“Thanks.” But some of Fliss’s spirit had returned and when she glanced at him he was relieved to see the usual spark in her eyes. “I’m late. I have to go. But thanks for the heads-up. I appreciate it.” She scooped up her keys and flew out of the door, leaving Harriet and Daniel alone.
“Shit,” Harriet muttered and Daniel lifted an eyebrow.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you swear.”
“Seth coming back into Fliss’s life is a reason to swear. She was broken, Daniel.”
“Yeah, but it was a long time ago. She was vulnerable, and now she’s not.”
“I’m not so sure.” Harriet looked unhappy. “Where Seth is concerned I think a part of her will always be broken. I’ve often wondered—”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Harriet avoided his gaze and he frowned.
“What? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“No. I’m worried, that’s all.”
“Me, too, but she’ll be fine. She always is.” Daniel finished his coffee. “I’m late. Call me if you need anything, but otherwise we can finish this conversation tomorrow when I pick up Brutus.”
Harriet was distracted. “You can’t have him tomorrow. The people who want to adopt him are coming to take him.”
Daniel was surprised by how much that news bothered him. “I thought they didn’t like his temperament.”
“These are different people. They’re specifically looking for a German shepherd. I think they’ll be the perfect family for him.”
Daniel felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut. He told himself it was seeing his sister upset that was responsible for the hollow feeling.
Harriet peered at him. “You look upset, but it’s not as if you need a dog to walk anymore. Now Molly knows the truth you can just walk because you enjoy walking. Or jog. Or whatever it is you do.”
“Two families have rejected Brutus already. I want him to have a good home, that’s all.”
“The people in the adoption center know what they’re doing.”
“Are you sure? Because it’s not as if what they’ve done so far has been particularly impressive. They should talk to Molly. She’s good at knowing what people and personalities would work together.”
“Her expertise is humans.”
“Brutus is smarter than many of the humans I know.”
Harriet’s gaze softened. “You really like him. You’re attached.”
“He’s a dog, and I’m never attached.” Feeling like a traitor, he gave Brutus a final back rub and walked to the door. “Make sure they know he has a problem coming back when he is called. They need to be careful where they let him off the lead. And don’t let them call him Ruffles.”
Seventeen
Dear Aggie, I’m married but I’m attracted to another woman. I love my wife, but life with her is predictable. Should I stay or should I go? Yours, Bored.
“He’s going to need a divorce attorney.” Daniel leaned over her shoulder. “Do you want to give him my number?”
Laughing, Molly shoved him away. She was working at Daniel’s desk. Valentine lay sprawled by the window, asleep. “As surprising as you might find this, I don’t generally start by recommending divorce.”
“Why not? If he goes through with the torrid affair he’s obviously considering, that will be the eventual outcome. Might as well save himself, and his wife, years of anguish and file for divorce now. Cut out the middle man. Or the middle woman, in this case.” He bent to kiss the back of her neck and Molly felt heat consume her.
She closed her laptop. “I’ll answer this later.”
“No.” His lips moved to her shoulder. “You have to answer it now. We’re having dinner with Eva and Lucas, remember? We’re due there in an hour. Carry on and work. Ignore me.”