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There are some things that are over my head, and I jot them down to ask Audrey later on. I’m not sure what else I am supposed to do while he is away. Usually, when Spencer travels, Audrey and I hang out and do girl stuff. I think I’ll go see her at the hospital if she isn’t discharged early. How does he live here all alone? The silence is awful. I am acutely aware of the size of the empty space all around me. Even with music blasting loudly through the sound system, it’s lonely.
I can’t take it anymore. Grabbing my car keys, I head off. I think I will drop his dry-cleaning off in person today. I can shop for some of my snacks and food at the same time. I’m not used to being all on my own all day—it’s sad and depressing. The work phone rings as I get in the car.
“Spencer Heath’s office. This is Luna.” I use the greeting Audrey made me practice.
“Hello, Luna, this is Sheila. I am calling to find out if Mr. Heath will be attending the annual charity gala for the animal anti-cruelty league? His RSVP is still outstanding.” I didn’t see anything in his mail, or on the calendar. I’m sure Audrey just missed it.
“Yes, he will attend.” Animal charities were not on the no-no list. Only weddings, awards, and conferences. “Thank you.” I need to put it in his schedule when I stop before I forget.
“Thank you. We are delighted that he is coming.” I pull into the parking lot and take his laundry bag from my trunk. Feeling good that I’ve caught something everyone has missed, I add the charity gala to the calendar while the shop assistant fills out the slip.
The local animal shelter has an adoption drive set up in the center courtyard between me and the vegan deli. All the cute fluffy puppies. I am instantly pulled in, a complete sucker for animals. You know that house wouldn’t be so empty and lonely if he had a dog. He’s got the space. Pets are good for mental health too.
Can I get your brother a dog?
I text Audrey. Maybe it is what he needs to get over me not living there.
Audrey
God no! He is not an animal person, the poor thing.
Can I get a dog?
You’re an adult. You don’t need my permission to get a pet. I am surprised you don’t already have ten.
I smile and push the phone into my pocket. “Hi,” I greet the volunteer who is looking for donations and homes. “Which one has been in the shelter the longest?” I ask her. She points to a gorgeous Great Dane, merle gray with white sox on her feet.
“She’s so big. Not many people have the space for big dogs. They tend to be hard to home. Apartment culture, it’s sad really. She is so soft. Also she is already house-trained.” I look at her sad eyes, and I just know she is coming with me.
“I have space. I’d like to adopt her.” Spencer has space, and it’s selfish to have that big yard and this poor angel is in a kennel. “What do you need?” I ask her. She gives me a checklist, and I have everything with me.
“You can do the home check right away,” I say, but she looks at the address on the forms.
“No need. We know the area. You’ll be fine.” I am giddy with excitement. I always wanted a dog but never had a home big enough. Most rentals do not allow pets at all. Spencer is invited to animal charity events so he must like animals. I’m sure he just never bought a pet because he’s always too busy.
“Do you want to take her now? Or come get her later on?” she asks me with a smile, signing off on the paperwork.
“Can I pop into the pet shop and finish my groceries, then she can come home with me?” I can get everything here. No point in making two trips.
I head off. I’m giddy with excitement as I browse the pet shop for a dog bed, toys and food. I even get her some treats and a leash to walk her. This is awesome. I can’t believe I am getting a dog.
Athena drives home with me on the front seat, her head out the window. Ears flapping in the wind, she is the goodest-good-girl. I am already in love. Once inside and the gate is closed, I let her out to explore the yard. I carry all her things inside and make a spot in the kitchen near the back door just for her, so she can easily get in and out if she needs to go potty. Then I repack the kitchen with the groceries and snacks I bought.
Athena wonders in and out, sniffing and settling on Spencer’s leather recliner, not the cute dog bed I got for her. I flip the TV on, not sure what I am supposed to do if he isn’t here—I don’t even know what to do when he is here. I scroll through his inbox and clear everything for the second time, adding the appointments and events to his planner. I will print one for him when he’s back.
The house feels so much better already with Athena here, and when my second wind for the day kicks in, I decide to fix the bad Feng-Shui in this place. Mirrors facing all over, and inviting bad energy. No wonder he is grumpy. It’s all wrong.
NINE
SPENCER
“How are you and the baby?” I ask my sister. It’s the middle of the night for her, but she called me while she was up feeding my niece. The time zone isn’t an issue when she’s up every two hours in the night.
“She’s not good at sleeping yet, but they say it’s a sign of being a genius. We’re good. How is Hong Kong?” She shifts the conversation back to me. I think she misses work but is too stubborn to say so.
“It’s Hong Kong, and it’s work. Not exactly a sight-seeing trip,” I say, staring out of my hotel window. The Venetian Casino Resort is like Vegas was teleported to Macau. Everything about it reminds me of home, which is the only reason I don’t mind traveling here. “We have to keep them happy, so I am here. It’s weird traveling without you.” Audrey is usually with me on these trips if I take anyone. Often, my sister chooses to stay. I didn’t know if Luna had a passport, and even if she has one, I wasn’t willing to risk being on an episode of locked up abroad.
“You could have taken Luna with you,” she speaks.
