“Scott’s reaction was worse than most because he already considered me his date. If you say ‘no’, consistently and to everyone, it doesn’t get so bad.”
Halfway home she pulled into a gas station, saying, “Tonight’s an ice cream night. Be right back.” She jumped out and strode into the convenience station with the determination of a girl on a shopping spree.
Laying my head back, I sighed, and my hand found its way to Clay’s soft fur, petting his head and ears. He let out a gusty sigh, but stayed still so I figured he didn’t mind. I was just glad he wasn’t rubbing in that it’d been a disaster of a night out.
Turning, I looked out the window, watching traffic zip past, and allowed myself just a small amount of self-pity. I would never be normal. I would never have a normal date. I kept trying to mold myself into something I could never be. Clay lifted his head under my hand and I reigned in my emotions knowing he could sense my melancholy.
“I’m fine,” I whispered turning to meet his gaze. “How are you doing?” He scooted forward to lay his head on my lap in response. Yeah, that was pretty much how I felt.
The door opened startling us both. Rachel slid in behind the wheel and handed me the bag. “I got double fudge brownie for each of us. Sorry Clay, chocolate’s poison for dogs, none for you.” She made me smile.
When we got home, I went right to my room to change. Clay stayed with Rachel as she praised his good behavior and good sense to trip Scott when he started following us. No doubt, he’d get the other half of her burger before I finished. Tossing the shirt into the closet, vowing never to wear it again, I pulled on the comfortable clothes I slept in.
Shaking off my mood, I walked into the kitchen asking, “Where’s my chocolate?”
Clay moved to my side and I patted him again. I’d asked a lot of him tonight and he deserved a real reward. He’d been surviving on leftovers from Rachel and sandwiches. Tomorrow, we’d go to the store and I’d buy him a big steak.
Rachel handed me my pint with a spoon already in it. She’d already dug into hers. After eating another spoonful with a blissful groan, she said, “I’m going to go change,” and set her container of ice cream on the table. “Want to watch a movie or something?” Rachel asked as she stripped out of her shirt on her way to her bedroom.
I looked at the wall clock savoring another spoonful of ice cream. It was only seven, but I was tired. With a sigh, I put the lid back on and tucked it in the near empty freezer.
“What do you think?” I asked Clay, noting he watched me and not the strip tease Rachel unknowingly put on, or the chocolate ice cream she’d left unguarded. “Stay up and watch a movie, or go to bed early? Lead the way.” I waved him forward and he trotted through the living room to my room.
“Rach, we’re just going to go to bed early. ‘K?” I leaned against the wall in the living room waiting for her answer.
“It’s okay. Go ahead. I won’t keep you up with a movie, will I?” She glided past me to flop on the couch wearing short shorts and a tank top for bed.
“I’m so tired I doubt anything will keep me from sleeping.”
“Night, hun. Thanks for going with me even if it did suck.” She turned on the movie and I walked into my room closing the door behind me.
Clay lay on the foot of the bed, his usual spot. His head rested on his paws with his eyes open waiting for me.
“Thanks Clay,” I said walking into the room. As I passed him, I stopped to kiss the top of his furry head. He made a funny grunt noise making me smile. Probably his wolf version of, ‘no problem’. I crawled under the covers wiggling my feet under his body to the spot he already warmed.
I felt Clay relax a moment before he let out a gusty sigh. He started to breathe deeply and I tried to relax as well. Going on a double date hadn’t turned out as bad as it could have.
Chapter 8
It was still dark when I woke. Not only dark, but also colder. The mild weather we’d enjoyed last night while eating outside fled with the sun. I nestled under the covers trying to avoid the chill in the air. Definitely not getting out of bed. Stretching my legs for Clay’s weighted warmth, I felt nothing, his spot cool.
“Clay?” I whispered in the dark wondering where he’d gone. My bedroom door creaked open and he jumped up on the mattress causing it to bounce. He settled on my feet, his heat immediately warming the bed. “Thanks.”