AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“There’s a case of oil and filters in the garage,” he said as he tossed the keys to me.
They both went into the house and I leaned against the truck and looked around. This sense of nostalgia is really putting me off. I got on the corporate fast track right out of college and have moved all over the country with each title change since then. My last promotion landed me in Dublin.
I’ve enjoyed experiencing new places, but being back here makes me miss that sense of belonging. I haven’t grown roots anywhere or made friends beyond work.
Before I could fall down that rabbit hole and analyze my whole life, I walked into the garage to find everything I’d need to change the oil.
Halfway through the job, I pulled off my T-shirt and wiped the sweat off my neck, chest, and brow and tossed it toward the porch. It’s been a long time since I’ve used my hands for more than typing, but I have to admit, I’m enjoying it.
I grabbed the oil pan, screw, and nut, and sat on the dolly then lay back and scooted under the truck. It took me a couple tries to get the nut centered, but I finally got it on and tightened. As I rolled out from under the truck, I bumped into something. I looked up and found a dog holding my shirt in its mouth.
“Hello there.”
Judging from the pink collar and bow, I’m assuming she’s a girl. Her mischievous brown eyes watched me as her tail wagged, my shirt still firmly clamped by her jaw.
“Where’d you come from?” I asked as I stood.
She wagged her tail so fast, her butt wiggled. I slowly reached out and she sniffed my hand, then rubbed her head against it. Taking that as my cue, I rubbed her ears. She flopped on the ground and rolled to her side. I squatted next to her and continued to pet her head.
“You’re so pretty.”
I laughed out loud when she rolled onto her back and lay there spread-eagle.
“If only sweet-talking the ladies was this easy.”
Coppery hair floated to the pavement as I rubbed her belly. She looked up at me with what seemed like a smile on her face. Well, as much as she could smile with my shirt in her mouth.
I grew up surrounded by dogs, but it’s been a long time since I’ve had one, or even spent much time with one. Petting this sweet girl makes me wish I could have a dog. But it wouldn’t be fair. There’s no room in my life for a goldfish, nevermind a dog. My hours are too long and I travel too much.
She let out a soft sigh and relaxed her jaw, dropping my shirt next to her head.
Shifting onto my butt, I crossed my legs, and continued to pet her soft fur. I have no idea how long we sat like that before her ears perked up. She raised her head. Then I heard what caught her attention.
“Thea.”
I sat still as my heart pounded, then I heard it again.
“Thea. Where are you? You better not be digging and getting dirty.”
The dog rolled onto her belly and shifted her eyes to me.
“You better go so you don’t get in trouble.”
She stood and stretched, seemingly not as worried about that as she trotted through the yard toward the house next door.
“What are you doing over there? You’re not supposed to leave the yard.”
I should stay right where I am until they go to their own house, but my curiosity woudn’t let me. I stood and walked in their direction.
Her jaw dropped as she spotted me. I kept mine firmly closed, but my heart pounded out of control.
By focusing on my career, I’ve managed to keep her out of my head…mostly anyway…but I’d be a fool to think she’d ever be her out of my heart. Summer Hanson is most definitely the one who got away.
I have no idea how long we stood there, our eyes locked, memories flowing between us before Thea barked, breaking the spell.
Summer looked down at her dog, then herself.
“Argghhh!”
