6. Chapter Six
Chapter Six
Andre
Q uinton seemed like a neat guy. He told a couple of cute stories about Daphne, his family’s rescue pup Puff, as well as his children. I sort of figured out they were his stepchildren, but I liked how he basically claimed them as if they were his.
Eventually, Quinton left for work, after Zahir gave him the gifts for Melodie and Trevor. Almost as soon as he was gone, Zahir yawned. He shrugged sheepishly. “Still on Toronto time. It’s almost midnight.”
“Oh?” I looked at my phone. “But it says nine.”
“Your phone adjusts the time. I need to get you the Wi-Fi password so you’re not using data. Do you have a laptop?”
I shook my head. “I sort of do everything on my phone. If not, I go to the library or an internet café. Although those are disappearing.”
“Yes, they are. Well, the library’s just a few blocks from here.
If you explain you’re my guest, I’m certain the librarian can issue you a temporary card.
The woman with long red hair is Loriana.
The shorter woman with black hair is Marnie.
I believe there are a couple of other librarians—or at least people who work there—but I can’t remember their names.
I’m ashamed to say I don’t go to the library often. ”
“You don’t read?” This made me curious.
Zahir chuckled. “Oh, I read. But I have an e-reader and borrow digital books or audiobooks from the library. Or I just buy the books outright from an e-retailer.”
Slowly, I nodded. “I don’t read enough. I have a tough time with it…so I just don’t.”
“Are you dyslexic? Or something like that?” He closed his left eye. “Sorry. Way too personal a question.”
I shook my head. “I was never diagnosed—but I think that’s because Mom didn’t want them testing me. I believe she was afraid they would categorize me. She worried a lot.”
“As good moms do. Still, if you’ve got something going on, it might be worth knowing. I’ve heard of coping mechanisms for people with all kinds of learning disabilities. Or any other stuff that might come up.”
This time, I shrugged. “I don’t know. I just…don’t know.”
“Well, something to consider. Now, I’m going to take Daphne out for a walk, and then we’re headed for bed. She sleeps with me, so you don’t need to worry about her disturbing you. And you’ll likely have your door shut. Sleep as late as you want, okay?”
“I…uh…thanks.”
He cocked his head.
I shifted in my seat. “I’m a morning person. I like to get up and exercise.”
“Cool. I can leave you the information about the Leisure Center. They’ll charge you to use the equipment, but it would probably be worth it. I’ll leave some cash—”
“Do they only take cash?”
Zahir held my gaze. “No, they take cards as well.”
“I can pay for a trip to the gym.” Sheesh, defensive much? He’s just trying to help.
“If you can, then that’s great. I just don’t want you spending all your money when you’re not certain when you’ll be going back to Toronto.”
“Yeah, well, thanks for that.” I need to stop jumping to conclusions and assuming everyone’s looking down on me.
“It’s my pleasure. Look, I’ll leave some cash. You should have some in case you get somewhere and the point-of-sale machine isn’t working. Even with good technology, things happen.” He offered a smile. “I’m going to take Daphne out for a walk—is there anything you think you might need?”
I shook my head.
“Well, anything you want or need? Go for it if I have it and ask if I don’t. I’m truly a simple guy.”
“And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.” Gently, I returned Daphne to him. “Tomorrow, pup. We’ll get to know each other then.”
I’d have sworn she smiled. So I scratched her ears one more time before rising. “Uh, thanks.” With that, I headed upstairs. Since I’d unpacked my toiletries kit before my shower, everything was ready to go.
The bathroom was luxurious with a soaker tub, a massive shower, two sinks, and a toilet behind a door. Very intimate and yet offering a bit of privacy if two people were in here at the same time. I could picture Zahir and Marty in the space.
Marty was tall, broad, and white. With blond hair and blue eyes, he was the opposite of me. I liked that Zahir kept a couple of pictures—including their wedding photo—around the house. Like he wanted to keep those memories of his love close. Like I kept a photo of Mom in my wallet.
I made a note to look at it again before bed.
Actual preparations took little time. I made my way to the window in the bedroom and stared out. I could only see the lights of Mission. I hadn’t taken the time earlier to see the view of the volcano. Tomorrow will be good enough.
I headed to the massive bed, but something beneath it caught my attention. I bent and reached under. My hand touched fabric, and as I trailed my fingers along, I had a sense of what I’d discovered.
After double-checking that the bedroom door was closed, I gently tugged at what I’d found. Slowly, I pulled the dog bed out. The thing was light brown, stuffed, and huge. Like, I suspected Marty would’ve fit in here without a problem.
You can’t. This was Marty’s. This is Zahir’s. You’d be betraying his trust. You just should put it back and get into the adult bed.
And I wanted to. I really did. Except I’d never had a dog bed of my own. Never curled up as I’d always wanted. Sometimes I didn’t understand my kink. My compulsion. In this moment, I couldn’t remember why wanting to be a puppy was such a bad thing.
Zahir clearly hadn’t thought me weird. If I’d taken the pin off — like I planned — he wouldn’t have known. He wouldn’t have been able to use the right words to calm me. Of course I shouldn’t have needed calming—but that was an issue for another day.
Although a blanket lay tucked in the bed, the temperature was far too warm to need it.
Even with the window open, the room was warm.
I considered turning on the ceiling fan, but decided against it.
Then, after an extensive contemplation, I decided to just do what was in my heart.
Zahir said I could do anything I wanted.
I just…won’t tell him. I’ll put everything away in the morning, and he’ll never know.
No harm, no foul — right? In truth, I didn’t know.
I felt Marty’s spirit, though, although that made no sense.
Almost as if he were giving me permission.
Like he understood my stress and knew I’d relax in a dog bed—even one that wasn’t mine.
So I put the blanket aside and crawled in. I wore shorts, so this felt like I was being respectful. I loved naked, but that felt a step too far. I curled into the bed and laid my head on the side.
My heart rate, that had picked up upon the discovery of the bed, now slowed. A languid feeling seeped into my muscles—and then down into my bones. I took a few deep breaths and tried to calm myself.
I was supposed to call Demetrius back. Oh well, it’ll wait until morning.
When I woke in the morning, I had the blanket over me and one foot stuck out as a temperature regulator of sorts. At first, I panicked—thinking Zahir had come in, found me, and put the blanket on. After a moment, though, I remembered pulling it over myself when I’d gotten chilled.
Gingerly, and very carefully, I stretched.
Dawn crept in through the window, and I checked the time. I checked my phone and discovered six o’clock was just around the corner.
Time for a run.
I carefully folded the blanket, just the way I remembered, and pushed everything under the bed. Then I tossed on a T-shirt, organized my phone, added socks and running shoes, and then crept down the stairs.
The older house had not one, but two creaky stairs. I made a note of them, then moved into the kitchen. On the table, I found a note with a five twenty-dollar bills beneath it .
Just in case. Please take it.
I hesitated. Well, I could grab it on the way back. Next to the note was a house key on a ring. The chain was a Canadian flag, which made me smile.
Finally, after double checking everything, I put in my ear buds and headed outside.
A heavy mugginess lay in the air—reminding me of Toronto.
I glanced toward the western skies, but they appeared clear.
The sun had poked her head up over the eastern sky and was rising quickly.
No time to waste. I hit the button for my playlist and then started stretching.
The final thing I did before taking off for my jog was to note the house number.
I eased into the run, slowly picking up speed as I went.
Fourth Avenue lay in an east/west direction while the north/south cross streets were all on inclines heading up as the numbers did.
In a burst of speed, I pushed myself to sprint up James Street all the way to Seventh Avenue where the ground leveled off.
I turned eastward and continue a jog down the street.
Little houses dotted both sides of the road, and my sense was very much small-town vibe.
Something I’d imagined but had never really experienced.
A woman walking three dogs waved as I jogged around her.
Music pounded in my ears as I sought the right pace. Hard—but not too hard. Consistent and strong. Purposeful. Like I had somewhere to be—even though I didn’t.
As I passed the firehall, a cute redheaded guy and a striking dark-haired woman stood by an open bay door. Both waved at me.
I waved back and kept running.
Eventually, I came to the entry of Heritage Park.
At this point, I pulled out my maps app to get a sense of where I was and just how far I could go before I needed to turn around.
I’d planned for an easy jog this morning, but I had so much stress and anxiety that a half-marathon made more sense.
That was going to mess with my general training schedule, but my body could compensate.
I’d take it easier tomorrow and stick to strength training.
Deciding that plan was as good as any, I headed deeper into the park.
I waved to various people—something I never did in Toronto.
And maybe these people thought it was weird that some random Black dude was waving at them—but it felt right.
Like I should be friendly to those who had extended a welcome.
Even if the only two people I’d met were Zahir and Quinton.
Hell, I hadn’t even asked Zahir if he was working today. Or what any of his plans were. I’d simply accepted his generosity and practically moved in. Do not think about the dog bed you slept in last night — even if that was one of the best night’s sleeps in a very long time .
Exhaustion? Being run ragged? Stress over Demetrius? Any one—or all—of these things could be to blame. But last night, as I’d laid my head on the soft bed, a serenity had overtaken me. It might’ve just been for one night…but I’d take it.
“Hey, guy! Get back here!” Some dude bellowed that.
I staggered to a stop and glanced around. My senses went on high alert until this adorable little dog barreled over to me—its leash trailing behind it.
Him?
Her?
“Oh God, I am so sorry.” A big barrel-chested guy hurried over. He grabbed the leash even as the dog strained toward me.
“Is it friendly?”
The guy blinked. “Mei? She’s as friendly as they come.”
“Mei.” I rolled my eyes. “I thought you said, hey, guy . ”
“Nope. Dog’s name is Mei.” He stepped a little closer. “You can pet her, if you’d like.”
“Sure. That’ll be two dogs in two days.” Slowly, I lowered myself to a crouch. I held out my hand for the dog with soft brown eyes to sniff.
“Another dog?” The guy chuckled. “There are so many dogs around Mission City. Mei and I usually walk around our neighborhood, but I wanted to give her something new today. Trust her to bolt out of the truck when I turned my back for five seconds.” He glared at the dog.
Who didn’t appear to be the least bit repentant.
“Uh, Daphne. My, uh, friend has a dog named Daphne.” I continued to hold my hand as Mei sniffed every inch of it. Eventually, I got a lick. “Thank you.”
“Daphne, eh? Zahir’s dog?”
Oh shit. “Yeah. I didn’t realize you might know him.”
The guy chuckled. “I don’t know everyone in town. Nor every dog. But I have quite a few acquaintances and friends. I consider Zahir and Daphne two of them. I’m Lorcan, by the way.” He extended his hand.
After giving Mei a few more scritches, I rose and took his hand. “Andre.”
“Nice to meet you. I met Zahir through Quinton who I met through—” He scratched his bearded chin. “You know, I honestly can’t remember. Just…a huge pile of friends. Mei loves Quinton’s mom’s dog Puff. Oh, and Daphne, of course.”
“Daphne’s an easy dog to love.” I managed a smile.
“You live around here?” Lorcan did a sweeping gesture. Since there weren’t any houses nearby, I took his meaning as Mission City in general.
“Toronto.”
His dark-brown eyes widened. “You’re a long way from home. ”
“Yeah.”
“And you know Zahir?”
I scratched my stubbled jaw. “Yes. It’s sort of a long story.”
Lorcan chuckled. “It usually is. I’m sorry, you were running. Don’t let me hold you up. Unless—” He shut his mouth.
“Unless?” I was damn curious.
“Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to walk with Mei and me. We don’t have to talk or anything. I mean or you can just forget I asked. You’re probably here to be alone, and I’m shoehorning my way into your morning, and—”
“I’d love to walk with you and your dog.
I was just finishing my intense running and could use a cooldown.
” Total fucking bullshit. But…I don’t want to be alone.
Something about this man called to me. Compassionate?
Kind? Much like Quinton and Zahir—both of whom he knew.
So yeah, I’d walk with him. I crouched. “Nice to meet you, Mei. Do you mind if I walk with you?”
Her tongue lolled, and I would’ve sworn she was grinning.
I rose. “Uh, thanks.”
He grinned. “Sometimes I want solitude, and sometimes I want to be around people. My husband, Cody gets a kick out of that.”
And gay to boot. Well, that’s reassuring. “Cody, eh? He sounds like a good guy.” In truth, Lorcan had given nothing away—but I gave him an opening.
He took it.
By the time we said our goodbyes, I had a much better sense of Lorcan, Cody, as well as my temporary home of Mission City.