Page 56 of Sit, Stay

"She say no?"

"She said I assumed. Made plans without asking her first. Talked to my brother about her career before I talked to her about it." The words taste bitter. "She said no."

Top makes a noncommittal sound. "And you're pissed."

"I'm frustrated."

"You're pissed." He leans back against the bench, tilting his face toward the sun. "Because you thought you had it all figured out. Laid it out perfect. And she didn't fall in line."

"That's not—" I stop. Because that's exactly what I thought. I had a plan. A good plan. She should have seen that. "It's a great opportunity. For both of us."

"Is it?"

"Yes." I crush the empty water bottle in my fist. "Iron Creek K9 is expanding. Two new huge contracts. They need someone who knows working dogs, behavioral protocols, the whole operation. She's perfect for it."

"That what she wants?"

"She loves that kind of work."

"That's not what I asked." Top turns to look at me, and there's something in his expression that makes me feel like a lieutenant getting debriefed. "I asked if that's what she wants."

My mouth opens. Closes. I try again. "I don't know."

"Did you ask?"

"I told her about the opportunity⁠—"

"That's not asking, Mercer. That's presenting." He shifts on the bench. "Let me ask you something. You asking her to follow you, or asking to build something together?"

The question hits like a punch.

"I—" The words tangle. "Both?"

"Can't be both. Either you're inviting her into a life you've already designed, or you're asking her to design one with you." Top pulls another water bottle from his pocket, cracks it open. "Which is it?"

Ranger lifts his head, looking between us like he's following the conversation.

"My brother asked if she'd be interested in working with Iron Creek," I say slowly. "I thought it would be perfect. She'd have resources, challenging cases, a whole K9 operation to help build⁠—"

"Your brother's operation."

"Well, yeah, but⁠—"

"In your hometown."

"It's a great town."

"I'm sure it is." Top takes a long drink. "But it's your town, Mercer. Your family. Your plan. Where's the part where it's hers?"

My chest goes tight.

"I offered her everything," I say, and my voice has an edge I can't quite hide. "A fresh start. Better resources than she has in Pine Valley. The chance to do real work instead of just⁠—"

"Instead of just what?" Top's voice sharpens. "Instead of what she built herself? Instead of the practice she's been running? Instead of the life she chose?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Maybe not. But I bet that's what she heard." He sets down the water bottle. "You know what my mistake was? Back in my twenties, fresh outta basic, thought I had the world figured out. Met a girl. Good girl. Smart. Had her own dreams."