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“He’s grateful you’re here.”
“I’m sure he is.”
I thought I saw movement next door and my eyes shifted in that direction, but I didn’t see anyone.
“Plus he’s worried about Andrew.”
“You don’t have to explain dad or make excuses. I know how he is.” I leaned forward and squeezed her hand. “I’m happy I can be here to help.”
“I’m happy you’re here, too,” she said. “And I hope you come home more often after this. I miss you. Everyone misses you.” Her eyes shifted to the house next door. “Maybe after this summer, you’ll have a reason to come back.”
I don’t want her getting her hopes up that I’m staying, or God forbid, spend the summer playing matchmaker.
“Mom, I’m just here to help dad until Andrew is better, and then I have to go back to Dublin.”
Before she could respond to that, Thea bounded up the porch steps, hopped on the couch next to me, and licked my face.
“Looks like you have a friend,” my mom said.
I chuckled as Thea flopped down and rested her head on my lap.
“We met a couple days ago,” I said. “Does she spend a lot of time here?”
“No, she’s never been over here. Sometimes she jumps up on the fence to say hello.”
“Really?” I ran my hands over Thea’s head then rubbed her ear, eliciting a soft moan. “She came over when I was changing the oil in dad’s truck.”
“I guess he just likes you.”
“She’s very sweet.”
Whenever Summer and I talked about our future, at least one dog was part of the plan. The only reason we didn’t have one immediately was because of our crazy schedules. I was working constantly and so was she before we settled in Michigan and then she was in school. It wouldn’t have been fair to have a dog stuck home alone all day.
“Thea.” The dog lifted her ears at the sound of her mother’s voice but she didn’t move. “Thea, come.”
My mom flashed a mischievous grin and stood.
“Summer, she’s over here.”
I looked over and saw Summer step onto her porch.
“Sorry about that,” she said. “Thea, come.”
Thea shifted onto her side and rested her paw against my knee, her head still on my lap. My mom seemed thrilled by this.
“She seems to like Adam.”
Summer’s eyes shifted in my direction then widened.
“I’ll be right over for her,” she said, then the screen door slammed as she disappeared inside.
My mom walked over and squeezed my shoulder.
“I’ll let you two talk.”
Before I could respond, she disappeared into the house.
I looked down at Thea and continued to pet her head.
