29. Grimm
29
GRIMM
We reach the top of the landing and I whistle. Within seconds, the jingle of her collar sounds and I hear the tippity-tap of her nails on the wooden floor.
My Flame.
Flame beelines for me, jumping into the air, and taking me down to the ground. I land on my back and she begins furiously licking my face. Her tail wags like a door stopper in excitement. “Hi, baby. It’s good to see you, too.” I say to her, scratching behind her ears and along her sides.
“Is she yours?” Verena asks, her eyes sparkling at the sight of my Dobermann. I nod and stand as Flame makes her way over to smell Verena.
“Be careful, she’s a killer just like her daddy.” I say with a wink. Flame doesn’t tolerate anyone else besides my dad. More than that, she doesn’t tolerate anyone within close proximity of me , so I’m shocked to see when she sits at Verena’s feet and raises a paw to her leg to gain her attention.
“Hi, sweet girl! I’m Verena.” V pets her head and immediately, Flame is mush in her hands.
Did I just lose my dog to Verena? Of course, the two greatest females in my life would band against me.
Seeing them bond so quickly causes an ache to settle in my chest. I’m ecstatic that they’re getting along, but Flame can’t come with us. She has to stay.
Verena notices the shift in my mood and wastes no time questioning it. “Why so glum? Flame is super excited to see you.”
A sad smile forms on my face, “Yeah. I’m stoked to see her. I wish I could bring her back with me, but I can’t. Jaden is allergic.”
A few beats of silence pass before Verena speaks again, “I can keep her at my place.” Her eyes meet mine and the amber irises sparkle with love and adoration.
“What? No, I couldn’t ask you to do that. She’s good here. Tons of food, a nice big yard, and all the toys she could want.” Although it pains me to say it, Flame needs to stay here. I couldn’t possibly put the responsibility on Verena when she has classes and a life of her own.
“I don’t remember you asking me. I just remember offering. If she’s trained to only go outside, and isn’t violent or aggressive, I can take her with me. I want to.” She rebuttals. “Come on, let’s pack up her stuff and head out.”
With that, she stands and walks, Flame trotting down the hall by her side. I watch them as I feel a blush creep up my cheeks and that familiar ache seeps into my heart.
My girls are coming home with me.
My girls. Home. With me.
I could get used to this.