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“For what?” I leaned in closer to him, and he subtly took a step back and looked at me from the corner of his eyes.
He hated me; it was so clear.
“Companionship.”
“Well, okay, uhm. You would have to talk to the animal and adoption counselors first as part of the process. Since we live in the same apartment building, I can vouch that Brady would be living in a great environment that will benefit his health.”
“Okay,” he nodded, and I led him to a table, placed the documents before him, and made sure to explain all the important details that we were required to mention to our visitors.
He would probably read the contracts either way, with or without my information.
“Before I go ahead and call the counselors, I need to know whether you’re confident about your decision of adopting Brady?”
I was actually happy that Brady was finally getting adopted; most veterans avoided him because he had a scar, and they didn’t want a dog that reminded them of their own scars.
I understood that, but Brady also deserved a companion, just like all our K9s here.
“Yes.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, and he gave a stiff nod. “Could I get you a water or something to drink?” I offered, and he pulled his head back.
Yeah, that was weird.
“No.”
“Okay, well, then please give me an honest rating on how I helped you today.” I bet he was going to give me half-a-star for each factor because he hated me, but that didn’t stop me from showing him my kindest smile.
Hopefully, this would make him forget.
“I’ll make sure to be honest,” he nodded, and my heart stopped as I stared into his eyes. Ah, fuck, my first terrible rating is going to come from my own neighbor!
“Alright, let me go get the counselors and get you out of here with Brady.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime,” I gave him a stiff smile as I walked away and called the counselors, Abbie and Todd, to help Asher with the rest of his application.
Matthew waved his hand at me from the back room, and my heart stilled as I saw him. Oh, no.
“Hey, Matt,” I greeted him, and he hugged me immediately, wrapping his arms around my waist as he squeezed me.
How long will I pretend?
“Is everything okay? I saw your outburst at the door with the visitor,” he gestured to Asher with his head, and I sighed as I leaned against the table, watching Asher as he talked to the counselors... was he smiling?
“Yeah, he’s my neighbor, and we don’t really get along very well,” I told Matthew, and he raised his eyebrows in interest.
“You get along with almost everyone.” He tilted his head to the side, and I shrugged.
“Turns out I don’t. If we’re ever in the same space, we end up arguing and insulting each other. It’s quite annoying.”
“That’s insane!” You don’t say. “So, how was consulting?”
“It was bearable. We didn’t really argue, so it was cool,” I said, and at that moment, Asher got up and followed the consultants; his eyes met mine, and my heart leaped out of my chest.
It felt like he had heard my conversation with Matthew, but that was impossible. Asher was intense; it frustrated me.
“Do you want to go get lunch together?” Matthew asked, and I placed my hands on the table as I pushed myself off and nodded.
