “They’ve really taken to each other.” His blue eyes flicker to mine, then his cousin’s. “It’s almost like they know something we don’t.”
Gigi narrows her eyes at him. “Like what?”
“I don’t know, but from all you’ve told me, dogs are smarter than people sometimes.” He nudges her with his elbow.
“They’re certainly more trustworthy.” Turning on her heel, she heads back to collect the dirty dishes.
The tone in her voice leads me to believe she’s encountered some untrustworthy humans, and I’m surprised by the burn of anger in my chest at the thought of someone hurting her.
“Hey, Owen, we’ve got plenty of room if you’d like to bring your daughter here now.” Maverick walks with me to the table again. “How old is she?”
“Seven.” I pick up my plate to help. “Thanks for the offer. Hopefully, I’ll find something tomorrow that I can get into quickly.”
Maverick takes the plate from my hand, ignoring my protests. “Still, it takes time to get into a new house. She could stay in Haddy’s old room.”
Hesitating, I know he’s right. “I appreciate the offer. I’d better head up now.”
Mav calls to his cousin, “Gigi, show him how Spanky uses his crate!”
Our eyes meet, and she seems a little flustered. I call Ladybird and go to the door leading inside.
“It’s okay. You can show me tomorrow.” Again, our smiles meet, and my lungs tighten.
I’m definitely tired, so I don’t waste time before heading upstairs. I want to be finished in the bathroom and in my own bed with the door closed before she appears.