LoveMeLoveMyDog

by Ava Summers

  “The pharmacy is just around the corner. You’re new here, aren’t you?”

  “I moved here a few weeks ago. How did you know?”

  “The look on your face. Besides, I have never seen you before. I recognize all people from the town, even if I don’t know their names.”

  Samantha was glad he misunderstood her confusion. She knew where the pharmacy was. What she didn’t know was why he threw her off balance. She had a passing thought of getting to know him a bit better, more than just as a neighbor. She scolded herself for her unusual thoughts.

  “Well, I think I must get… get going.”

  “If Winston doesn’t get better by Thursday, please come again.”

  “Thank you. I hope it won’t be necessary. Winston, let’s go.” She guided her dog out of the office. She hoped Chris hadn’t noticed her wobbly legs.

  Chapter 4

  “Winston, where are you?”

  Samantha had been so lost in writing her newest novel that she didn’t notice her dog was no longer snoring beside her working desk.

  She already checked the kitchen, the bedroom, and the guest room. She didn’t remember leaving any doors open, but now she wasn’t sure about it. She ventured outside.

  “Winston!”

  The dog was nowhere in sight. He must have somehow escaped. She shouted for him once again. The singing of the birds was the only reply.

  Samantha inspected the brown wooden fence to find any possible place Winston could escape. The fence was high enough that he couldn’t jump over it, so the only possible way had to be either under it or through the gate. She heard a movement beside the fence.

  “Winston?”

  A squirrel appeared on a tree branch right beside the fence. Her house shared the eastern part with a thick forest. She was terrified that the dog got lost in the woods. She ventured back to her house and grabbed car keys.

  When she was about to drive away, she saw Winston walking down the street with a happy look on his face right beside a St. Bernard kept on a leash by Chris. She got out of the car and approached them standing near the gate.

  “What is going on?” Samantha asked.

  “Your crazy dog appeared out of nowhere in the forest when I was taking a walk with Elsa. I thought it was a large wolf until he came closer. Then I remembered your visit last week.”

  A broad smile illuminated his face. He looked completely different than the professional veterinarian she met a week ago. His casual clothing made him look even more attractive than his professional attire.

  “I have no idea how it happened. One moment he was right beside me, a second later he was gone.”

  “Thankfully he had his tag on. If I didn’t know where you lived, I would probably take him to the Brookes’.”

  Samantha wanted to go home as soon as possible. Chris made her feel like a shy teenager, and she didn’t like this feeling at all. She was too old for that.

  “Thank you for walking him home. I appreciate it. Winston, heel!”

  But Winston wouldn’t budge. He was busy playing with Elsa and heeded no attention to Samantha’s order.

  “Winston!”

  “I think he wants to play with Elsa a little longer. Why don’t you take him for a walk with us? You’ll most certainly make Winston happy.”

  Winston stopped playing with Elsa and looked at Samantha with begging eyes. What the heck, did he learn how to read minds?

  Samantha was glad she didn’t have any children. She couldn’t handle the begging eyes of her dog, let alone the begging eyes of a kid.

  “I… Why not.” She looked at Winston with feigned anger. “Let me grab his leash. I’ll be back in a second.”

  Samantha trotted over to the house and entered the bathroom. She combed her brown hair and rushed out of the bathroom. There was no time to make herself prettier. She went to kitchen and grabbed Winston’s leash from a hook.

  When she went outside, Chris was busy throwing the dogs Frisbee. Samantha bought it for Winston a couple days ago to give him more exercise in the backyard in addition to their regular walks.

  She descended the steps of the porch and joined them.

  “I’m ready,” she said. They walked together to the forest where they let their dogs loose to play. The dogs started chasing after each other, running in circles and jumping. They were an imposing couple – two dogs that were almost taller than her three year old niece Angela.

  “You didn’t come again last week, so I guess Winston got better.”

  “He was back to his usual self two days later. Thank you again for your help.”

  “That’s my job. I’m glad I could help. You were lucky to catch me at noon last week. I usually don’t open before two o’clock.”

  They walked for a minute in silence.

  “So, what brought you to Maple Hills?” Chris asked.

  “Escape. The new beginning. I wanted to get away from the city.” She scolded herself for sharing too much information with him.

  “You’ve definitely came to the right place. There are few places quieter than Maple Hills, unless you like the farm living.” It seemed the broad smile rarely left his face. God, he was so handsome when he smiled like this.

  Chris was so calm and easygoing. Everything about him was peaceful. She liked his simple outfit – raw denim jeans and a tailored blue shirt with rolled cuffs that exposed his muscular forearms.

  “What about you? How long have you been living here?” she asked.

  “I was born here. Left the town to go to the veterinary college and intern. Couldn’t wait to get back here to open my own clinic.”

  Winston kept chasing after Elsa as if they were the best of friends. He usually appeared thoughtful to Samantha, but now he just looked foolish.

  “Do you work in the town?” Chris asked.

  “I work at home. I write books.” She dreaded his next question.

  “What kind of books?”

  “Um… Romance novels.”

  God, he made her feel so nervous, and now he was asking questions about her books. Samantha sometimes blushed talking about her books with her family, let alone with a stranger.

  “That’s interesting. I have never met a writer in my life. I would love to read one of your books. I love any kind of good fiction.”

  “I… Of course, I have some of my old books in the attic.”

  “Great, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

  Samantha regretted telling him about the books.

  They kept following a dirt trail in the middle of the pine forest. For a minute, neither of them said a word.

  The dogs put an end to the awkward silence. Winston appeared with Elsa carrying a big stick in her mouth. Chris took it from her and threw it in front of them. Both dogs started running at the same time, as if they were competing in the Olympics.

  “Let me take you to my secret place,” Chris said. He briefly touched her lower back to guide her to a small trail between the trees.

  His touch sent a shiver down her spine. Why was she acting like a teenager? He was handsome, but so what. She was done with men after what Robert had done to her.

  They followed the trail for a minute or so when a small opening appeared in front of them. A small wooden bench stood right beside a forest stream surrounded by moss-covered stones. Chirping of the birds accompanied the relaxing sound of the running water.

  “Wow, it’s so beautiful,” she said.

  “Let’s sit here for a while.” Chris motioned her to the bench situated beside the stream. “I come here to recharge my batteries after work. Nothing is better than solitude in nature.”

  Samantha sat down at the edge of the bench. She didn’t want to sit so close to him. His calm confidence intimidated her.

  “How do you like the town? Does it help you write your novels?”

  “At first it was too quiet for me. It all changed when I adopted Winston.”

  “Did you g
et him from the Brookes?”

  “I did. I wanted a puppy, but when Winston showed up, I felt as if he was waiting for me.”

  Samantha smiled, thinking about the first days with Winston at home.

  “I could see how you looked at him at the clinic. There are people who love their dogs, and there are people who adore them.”

  “Why a veterinarian?”

  “I have always loved animals. It’s in my genes, I guess. My grandfather was a dog breeder.”

  “What about your parents? Do they love animals, too?”

  “They passed away three years ago.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Chris threw a small rock into the stream.

  “Elsa was their dog. Just a puppy when they died,” he said. “Let’s get going. I have a surgery at four. Auntie Florence would be pissed off if I was late,” he said.

  They took the same route back. Their dogs were still chasing after each other as if they could never tire out.

  “Your aunt lives in the town?” she asked.

  “She’s been living here her entire life.”

  “What’s wrong with her dog?”

  “Nothing. He just needs to be neutered. He’s impossible when chasing ladies.”

  When they reached the edge of the forest, they took their dogs on the leash. Samantha and Chris stood at the beginning of the trail and looked at each other. Their pets were finally tired of playing with each other and just sat down, watching the surroundings.

  “I enjoyed talking with you. Why don’t we grab some coffee sometime this week?” Chris asked.

  Her cold mind said no, her emotions said yes.

  “Why not,” she said, trying to sound casual. They exchanged phone numbers. When she was giving him her number, she glanced at his fingers. She was surprised there was no wedding band on his hand. He had to be at least thirty five. A divorcee, then, just like her. Or perhaps a widower.

  “I’ll call you at the end of this week. Is that okay?” he said.

  “Sure.”

  He surprised Samantha by hugging her. It was just a casual gesture, but it still got her heart beating faster. She wondered if he hugged every stranger like that.

  “See you. Oh, and sorry for Winston. I didn’t want him to interrupt your walk. I still have no idea how he got out.”

  “No worries. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have met today. And that would have been a pity.”

  Chapter 5

  “And then he told me how that would have been a pity if we haven’t met. Can you believe it, Sarah?”

  “He sounds like a nice guy, girl. Why don’t you just let your guard down and enjoy it?”

  Samantha always envied her younger sister’s deep, warm voice. But then again, as an actress, she had her share of vocal exercises.

  “I don’t know. I feel he’s just nice because I’m new in town.”

  “After the whole situation with Robert you deserve someone more worthy of you. Maybe he’s the one?”

  “Oh, Sarah, stop it. He’s at least ten years younger than me.”

  “Why do you talk about him with so much passion, then?”

  “I already told you. It’s just nice to make friends in a new place.”

  “Right.”

  “Okay, okay. I give up. I think he’s handsome. There, satisfied?”

  “Nope. Tell me more about him.”

  “He seems like a carefree type. He always has this kind warm smile on his face.”

  “What does he look like?”

  “He has short brown hair and a beard.”

  “A beard? Seriously? A guy with a beard is attractive to you?”

  “I know, I know. But it fits him. Makes him look a little rugged. In a good way.”

  “There has to be something really special about him.”

  “I just like the way he makes me feel around him. Makes me feel welcomed here.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, sister. You can’t keep living like a nun.”

  “Sarah, I’m forty-three. He’s maybe thirty-five. If anything, we will become friends, nothing more.”

  “Friends? Please. Listen to yourself, girl. Talking like an old woman. Do you want me to send you a knitting kit?”

  “Sarah…”

  “But seriously, Samantha, you’re an attractive, mature woman. You’re caring, intelligent and straight up sexy.”

  “Tell it to Robert.”

  “Forget about this asshole. Move on.”

  “Easier said than done.”

  “You have the perfect opportunity now. Show Chris all you’ve got, Sam.”“Thank you, Sarah. I’ll think about it.”

  “Don’t think about it. Do it. Anyway, I need to go. Take care, girl. Have fun with Mr. Vet.”

  Samantha hung up and turned her attention to Winston. The dog lay near the couch in the living room. He raised his head and gazed at her as if he knew she had been looking at him.

  “Look what you did. You couldn’t just stay inside, could you?”

  Winston stared at her with a twinkle in his eye, almost as if he was thinking, “The joke’s on you.”

  His intelligence sometimes frightened Samantha. It felt as if there was a real human being hidden underneath the dog’s fur.

  Samantha went to her writing room to finish the last chapter of her new novel. As usual, Winston accompanied her and sat down beside the desk.

  “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”

  The dog tilted his head to one side as if he didn’t know what she was talking about.

  But Samantha knew he was just playing with her. There was something mischievous in his brown eyes.

  Chapter 6

  “Winston, stop!” Samantha yelled.

  The dog chased away after a squirrel into the deep forest. She stood on a dirt trail surrounded by towering pine and birch trees. She has never been so deep in the forest. She was scared Winston wouldn’t find his way back.

  “Winston!” she yelled again.

  Samantha stood on the trail and looked around in all directions. She didn’t hear any sound except for the chirping of the birds and wind rustling through the leaves.

  She entered the thick forest where Winston had disappeared a few minutes ago. One of the benefits of having a huge dog was that he left visible tracks. Even an amateur could track him. Or so she thought.

  Samantha followed the trail her dog took through the forest. Two minutes later, she realized she got lost. The forest was much darker than on the trail and she could no longer make out the tracks. Samantha felt as if the woods had been swallowing her. There were trees and shrubs all around her. She shuddered. Without Winston beside her, the forest felt threatening.

  She dug in her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. No reception. Perfect. She went on a longer walk to get her thoughts together. Now she just added another thing to worry about. First, how to find Winston. Second, how to get back to town.

  She turned around and took a path she thought would lead her back to the trail. Loud barking echoed through the forest. It was Winston. Samantha yelled for him.

  She heard heavy steps of something big running through the forest. Winston wasn’t alone. Either something chased him or the dog found a companion. Samantha hoped it was the latter.

  The noise became louder and louder. She strained her eyes and noticed Winston’s fur between the pine trees in front of her. A dog with white and brown spots ran beside him. The noise the dogs made together had been so loud that everything that lived nearby was probably scared out of its skin.

  Samantha came to a small opening and saw Winston and Elsa emerging from the shrubs across from her. The feeling of relief was replaced with embarrassment. Where there was Elsa, there had to be Chris. Perfect.

  Winston trotted over her and barked as if to say, “Follow me.” Elsa looked at them from distance. It was obvious she was waiting for her master.

  Samantha followed Winston
and Elsa through the forest. They led her over a small hill. The trail was right on the other side. She climbed it down. Chris stood on the trail and looked startled at her.

  “Samantha? What are you doing here?”

  “I… I was looking for mushrooms.”

  “Mushrooms?”

  “Okay, you caught me. I got lost. Winston chased after a squirrel and I followed him into the woods.”

  Chris laughed. “You’re not the first person who got lost here. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She was glad she wore long pants. If she had shorts, her legs would have small cuts just like her arms. She was so stupid to enter the forest instead of following the trail back home.

  “We should clean your cuts, just to be sure.”

  “Did you hear me? I said I’m fine.”

  Samantha immediately felt guilty for yelling at Chris. It was only her stupidity that she got lost in the forest.

  “I’m sorry, Chris. I didn’t mean to yell at you.”

  “No worries. Let’s head back to town.”

  They followed the narrow trail through the forest. Samantha walked behind Chris, while their dogs led the way.

  A few minutes later they emerged from the forest on the other side of the town. Samantha realized she hadn’t been that deep in the forest after all. They were just one block away from the veterinary clinic. She had circled around the town while she had been in the forest.

  They leashed their dogs and walked down the street.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to get these cuts cleaned? It won’t take longer than two minutes. I live just around the corner,” Chris said.

  “Okay. You’re the doctor here.”

  Chris led her to his house. He lived just two blocks away from the clinic in a small one-story house with a quaint front porch and an old-fashioned flower box. He pulled out the keys from his pocket and opened the door.

  “You stay here and play,” he said to the dogs.

  Samantha and Chris walked inside. His house was just like his clinic – orderly and extremely clean. She liked the simple design of his house. The small hallway had cream tiles and an old wooden shoe cabinet. She was surprised to see a glass vase with big yellow flowers on it. It added an old-fashioned feel to the room. Chris led her to the living room.