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Chapter One
Samantha
I’ve never considered myself an animal person. I mean, I like animals, I’m no monster, but I’m usually content with petting my neighbor’s dogs and cats. After years of only having to take care of and clean up after myself, I didn’t really see a reason to have a pet. After all, dogs can cause a lot of trouble, and the smartest cat in the world is still going to shit in your house.
I haven’t been myself lately and I recognize the problem, even if it’s a foreign feeling to me. I’m lonely. It’s not like I live a terribly solitary life. I have friends and neighbors, people I can call if I need help or just a listening ear, but for some reason, it doesn’t feel like enough anymore.
I suppose most women my age would be seeking a relationship, if not a marriage, chasing that fabled happily ever after. That’s never been one of my goals. It may not seem like much to most people, but I like my life. I have a job that doesn’t stress me out and a good cushion of money in the bank since I keep my spending down. I’m one of the few who live on Violent Circle who doesn’t get rent subsidized by the government. I could move, but I really don’t see the point. I like my neighbors, my apartment is fine for me, and I’m close to work.
No, relationships aren’t my thing, but I need some company to come home to every night, and a dog could fill that role. Which is why I’m getting ready to head down to the animal shelter again. I filled out all the paperwork a few days ago, and they called to tell me I’m approved. There were so many adorable puppies to choose from, and I can’t wait to go pick one.
“Sam! You home?” Mallory calls as she taps on my back door. Mallory lives right beside me and while we’ve always been friendly, we’ve become closer since her separation. She’s just turned fifty years old and she’s had a hard time with it. I guess I would too if my husband not only cheated but brought home crabs as a bonus.
“In the kitchen!” I call.
She steps into the kitchen with a foil covered plate balanced on her palm. “I made lasagna today. I always make too much. Dennis used to eat half the damn pan.”
There’s an undercurrent of pain in her voice, and my heart goes out to her. Dennis and Mallory were married for over twenty years when she caught him cheating, and they’ve only been separated for a year or so. If I’m starting to struggle with a bit of loneliness, it must be far worse for her. She’s used to having someone to come home to at night. The same person, unlike me. She’s a good cautionary tale. Once you get attached, it’s too hard to live without them.
“That smells amazing. Thank you! What are you up to today?”
“I just got my tax refund so I’m heading over to the mall to get some new clothes.” She runs her hand down the billowy top she’s wearing that’s a good three sizes too large.
“You look fantastic.” She does. Before the separation, Mallory and Dennis were die hard stoners. I’m not sure I ever talked to one of them when they weren’t high, but after she kicked him out, she stopped smoking, and started trying to get healthy. I’ll bet she’s lost thirty pounds.
“Thank you. Nothing I have fits anymore.”
An idea occurs to me. “We should go out this weekend. Have some drinks, maybe meet some men.”
Her hands fidget at her waist. “I don’t know. I’m too old for clubs.”
Grinning, I grab my car keys. “You aren’t too old, but I hate the club too. I was thinking Silvy’s Bar and Grill. They have live music on the weekend. We can have some margaritas and just relax. We don’t have to dress up or anything. My treat.”
A smile spreads across her face and she finally nods. “Okay. Sounds fun.” She glances in the mirror as we walk through my hallway. “Maybe I’ll get my hair done too.”
“Hell yeah, girl. Why don’t we go get our nails done tomorrow? I could also use a wax.”
Mallory holds up her hand, studying her nails. “Nails, yes. I’ve never waxed. Dennis liked a more natural look.” She glances at me. “That’s not the norm now, is it?”
“Nope. Bare or very little.”
Sighing, she shrugs her shoulders. “I might try it. It’s not like I’m going to get laid or anything though.”
We step outside, and I lock my front door. “Depends on whether you want to. Trust me, you’d have no trouble. You’re beautiful. You just need to get your confidence back.”
She beams at me. “I’ll make us a nail appointment. See you later.”
Excitement runs through me when I park in front of the animal shelter. The lady at the desk grins at me as I enter. “I have all your paperwork ready. You just need to pick your puppy.”
It’s the hardest thing to walk through rows of cages with all those sweet little faces and decide between them. I want to rescue all of them. I had my heart set on a Labrador puppy, especially after seeing the litter of chocolate labs last time I was here, but as I’m walking past a cage, a small paw sticks out through the gap. It’s like he’s calmly letting me know not to overlook him.
“Who is this guy?” I ask, kneeling beside the cage.
“We just got him in yesterday. He’s about five months old, if I had to guess. Abandoned. Not common for a full blooded Corgi.”
He’s obviously been neglected by the state of his gray fur that’s matted in spots. It looks like someone rolled him in a giant ashtray. He doesn’t smell great either, but those eyes.
Soulful brown eyes gaze up at me and I know he’s meant to be mine. He licks my fingers through the gap in the cage. “I want him,” I announce.
