5. Chapter Five #2
“Do you want to come to my place? Jai and Keegan are at camp, and Alaina’s hanging out with Foster and Arnav. With their kids as well.”
Arnav and Foster were foster parents to two young children. Alaina and Keegan often went over to help out. Both children were incredibly empathetic—Demetrius had done a great job raising them after their mother died.
“Or I could come down there.” Demetrius continued. “Except I don’t want to intrude. Perhaps somewhere neutral? Tonight or tomorrow? ”
A knock came at my door—startling both Andre and myself. “Damn, that’s Quinton with Daphne.”
Demetrius chuckled. “Get that—neither will be patient.”
“Right.”
“Call me back. Or text if that’s easier.”
“Got it.”
To my surprise, Andre met my gaze. “We’ll call back.”
“I look forward to it.”
If there was a catch in Demetrius’s voice, I couldn’t be certain.
Andre disconnected the call, and I headed to the door. I opened it and my girl barreled in and tried to climb up my leg. I scooped her into my arms. “I missed you too, baby.”
She licked my face thoroughly, even as her little body wriggled.
Quinton laughed. “You’d think she’d been deprived of affection and love. Quite the opposite was true.”
“I can’t thank you enough. Do you have a moment?”
“Sure. I’m not due at the hospital for another hour. Let me grab her things from the car.” He hotfooted it back to the car.
My little one always had lots of stuff . Two beds, her own bowls, toys, and an old shirt of mine that smelled like me. She was certainly pampered.
“She’s cute.”
I spun to find Andre just a step behind me.
As predicted, Daphne started barking her little head off.
“Sorry. She’s, uh, protective of the house—doesn’t like strangers unless she’s been introduced.”
Quinton barreled onto the porch. “Everything okay? Oh, hey.” He held out his hand. “Quinton Rodgers. Friend of Zahir and sometimes keeper of Daphne the barker.” He scratched her ears.
Little wench calmed instantly .
I rolled my eyes.
“She’s…quite a dog.” Andre eyed her as he held out his hand to Quinton. “Andre Ful—” He winced.
At Quinton’s cocked head, I gave a quick shake of my head.
He grinned. “Nice to meet you, Andre. Visiting?”
Andre nodded. “Yeah. First time in Mission City. Well, first time in BC.”
First time out of Ontario and first time on a plane…but I won’t give away your secrets.
“Wow, that’s cool.” Quinton grinned. “Lots to see and do. I’m native here, so feel free to ask anything. Well, Zahir is as well.” He nudged my arm. “He’ll take good care of you.”
To that, I offered a grateful smile. Quinton was an easygoing guy with a sunny disposition and nature. If anyone could make Andre at ease, it would be Quinton. “Do you have time for ice cream? While Daphne gets acquainted with Andre.”
“Oh, I’ll never turn down ice cream. Are you okay if I serve myself?”
“Of course. You know where everything is.” Sometimes I saw Quinton as more family than just friend. Found family.
He headed into the kitchen while I moved to the couch. “Have a seat.” I directed the offer to Andre while continuing to hold Daphne.
She kept eyeing my guest as I sat myself. I kept giving her scritches and encouraged her to settle. Her gaze tracked Andre as he sat next to me. A decorous distance—likely to give Daphne plenty of space.
“It’s okay to hold your hand out. To let her sniff.”
Andre did so cautiously.
Daphne leaned over and did exactly what she always did—a thorough sniffing of the newcomer. Then she pulled back, met my gaze, and tilted her head.
“Friend. ”
Her ears perked. She pivoted her attention back to Andre, who still held his hand out for her inspection. After a moment, she sniffed again. Then, to my delight, gave several little licks.
To Andre’s raised eyebrow, I explained. “Kisses.”
Slowly, he nodded. “First time for me.”
“Oh, the joys of a happy dog.” Quinton slipped into the room, saying the words quietly. He eased himself into the high-backed chair. A little more formal than I would’ve chosen, but Marty had loved having the mixture of relaxed and highbrow.
Daphne wriggled.
“Are you okay with her visiting you?” I directed the question at Andre.
“Sure.”
As I loosened my grip, Daphne launched herself at my guest.
Who caught her easily.
She gave him a long look and then started kissing his cheek.
“Sorry. Dog slobber.” Inwardly, I winced.
He laughed. “Totally fine. Another first for me. I’m having a bunch of those today.” He didn’t appear upset about that, so I let it go.
“This is delicious ice cream.” Quinton’s grin lit the room. “So, Andre, how long are you staying?”
“Uh—” Andre shifted.
“Up in the air. He’s got time, and I’m happy for the company.”
Quinton met, and held, my gaze.
Please don’t ask awkward questions. Maybe inviting him in hadn’t been such a good idea after all. I’d just thought a bit of a breather after the call to Demetrius was in order.
“I’m…connecting…with people.” Andre held Daphne a little tighter as she settled into his lap.
I arched an eyebrow at her .
She didn’t appear the least bit perturbed.
Well, at least she likes him — that’ll make things easier.