11. Chapter Eleven #3
That brought a smile to my lips. “Yes, she’s something else. Her heart’s in the right place, though. Even when she was single, she wanted to match everyone. When she met Mitch, that seemed to intensify her desire to ensure everyone who wants a partner has one.”
“And if someone doesn’t want a partner?”
“Well…she tries to convince them that they do.”
“Ah.”
We crossed the street and headed home .
“Ah what?”
“Did she try to set you up?”
I chuckled ruefully. “I can laugh about it now, but it wasn’t so funny then.
She tried to set me up with Sloan Lavoie.
Lovely young man. Friendly as anything. Completely, uh, dominant.
In fact, I got Daddy vibes from him. I don’t know if he sensed them off me.
Anyway, we agreed to be friends, and I haven’t followed up with that. ”
“You should.” Andre squeezed my hand.
“Yeah?”
“If he was honest with you about who he was. Brave enough, I would even say, then maybe you should keep in touch.”
“Because I don’t have many friends?”
We checked both ways before we crossed the street.
“You said it—not me.” He slowed his pace. “Am I out of line?”
I shook my head. “No, you’re absolutely right. I said I didn’t have many friends and then I don’t follow up with someone who offered to be a friend. I will reach out. I just hope it’s not too late.”
“If it is, then you weren’t meant to be friends with him. If he extends that friendship back, maybe you can connect.” Andre sighed. “This from the man who has no friends.”
“All the better to encourage me to find them wherever I can.” I squeezed his hand. “Let’s get my pups home.”
Andre ducked his head before meeting my gaze. “I like when you say that.”
“Because I’m speaking the truth.”
Those words carried us home. Daphne had a small drink of water while Andre and I each had a small bowl of ice cream.
“Time for bed.” I put our bowls in the dishwasher.
“I’ve been thinking—” Andre swallowed. “I don’t need you. I mean, I’ll be okay alone.”
Even as he said the words, though, I read fear in them.
“Too late. You asked me to join you, and I’ve sort of prepared myself to step back into the room I shared with Marty. In truth, I want to see you curled into his bed with a blanket. Oh, and a stuffie. Did you pick a stuffie? Why don’t you go downstairs and grab one?”
Again, his eyes lit. He hotfooted downstairs.
I took the opportunity to head upstairs. I did my business and brushed my teeth. Then I headed into the spare bedroom I used and got undressed. Figuring enough time had passed, I headed back into the primary bedroom.
To find Andre had pulled out the dog bed and sat nervously on the human bed. His fingers were curled into the covers.
I moved to him and stroked his cheek. “It’s all right, pup. If something makes you uncomfortable, then you say stop. Solo, you’re a good boy.” God, I really hate that name. He needs something that suits his gentle and kind personality — not something that implies he goes through life alone.
He held out a well-loved stuffed giraffe.
“That’s Stuart. Don’t ask me why Marty named him that—but he did. Stuart was Marty’s favorite.”
Andre grinned. “Then, while I’m here, he’ll be my favorite too.”
I scratched his scalp. “How about you keep him? Even when you leave here. Then, if you want, a part of Marty will always be with you.”
“And a part of you?”
“And a part of me, pup. But only if you want.”
He held Stuart close. “Best present ever.” He scrunched his nose. “No.” He drew in a deep breath. “Mom gave me some awesome presents. Most amazing was the gift of knowing where I came from.”
“You mean the investigator’s report?”
He nodded .
“You’re allowed to have several best presents ever.”
He cocked his head.
“Zahir’s rule.”
Slowly, a smile crept onto his face. “Yeah.”
“Now, shall I tuck you into bed?”
He nodded vigorously. Then he got onto the bed.
The night was cooler than last night, but still warm. “Blanket or not?”
“Not now. But maybe leave it close and I’ll grab it if I get cold?” He gazed up at me with guileless eyes.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to get into bed. I snore, so if I keep you awake, just let me know.”
He shook his head. “It’s okay. It’s not going to bother me.”
I pressed my hand to his cheek. “Goodnight, pup.”
“Do I get a kiss?” Again with the fathomless dark-brown eyes.
I crouched so our lips could touch. Just for the briefest of moments. Just so I got the sense of super soft. I pulled back first. “Sleep well, Solo.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
I rose to find Daphne sitting at the door. I patted the bed. “Come on, girl. Tonight we sleep in here.” She leapt up, went to the far side, turned three times, and dropped her head on the pillow.
Marty’s side of the bed. Marty’s pillow.
I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. Instead of giving in to the memories, I lay down, settled in, and listened to Andre’s soft breathing.
You did good today. You’ll have to be at the top of your game tomorrow.
Yes, I would.
For the first time in a long time, a creature other than Daphne was relying on me. I wouldn’t let him down.