“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.