Something crashes to the floor in my room as I’m drying off. “Dammit, Romeo,” I sigh. “I don’t have time for this.” Wrapping my towel around myself, I hurry down the hall, leaving the bathroom and going into my bedroom.
Romeo is sleeping on my bed, and a box that I’d had on the top shelf in my closet is now lying on the floor. It was only a matter of time before that shelf broke, since I crammed so much stuff up there. Flicking on my bedroom light, I open the closet and peer inside, surprised to see the shelf intact, though it still doesn’t surprise me something fell. I haphazardly threw shit up there.
The box is full of knickknacks, and I go to scoop them back into the box when a necklace catches my eye. It was another gift from Aunt Estelle, and I must have accidentally shelved it with the rest of the gawdy jewelry she gave me, because this is actually pretty.
I carefully untangle the thin silver chain from another necklace and hold it up, rubbing my finger over the purple gemstone to clean some sort of smudge off. I undo the clasp and put it around my neck. Then I get up and pull jeans and a t-shirt from my closet, getting dressed in record speed.
My hair, which is overdue for a trim, takes too long to style, so I keep it in the messy bun. It’s not like I’m trying to impress this girl Harrison is currently infatuated with. He’ll forget her name in a week, I’m sure.
“Sorry, dude,” I tell Romeo. “I’ll play with you when I get home. Promise.” I kiss his head and give him a handful of treats before hurrying out of the house, telling Hunter goodbye in the process of course.
Harrison is already at my parents’ when I arrive, shocking me even more. I’m only two minutes late, and Harrison isn’t known for his punctuality. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I’m starting to think more and more that he gathered us all here to say he got one of his random hookups pregnant. Mom will be thrilled to get a grandkid sooner than she expected. It’s not like I’m settling down anytime soon.
I kick off my shoes and ditch my purse on the kitchen floor, finding everyone in the living room. Harrison is sitting close to a pretty blonde woman, who’s holding a glass of red wine.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say, and sit on the loveseat next to Mom. “Work was crazy.”
“I thought you were off today?” Dad asks and picks up a glass of sparkling water he poured for me since he knows I don’t drink often.
“I was but went into help out with an emergency surgery.” I look at Harrison, waiting for him to introduce us. His head is turned as he stares at her, eyes glossy. Is my brother actually in love? I never thought I’d see the day.
“Hi,” I go on when Harrison just sits there. “I’m Anora. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Jenny.” She smiles. “Nice to meet you too. Your necklace is pretty.”
“Thanks,” I say and reach up and touch the stone. It feels warm, like it’s been tucked inside my shirt.
“Is it amethyst?” she asks.
“I think so.”
“Mine too.” She smiles again and points to the string of purple beads hanging around her neck. I take a sip of water and lean back. There’s an awkwardness in the air, and Buster barks, standing at the back door. Dad jumps up a little too eagerly to get him in.
“How was work?” Mom asks, though I just said it was crazy.
“Busy. You know how it is. It’s not just one emergency at a time, it’s three.”
Mom holds up a hand and nods. “Oh, how true that is. Did the other dogs from the hoarder get homed yet?”
“Not yet, though when they are ready, I still think you should take one. Or even you, Har.”
“If I were home more, I’d get a dog,” Harrison says. “I’m gone too long during the day.”
“You live close enough to the office. You could go home and let the dog out at lunch.”
“Most days I’m meeting clients for lunch.”
“That’s true. I’m lucky I can run home and let Hunter out, though he does well being alone on the days I do work. He’s a good dog.”
“He is,” Harrison agrees.
“He’s the best dog,” I say and get out my phone. “Hunter is my German Shepherd,” I start and pull up a photo, holding my phone out to show Jenny. “He’s my baby.”
“Oh wow,” she says, leaning forward. “He’s pretty. And big.”
“Thanks, and yeah, he’s big for a Shepherd. I should have brought him. He and Buster like to play and—”
“I told you,” Harrison whisper-talks, nudging Jenny with his arm. “I think it only took a minute before she showed you animal photos.”