Rescue Me by Winters S

Author:Winters, S. [Winters, S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-10T06:00:00+00:00

* * *

Grace called that evening to say goodnight to Lucy. Robert drank coffee and reviewed his emails while they talked. He heard Moxie’s name mentioned, so he wasn’t too surprised when Grace asked to speak with him next.

“So you finally got her the dog.”

“It’s going to live here. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

He heard her sigh. “Until she wants to bring it home with her.”

Home. “This is her home,” Robert heard himself say next. “Just because you left doesn’t change that.”

Silence.

She sighed again. “I don’t want to fight, Robert. I could have done that earlier.”

“Grace, I don’t want to hear this.”

“I’m not stupid, Robert. There was a van there when I dropped Lucy off. There were two glasses on the counter. You were clearly…busy.”

He waited for her to say something more, insinuate something. In the middle of the afternoon, Robert? Really?

Grace sighed. “All I ask is that if you have people over, make sure that it’s okay with Lucy.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t.” He stopped, resting his hand on the counter. “I haven’t done this before, Grace.”

“I know.” Her voice was soft. “That’s why I’m guessing it matters.”

She ended the call. Robert set the phone down and went to get a glass of wine. He stood a moment, looking out at the garden. Through the dark he could just about make out the shape of the doghouse.

“Dad,” Lucy called from the living room, “Are we going to watch the movie or not?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

Moxie was already settled on the sofa when he went in the room. Robert raised an eyebrow.

“Is he supposed to be up there?”

“He’s really well behaved.” Lucy defended him. “Look at him.”

“All right. This once.”

He sat down beside her and handed her the remote. Moxie immediately slid halfway on his lap and gazed up at him with hopeful eyes.

“Scratch his belly, right there. That will make him love you.”

Robert obeyed, amused as the dog closed its eyes in utter contentment.

Lucy hit play.

* * *

A week later the phone rang as Max went over the outline for the fundraiser for the third time. He answered it without thinking. “Rescue Me Shelter.” Would it be enough? He couldn’t picture what it would be like to have to close the shelter. Not now.

“Max?”

Max dropped the pencil he had been tapping against the paper. “Uh. Hi.”

“Look. I’m sorry about the other day.” Robert paused. “I was wondering if we could meet for a drink, to make up for it?” He sounded contrite.

Max thought about it. It was the last thing he needed right now, more complications. On the other hand, he needed a break from thinking about whether the shelter was going under.

“When?”

* * *

They arranged to meet at a bar near Robert’s office. Robert had used it occasionally for post-business drinks. It was the only place he could think of off the top of his head.

Max was already there when Robert arrived, seated at the bar. He looked good, casual, in jeans and a sweater. Robert smiled at the sight of him.

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