I pack a basket with a blanket and a football. If Leo will let me, I want to take Rune to the park to throw the ball around a bit. The image of me playing ball with my son… It’s mind boggling in the best way. I can’t believe that I found her and that I have a son.
As I am leaving my apartment, Gage calls me. I press ignore. He calls me again. I press ignore. Then a text.
Best Bro:
Come on, man. You have to talk to me eventually. We share a dog. Muffin misses you.
Shit. With everything going on, I totally forgot about Muffin. I found Muffin two years ago when he came up to me while I was sitting on a bench in Boston Common. I had just finished a run, and the way he looked at me, water dripping out of the corner of mymouth as I chugged the clean water. Man, I felt like shit. I poured some into the lid, and he came up eagerly to lap it up. He was filthy—what I thought was a light-brown coat, turned out to be a white fluffy fur ball.
I took him to the vet. She said he was a mixed breed, probably a lab and some kind of shepherd, and was about four years old. I took him home and struggled with what to name him. When I made breakfast muffins one morning, he somehow got up on the counter and ate them all. I called him a “muffin thief,” and that was shortened to Muffin.
But because of my work schedule, I couldn’t leave him alone for sixteen to twenty-four hours at a time. Gage stepped in as “stepdad” and takes him when I’m working.
Sitting in my car, I throw my head back against the seat in frustration then text him back.
It’s not cool to use Muffin against me to get me to talk to you.
But it worked. Plus, you said you would pick Muffin up. I’m going out of town, remember?
Fuck. He’s right. With everything going on, I totally forgot. I send a quick text to Leo, praying she won't be mad at me for being late.
I’m going to be ten minutes late. Had an errand to run. See you soon, pretty bird.
Don’t call me that.
Did my sweet girl develop a saucy side? I love it. I can see the look on her face right now, trying to be tough, but she never could hold on to it long with me. Because deep down, she knows I’ll always have her. And I’m going to prove it again.
I get to Gage’s quickly and go up to his apartment. When I knock, he opens the door, dressed in his black sweats and hoodie, ready for the airport. A suitcase is next to the door. Muffin runs up and greets me. His ears and tongue flop about, and I bend down to scratch behind said floppy ears, his favorite spot.
“Hey big guy. Who's a good boy? You? Yes I know. Did you have fun with Gage this week? Did you snuggle and tell him how much Daddy hates him right now?”
Gage gives me an annoyed look and then grabs Muffin’s leash. Clipping it onto his leather collar, he hands it to me.
“Look, I know I fucked up, Everett. But you’re my best friend, my fucking brother. Just, please try to see it from my side.”
The hurt in my chest caused by Gage’s betrayal literally makes it hard to catch my breath. I don’t have the strength, nor the desire, to forgive him right now. Honestly, I don’t know that I will ever be able to fully forgive him for this, but I can try to move forward.
“I’ll text you my schedule for the next month so you know when you’ll have Muffin.”
It’s all I say as I walk away with Muffin prancing at my side.
As we get into the elevator, I look at Muffin, who is looking at me with those big brown eyes. “Well, boy, you ready to meet the love of my life—your future mama—and your new brother?”
He doesn’t respond. Just continues to stare at me, tongue out, panting. But I know what he is saying.“Heck yes! I can’t wait to give her kisses.”
Me too, bud. Me too.
I park a few blocks down from Henry Leo’s and walk with Muffin to the front door. As I walk past, I notice a saying on the front door, under their logo. “I only care about coffee and you.”
I remember Ski saying that to Leo one time. I love how she has infused so much of him into her shop. His name, his words. At least she didn’t forget about him.
When I walk in, I see Leo at a table, chatting with Rune. She makes eye contact with me as I walk in, and Rune catches the movement. He turns and greets me with a beaming smile.
“Dr. Giraffe!” He jumps up and runs to me, and I bend down and wrap him in my arms.
“What's up, buddy! Fancy meeting you here.” I look to Leo and give her a wink. She just shakes her head.
“Is this your dog? Can I pet him?” He is already petting him, but I still answer him.
