No, that isn't what I need to say, even I know that. I take a deep breath, I'll retry this. “Look I’m sorry, I know what I said was wrong. I was just angry." Weird, I thought apologizing would be harder. Maybe because it’s Theo?
I expect Theo to be upset with me snapping at him, but his voice is warm, concerned even, "Where are you?"
“In the park,” I reply with a deep sigh. “I thought I could find something here, but no luck.”
“You can come back if you want, he has calmed down. He's not going to run you out again. We are your ride home.”
I shake my head. I’m not ready to give up yet. “No, I think I will stay here for a bit longer. I’m looking for something.”
“Looking for what? Did you lose something? Is that what you meant when you said no luck?”
I try to talk nonchalantly but it comes out in a nervous cackle. I’m about to admit my only friend is a stray dog, “I’m looking for a dog.”
“A dog?” Theo echoes my words, a hint of amusement in his voice. I guess not much gets to him if he’s in good spirits so quickly after my blow up. "Why?” he questions.
“Because he used to sometimes stay with me when I lived in my car and the storage garage. I just miss him.” I think this has to be a personal record for the length of time Theo and I could have a civil conversation. Or at least not make me want to strangle him.
“Really? I will keep a lookout for your furry friend. If I see him, we can bring him back to the apartment.” When did Theo learn to be so nice? “By the way, turn around.” I follow his instructions and Theo walks across the grass towards me. I can't help it, I smile at him. While I probably look like a splotchy racoon, there’s no hint of anger in the man. He grabs my hand and puts his balled up one on top, transferring some bit of metal to me. I glance at it and stare at the BMW keys. I look from them to him, questioning him.
“After you left like that I kinda realized you came with us this morning. You don't have another way home, so drive. Tobias has calmed down, but there's no need for you to wait until we're ready. Just go and get some rest. It might really help.”
My body warms at his words, I could get used to this Theo. Maybe I should complain about being pampered, but I really am exhausted. I need to get back and unwind. But wait, “If I take the car, how will you two get home?”
“It’s called a taxi. Oh, and please don’t destroy my car. If I get back and it looks like your trainwreck of a car, I will be pissed,” he says. But even with all this, he keeps smiling at me, even nudging my arm playfully. I rub my eyes with my fleshy palms. I look like a mess. “Here,” Theo offers me a handkerchief and uses it to rub at my face, removing some of the black smudges. I really look like a raccoon.
“Thank you, Theo.”
“It's nothing. Come on, I've got to get back to work, but I'll walk you the rest of the way, if that's okay.” He raises a brow, waiting for my response.
“Sure,” I reply. I follow him back to work, parting ways at the elevator. I head in and he gives me a little wave. He waits for me to go down to the parking lot, and heads right back to the offices. I touch my lips, thinking of the last time with Theo. At least now I can look at it fondly without all the anger and rage.
I make it to the car without issues and drive it back to the apartment. The valet glares at me, ready to accuse me of stealing I bet, but he bites his tongue and just takes the keys from me. He isn't willing to anger my bosses. I’m just glad I got the damn thing back in one piece. I hadn’t been so confident getting home. I was terrified of scratching or denting the car.
Even I will admit, I’m not the best driver. I’m shocked I even passed my driver test. I managed to parallel park once for the test, and since then didn't even attempt it. Hence all the dents on my car. I’m one of the worst parkers and have hit many stationary objects mainly trying to reverse, not that I'll admit that to Theo. He can believe all of that is from a previous owner.
I get back to my apartment, sit down, and glory in the absolute silence. I have free time! I don't have to worry about running out my battery on my phone for once. I open up one of my reading apps and pick out a good story. I need a drink to fully appreciate it. I pour myself a large glass of vodka and drizzle it with raspberry syrup from the pantry.
I take a seat on the couch, stretching my body out and diving straight into my current favorite book on the platform. I flip through page after page, unable to set it down. I barely even drink my drink, I’m on edge the entire time. I wish I could give the author a tip!
A loud knock interrupts my reading and I glance over at it, scowling. I’m on the last chapter, I don't want to stop. “It's open,” I call. I don't even bother leaving my seat, this is too good.
Theo walks in, closing the door behind him and takes a seat across from me. What is he doing here? I want to look to see the time but considering I managed to get to the last chapter I don't want to stop.
“What are you reading?” Theo questions after I ignore him. I hold a finger up motioning for him to wait a minute. Thankfully, he actually listens.
“A book on Patreon called Dark Desires by a woman named Jane Knight.”
“What's it about?” Theo questions, shifting closer to me.
My lip twitches, should I really tell him everything? It’s hard to sit there with my thighs clamped together as my heart beat pounds through my body. Jane is a master at heat and I can easily imagine the two male leads in the reverse harem as my bosses. “There's a waitress that works at this diner. She's having these heated dreams and then this guy shows up that's from the dreams. He ends up being one of her mates and is trying to protect her from this crazy killer beast.”
Theo's eyes widen a bit. “One of?”
I nod. “Yeah, I told you, I like reverse harems. One woman, lots of men. Though a few of these men are perfectly fine with keeping each other entertained while they're waiting for their lady,” I chuckle at him, but he doesn't turn red. If anything, he looks genuinely interested.
“Hmm interesting, I will have to check it out. What did you say the author’s name was again?” Theo asks, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
“Jane Knight, but it's on Patreon.”
Theo nods to my words. “Yes, and I signed up for it to help support her. If you like her, then I'm sure she's great at her craft.” He turns his phone around to show me he's signed up for her highest tier, show off.
“So, what has brought you here?” I ask, keeping the snap from my voice.
He chuckles at me, eyes twinkling. “You've got my keys.”
My cheeks burn, I forgot all about it. “Sorry.”
“And, I got you a present.” He announces with a smug smile. “And before you get worried or yell at me, no, I didn't spend any money on it.”
“Present?” He said he hasn't spent any money, so that means I can possibly accept whatever he has done. But he doesn't have anything in his hands.
“Go open the door to the courtyard,” his words are soft, but excited. He wants to see my expression over this present of his.
I set my phone down and make my way to the courtyard door. I pull the curtain away from the windows. Out in the dark, a blob of black is pressed against the door, waiting for me. I squeal, thrusting the door to the side as I race out and throw my arms around his big neck, I thought I lost him! “Where did you find him?” I gasp.
Pesky tears are brimming again. I've been so emotional today and I've read instead of taking that needed nap.
Theo pretends not to see me on the verge of breaking down. He rises up another several notches on my rankings. I wipe my eyes off on the dog. “He was at your old storage shed, sulking and lonely and crying over a belt you left there. Bit of a crybaby if you ask me. He was a bit bigger than you let me believe, I barely got him into the taxi, and do you know how upset the driver was?”
I shake my head, burying my head in his fur and resting my face against his furry one. He licks me, clearing away all traces of my tears. Am I allowed to be this happy?
“What are you going to name him?” Theo questions, eyeing us both.
Name? I have just treated him like a stray all this time. I've never dreamed that I could keep him. “Are dogs allowed here?”
Theo chuckles. “Yes, but there is a strict policy on cats. No cat, not even therapy ones.”
I shrug. “I have no idea yet. Maybe he'll help me think of one.” I tap my leg and the dog bounds over to me. He jumps onto the couch and stretches himself out, getting comfortable right next to my reading spot. What a smart pet.
Theo takes a seat beside him, roughly petting his head. I wince for my new friend. “He's just getting comfortable wherever he wants, huh?” Theo questions.
“Yeah,” I agree with a grin. “I'm glad. I was worried he wouldn't adapt to apartment life but I think we're going to be great.” Oh! I get to my feet. “Hey boy, I've got a surprise for you.” I go to the kitchen and grab the can and a can opener. “Where's Tobias anyway? Waiting for me to grovel and apologize?” That’ll never happen. I could apologize to Theo, but Tobias has gone over the line.
“I think he's still sulking over your last argument. I'm sure he'll turn up once he realizes how much of an ass he was to just do things without telling you. I bet it was a shock getting that receipt.”
The can opener pierces the metal and I aggressively turn the wheel a few times. I wish that Theo hadn't reminded me of all that. I cut the top off the can and throw it away. Grabbing a bowl, I pour the dog food into it. Huh, considering how much I spent this doesn't exactly look gourmet, and it smells even worse.
“Imogen? What are you doing there?” Theo calls with a cough. “Something smells hideous.”
I want to be a smartass, but I agree with him. This dog food stinks badly.
“I got him some dog food,” I answer, Theo snorts from the couch. “What?” I demand, I don't know why but my brow is wrinkled. Why is he laughing? Shrugging, I grab the bowl and set it on the ground. I crouch beside it and pat my legs. “Come here boy, I've got some din din.”
The stray walks over and spots the bowl. He stops and stares at it like it’s some vicious enemy. He growls, edging closer, nose working overtime.
I look between the dog and the food. “What's going on here? It says beef. Dogs like beef, don’t they?”
Theo joins me in the kitchen and crouches by the dog. It looks at him and sniffs, “They love it,” he reassures me. He grabs the dog by its muscular shoulders and pushes forward. “Come on big boy, eat your dinner. Imogen worked so hard to provide that for you. Doesn't it look wonderful?”
The dog snaps and snarls, baring his teeth and growling at Theo. I have to agree with him, the food is far from wonderful. The dog sits down, digging his claws into my floor and I wince. I hope he doesn't leave gouges behind. How will I explain that away?
“I don’t think he wants it. I will see if I can make him something else.” I offer. The dog snaps at Theo’s hand as Theo picks the bowl up and puts it beneath his nose. Walking over, I smack him softly on the snout. “Bad dog, don’t bite,” I scold him. The dog stares at me like I’ve grown another head. He drops his head to his paws and whimpers like I beat him.
“Aww come here, big fella,” Theo tells him and rubs his face, pulling on his furry cheeks. The stray growls in his face.
I wince, prepared to break up a fight. “Maybe you should leave him alone. He looks like he is getting cranky,” I warn Theo. Theo's teasing smile makes my insides warm. Maybe my friendship circle has grown by one, maybe.
“You know who he reminds me of? Tobias. Look, he even scowls like him. You should name him Tobias,” he turns to grin at me in expectation. I laugh at the twinkle in his eyes, “Their temperament is similar.”
“Somehow, I don’t think the boss will like it if I name a dog after him.” I chuckle. Besides, it will be weird having my pet named after someone I’ve fantasized about.
My nameless pet stares at Theo, and my boss gets to his feet, stretching. “It's been a long day. I'm going to get back before Tobias returns. If I don't have dinner prepared by the time he gets home he'll get cranky. I'll leave you two to enjoy your night.”
I wait until after he leaves before I retreat to the kitchen. I get a steak out of the freezer I found the night before and toss it in the microwave on defrost. It isn't the best cooking method, but I’m pretty sure my companion will be happy with anything as long as it isn't the slop from the can.
Once the microwave finishes I pull out a skillet and turn on the stove. I put the pan on it and let it heat up before I throw the steak in there and cook it to medium rare. After a few minutes it’s done. I cut it in half and place it on two plates.
I take the plates back to the living room and place one on the ground beside me. Maybe I should chop the steak up, what if it’s too big? I reach for it to fix my error when the dog grabs it and tears a chunk out of it. We finish our steaks in silence and I let the events of the day filter through me.