That One Night by Daniella Brodsky

Author:Daniella Brodsky [Brodsky, Daniella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DB Co.

Fifteen

LUCAS

On an old sofa in the back office of The Big Apple, my fingers trail the body that’s been on my mind for as long as I can remember. The reality is even more than the fantasy. When in real life does that ever happen?

“When did Alyx come into your life?”

She shakes her head, but the look on her face betrays how much the dog means to her. “Alyx lived in New York with me. Believe it or not, I was…”

“Lonely?” I whisper and quirk a brow, feathering her cheekbone in caresses like I’m softening the landing.

She cocks her head, then continues. It’s not a yes, but it’s a step. And I’ll take it. Turns out, we did emerge somewhere new with that incredible joining of our bodies.

“I signed up to volunteer at the animal shelter. No, no. That’s my cover story. Yup. I have cover stories. Hi, my name is Amy, and I have cover stories.” She looks at me with her rumpled brow and pursed lips and I really see her. “The truth is I had to walk dogs to make ends meet. New York is freaking expensive! And the first time I saw Alyx, he did this thing where he—” she gets a glint in her eyes that glows with love. My heart swells on her behalf. Amy opening herself up is a thing of splendor.

“What did he do?”

“Well, did you notice how he always has a plastic Coke bottle in his mouth?”

“I didn’t want to say anything, but yes. Yes, I did notice he usually carries a Coke bottle in his mouth. What in the world is that about?” Ah, Amy’s laughter. I pull her close and kiss her because who knows how long the freedom to do so will be mine?

“Well, you won’t see him do this because he only does it in private, but he unscrews the cap.”

“What?” I sit up.

“It’s true. And then he—wait for it—puts it back on.”

“Why is he not an internet sensation?”

“I told you. He only does it in private. He’s shy. Like, he does this other thing—”

“Speaks French?”

“How did you know?”

I flash her my most dubious face.

“He smiles. Like legit smiles. It’s the happiest thing you ever saw. Feel like shit? Hang out with Alyx for one of his gleaming doggie grins. Just try to be sad after that. Can’t be done.”

“Where is that dog? I wanna see it.”

“He’s hanging out with Mom and Dad. But you’re not gonna see it anyway. He refuses to do it on demand. He knows how much people love it. He’s outgoing, but he’s also shy, like I told you. A complicated soul. I thought, God, this dog and I have a lot in common. If you tell him to smile, do you know what he does?”

“Speak French?”

That scores me an Amy eye roll. “Non. He hides his face. I literally couldn’t leave without him. Cost me a fortune to bring him home. But it was worth it.”

“Agreed. Can’t put a price tag on love.

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