Chasing Bailey by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Author:Deanna Lynn Sletten [Sletten, Deanna Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781941212455
Publisher: Deanna Lynn Sletten
Published: 2019-10-07T16:00:00+00:00

***

Avery awoke late the next day after staying up until three in the morning, writing. He showered and dressed, then called Lisa, hoping he wasn’t waking her. She answered on the first ring.

“Hi.”

“Hi. How’s Abby feeling?” he asked.

“She’s doing better, I think,” Lisa said, sounding tired. “She didn’t sleep much last night, then this morning, finally fell to sleep. Her fever is down. I’m going to try to get her to drink more fluids today and hopefully she’ll feel better.”

“Do you need anything? I’d be happy to help. I’m great at moral support.”

“Thanks, but I don’t need anything. I’m wiped out. I’m going to try to get some sleep while she naps and just see how things go.”

“Okay,” Avery said, disappointed he couldn’t be of any help. “I’ll be here if you need me.”

“Thanks. And thanks for last night. I’m sorry it ended so abruptly. I had a wonderful time while it lasted.”

“Me too. We’ll do it again. Maybe we’ll go to Red Lobster next time.” He chuckled.

She laughed. “That’s fine with me.”

“If I go for a walk later today, do you mind if I bring Bailey? I’ll be quiet when I get him.”

“That would be great,” she said. “He could use a break. He’s been lying beside Abby all night, a worried look on his face. Poor puppy. He doesn’t understand why she’s so upset.”

“Doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “He’s totally devoted to her.”

After they hung up, Avery was restless. He wanted to be there for Lisa, but he also understood that there was nothing he could do.

Around eleven, Avery checked Lisa’s backyard and saw Bailey there. He’d brought his own leash for the dog, so using the gate key that he still had, he clipped it on Bailey’s collar, locked the gate, and headed out for a walk. As he passed the hole in the tall bushes between Lisa and Kristen’s houses, he saw Kristen coming outside, waving at him.

“Have you talked to Lisa?” she asked, sounding concerned.

“I did earlier, but she said she was going to try to take a nap. She said Abby’s fever was down and she’d finally fallen asleep.”

“Oh, good.” Kristen looked relieved. “I didn’t want to bother her in case she was sleeping. I’m glad to hear that Abby’s feeling better.”

“Yeah. Lisa was upset last night. I’m glad you were the one babysitting. She trusts you completely with Abby.”

“I adore Lisa and Abby. I’m glad I was there too.” She glanced down at Bailey. “He was with Abby the whole time last night. Wouldn’t leave her side. I’m glad you’re taking him for a walk. The poor boy needs a distraction.”

Avery said goodbye and took off. He walked in the same direction as he and Lisa had gone the weekend before. It seemed like a lifetime ago that they had walked to the park together, yet it had only been a week. He worked with Bailey, keeping the dog close to his left side and encouraging him not to pull on the leash. Avery stopped a few times on purpose, saying “Stop,” then “Heel” when he started again.

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