Page 18 of Carver’s Craving

“How about we have some after I walk the dogs?”

He peered out the sliding glass door to the backyard. “Walk? It’s dark.”

“I have a headlamp I wear. We just go up and down the driveway a couple of times. Well, Poppin and I do. Walter gets pulled in a wagon. I let him out so he can do his business.”

“That sounds like the height of luxury.” Styx glanced over at Walter.

Who sat with his chin on his paws that rested on the arm of the sofa. He was quite sedate—understanding his limitations. That said, if any chicken had fallen on the floor, he’d have pounced like a puppy.

“I love his ears.” My guest grinned.

“And he enjoys having them rubbed. They are soft. Tell you what? How about you cuddle with him while I clean up? Then we can put in a load of laundry and I’ll head out for the walk.”

“I’ll help you clean and, if it’s okay, come for a walk with you.”

“You cooked, so I clean. Yes, to the walk.” I rose, collected our plates, and made my way to the dishwasher.

“If you insist.” Styx headed over to the couch. After he sat, Poppin hopped up. His smile was infectious as he sat between the dogs. He cooed, gave ear scritches, and smiled nonstop.

My impression of him had always been of a bundle of energy—totally unable to sit still. Yet we’d just had a sit-down meal. He hadn’t seemed distracted or bored. He also hadn’t been a little manic—which was what I was accustomed to from him. All that had me pondering my previous worry that he’d been on drugs as I put the plates into the dishwasher, stowed the leftover food, and wiped the counter.

Styx petted my dogs. From the looks on their faces, they were certainly enjoying the attention.

Which sent a pang through me. Except for their trips to Dr. Zephyra, they hardly saw anyone. Well, I shouldn’t say that. Our neighbors—Simeon and Ryan—often walked their dog Chia past our home. Poppin adored the other dog, and Walter’s tail always wagged when the men gave him their full attention.

Yeah. But you never invite them in. Or accept their invitations. You’re standoffish bordering on rude. I could probably do better. Hell, I should do better. So the next time you run into them…invite them in? Try to finagle an invitation? Huh. Something to consider.

“You okay?”

My gaze shot to Styx. “Huh?”

“You’ve been just standing there for a while now. I was wondering if you‘re okay.”

“Sure.” I hung the dishcloth over the sink. “You ready for a walk?”

“Yep.” He popped up. “Do they wear coats or something? It looks pretty chilly out there.”

“They have coats. Why don’t you bring your dirty clothes to the laundry room? We can put in a load.”

“Cool.” He headed toward the bedroom.

Poppin leapt off the couch and made to follow him.

I clicked my tongue.

She spun and returned to me.

“Coats.”

To no one’s surprise, she pouted.

“I don’t give a shit. It’s bloody cold and you’re wearing a coat. End of story.”

Walter sat a little straighter. He understood coat meant going outside. And he loved going outside.

“Okay, got it.” Styx stood at the entrance to the laundry room.

“Yep.” I made my way to him, flipped on the light, and ushered him in. “Let me grab a few things of mine—that’s not enough for a load.”