Boss

by Deborah Armstrong

  Something was off. Mark walked without touching Jules. He should have offered his arm for her to hold or his hand. And if not that, the palm of his hand should be on her hip or lower back to guide her. Not that Dane wanted to see another man’s hands on Red, but if anyone should be touching her, it should be Mark.

  They took their seats with Jules sitting between the two men. Lucky lay down between Jules’ and Dane’s chairs.

  “Is that enough room for him?”

  “Don’t worry. Lucky will make it work.”

  “Does he get something to eat when we’re eating?”

  “He’s working, Jules. He eats at breakfast.”

  Dane and Mark both stood when the rest of their table arrived. They exchanged pleasantries with Hank and Mary Marshall, along with two other members of the board and their spouses.

  “Tell me honestly, are red and green your favorite colors?”

  “I never lie. I’ve loved the colors since I was a child. You wearing green tonight only reinforces why they still are.”

  “Always the charmer.”

  Dane chuckled. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

  “You have a way of saying the right thing. If I remember correctly, the night we met, you said all the right things.”

  “They were all true.”

  “Excuse me. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what is wrong with you that you need a service dog?”

  An awkward silence surrounded the table. And in that instant, Dane diffused it, giving the older woman who asked the question a warm smile.

  “I have a brain injury. My dog can smell a seizure about to happen and alerts me so that I can make myself safe. Without Lucky, I wouldn’t have this handsome face you’ve been admiring.”

  The woman responded with a smile.

  “He can smell it?” her husband asked.

  “A dog’s nose has up to three hundred million sensory receptors in its nose, whereas we only have about six million. Lucky’s nose can detect so much more than ours, and he can remember various scents. Before I have a seizure, my body chemistry changes. I don’t feel anything, and yet Lucky smells it right away. He can detect it within five minutes. Some dogs can sense seizures before that. I won’t complain. I can react quickly and make myself safe within five minutes.”

  “Fascinating.”

  “Amazing.”

  Jules leaned into Dane and whispered in his ear, “Charming.”

  While they enjoyed their meal and the free-flowing wine, the table fell into easy conversation mostly centered around Dane. He answered their questions in a relaxed manner and tried his best to turn the subject away from him, but failed.

  “Tell them about your stint as a firefighter,” Jules teased.

  “You were a firefighter?”

  “No, Jules has me confused with someone else.”

  “The two of you know each other?”

  They turned and looked at each other, giving each other a knowing smile.

  “We met on a blind date a few years ago.”

  “Unfortunately, it was right before Jules left for Toronto, so we didn’t have the chance to get to know each other.”

  “What about now?”

  “Jules has someone in her life. I’m too late.” Dane got to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, Lucky needs a bathroom break.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Jules offered as she got to her feet.

  “No. Stay here with Mark. I won’t take long. Let’s go, boy.”

  Jules watched as Dane left the ballroom.

  Mark reached for her hand. “Jules, sit down. He’ll be back.”

  She sat down reluctantly. “This isn’t going as I planned.”

  “Plans rarely do. Don’t roll your eyes at me. You know it’s true.”

  “It doesn’t mean I like to hear you say it.”

  “Talk to him. Once the dinner finishes and the speeches end, you’ll have the chance.”

  “What if he doesn’t want to talk?”

  “Then make him listen. You can do that.”

  Dane pulled the collar of his tuxedo jacket up against his neck to block the cold without little effect. It was cold as hell outside, typical for Alberta.

  “Hurry up, boy. Do your business.”

  He waited while Lucky sniffed various poles and bushes to piss on. Dane always marveled at how well controlled a dog’s bladder was—that a dog could piss in tiny amounts stop and then go again stop and then go again. A dog’s bladder never seemed to be empty. Unless he’d been sleeping all night and that morning piss was the longest and most satisfying of the day. If Lucky could talk, Dane knew that he’d agree with him on that point.

  “Let’s go.”

  Dane gave a light tug on Lucky’s leash. As he turned to make his way back to the hotel entrance, he glimpsed a shadow, a face hidden among potted trees and shrubs. Dane stood still for a moment trying to find the form again. It was gone.

  “You had me worried,” Jules whispered when he rejoined their table.

  “Why? I told you I’d be back.”

  His eyes had changed, becoming darker, dangerous looking.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “No lies, remember?”

  “I’m not lying. There’s nothing wrong.” He winked at her as though a wink would magically put her at ease. “When does the dancing start? It would be nice to have one dance with you before the clock strikes midnight.”

  “Hold your horses, Prince Charming. Don’t you have a speech to give first?”

  “I can say I’m not feeling well. Coming down with a seizure or something.”

  “Don’t joke about something like that!” Jules put her hand on his arm. “Are you joking, or do you feel unwell?”

  “I’m fine.” Dane surveyed the room, feeling unease, knowing that someone was watching them. He was sure of it. The only question was, who? It wouldn’t be Bates. Bates had watched him before without giving him this feeling. No. This time it was someone else.

  A man’s voice crackled over the speaker, “May I have your attention, please?”

  Dane turned his gaze to the stage where the Director of Fundraising was fidgeting with the microphone.

  “On behalf of the High River General Hospital Fundraising Committee, I would like to welcome all of you to our Christmas Gala. It is our way of thanking you, our generous supporters, for your generosity toward our fine hospital.” He paused for applause. “It is my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Dane Andrews, who has pledged ongoing support for a new project for our pediatric wing. Please give a warm welcome to Mr. Dane Andrews.”

  Dane got to his feet. Immediately Lucky was standing before him, waiting for a command. Dane unleashed him before making his way to the stage. It was an impressive sight, the way Lucky stuck to Dane’s side, never wavering or leaving an inch between them. They were man and dog inseparable, giving no notice of the applause that filled the room.

  He didn’t want to have his biography read aloud to the audience. His past was of no concern to them, nothing that he wanted them to know, especially his role in the Special Elite. Retired Naval Master Corporal was all they needed to know. Dane shook the director’s hand then took the offered microphone. He didn’t stand behind the lectern, allowing everyone to get the full view of Lucky who stood beside him, watching his every move.

  “Thank you. I am honored to speak to you tonight. You may have noticed that I have a dog with me. His name is Lucky, and he is my service dog. He’s wearing a bow tie because his aunt thought he should look his best for tonight. He wears this red vest to alert people that he is working and that he shouldn’t be disturbed. You can tell that he’s working because he isn’t leaving my side.” Dane took a few steps to his left and then to his right as if they were dancing. Lucky moved with him. “When we
’re out in public, this is what he does. I won’t go into great detail, only to tell you that I have seizures and it’s Lucky’s job to let me know when I am about to have one and then to keep me safe while I have it. It’s because of Lucky and the freedom he has given me to lead a relatively normal life, that I met with the Board of Directors and discussed with them the possibility of providing service dogs to children in need.

  “Service dogs can give children the confidence and freedom to be themselves. And they can provide parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe. There are so many types of service dogs. I can’t list them all, but here are a few services they can provide: they can help the visually impaired, the autistic, the physically disabled, and those who have epilepsy. Dogs are intelligent and intuitive. Whatever their training, service dogs help adults and children lead independent lives. It is my pledge, and I hope you make it yours as well, to support our service dog project.”

  Dane looked behind him and nodded to the band. He turned to face the audience, “It looks like the band is ready to play, and I know that I’d like to get in a dance or two. So please, consider supporting this very worthwhile cause. Thank you.”

  Dane handed the microphone to a stagehand standing by the stairs as he made his exit. Applause followed him to his table. Jules and Mark were the first to rise to greet him.

  “What a wonderful idea, Dane. I had no idea,” Mark said as he shook his hand.

  “I hope one of those dances is with me,” Jules said to him.

  “Of course. I wouldn’t want to dance with anyone else.”

  The band started to play.

  “May I have this dance?” Dane asked. “That is if Mark doesn’t want the first dance with you.”

  “Go ahead, Andrews. She’s all yours.”

  “What about Lucky?”

  Dane glanced at his dog. “Sit this one out okay, boy? Stay.”

  Dane placed the palm of his hand on the small of Jules’ back and escorted her to the dance floor.

  “He’ll stay?”

  “If he senses anything, he’ll come and get me.”

  “You’re sure?”

  Dane held Jules in his arms and started to dance. “His nose can find me anywhere in this room. I’m sure he’ll let me know if he senses anything. And if he doesn’t, at least I’ll be surrounded by doctors if I do seize.”

  “I worry about you.”

  Dane smiled. “Thanks, but there’s no need.”

  “Val’s worried about you, too. There has to be a reason for what happened to you last week. Are you sure—”

  “Let’s drop it okay, Red? I don’t want to waste what could be my only dance with the most beautiful woman in the room talking about my brain.”

  “Most beautiful?”

  “Always.” Dane kissed her forehead. “I thought so when I first met you, and I still do.”

  “Dane—”

  “Mark’s a lucky guy. I think the two of you make a great couple. He seems to like Becca, too. That’s important.”

  “Why are you talking like that? Do you know something I don’t?”

  “Red, it’s Christmas. You look like a million dollars in that dress. You’re with a man who adores you. It’s obvious to me that tonight is a special night for the two of you. It’s the perfect time to get engaged. You have my approval.”

  Jules laughed. “I have your approval? That’s sweet, although unnecessary.”

  “Why?”

  “Mark and I aren’t getting engaged. We aren’t even dating. I don’t know how you got that idea. Did Val say something?”

  “No one said anything. I just assumed.”

  “You know what they say about people who assume, Gary.” There it was, the smile that he had missed and the sparkle in her eyes. “Mark’s gay. His partner is out of town. He invited me to join him tonight. That’s all.”

  Dane stopped, both of them stood in the middle of the dance floor, staring at each other. It was now Dane’s turn to show his embarrassment, although he didn’t turn red. He had that deer caught in the headlights look—stunned.

  “So if you didn’t dress like this for Mark, who did you dress for?”

  “Can’t a woman dress up for herself?”

  “Of course she can. It’s just that—”

  “It’s just what, Gary?” Jules moved in closer to him, pressing her body against his.

  “You hate me.”

  “I don’t hate you. I’ve never said that.”

  Dane looked into her eyes. There was no sign of deceit, but he knew what she thought about him. He had seen the pity she felt for him, and the sadness that he made her feel. “The last time we spoke, you made it clear that you couldn’t be with me without being reminded of your parents’ murders. You hate what I do. You hate guns and guns are a part of my life. I can’t change that.”

  “I’m not asking you to change that or anything else.”

  “Don’t play games with me. Not now.”

  “This isn’t a game. I promise.”

  “Then tell me why the sudden change of heart. I haven’t done anything. I haven’t changed.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. We have a beautiful daughter who has the biggest heart of anyone I know. As much as I’d like to take credit for giving her that heart, I know that she gets it from you.”

  “That still doesn’t explain why.”

  “It’s Becca. She’s made me see things differently. I have to let go of the sadness. I can’t let my parents’ deaths keep me from being happy. I can hate guns, but I don’t have to keep you out of my life because of them. We deserve to be happy, Dane. We deserve to be happy together.”

  Dane forced himself to look away. He had to think. Jules had caught him off guard, saying things he never expected to hear. All Dane hoped for was a dance. And now she was telling him that she wanted to be happy with him. Dane straightened. There it was again, a man’s face in the shadows watching him. When the man realized that Dane had spotted him, he made his way to an exit and escaped.

  “What is it?” Jules asked.

  He shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “Dane, people are staring at us. Are we going to dance?”

  Before he could answer, Lucky bumped his hand with his wet nose.

  “No, this can’t be happening.” Dane looked down at his dog. “Your timing sucks, boy.”

  “Dane, what is it?”

  “I’m about to go down. I need to find a place to crash.”

  “Come with me.” Jules took Dane by the hand and led him out of the ballroom. Lucky stayed by Dane’s side.

  Dane nodded toward the lobby. “There’s a quiet spot around the corner. I noticed it when I came in.” Jules pulled on his arm, quickening her pace. “We don’t have to run, Red. I’ve got time.”

  “Humor me. I don’t know how you do this.”

  Dane chuckled. “Neither do I. There,” he said when he spotted a quiet nook with a bench long enough to accommodate his body. Perfect for quiet talks or hushed phone calls. “This will do.”

  Dane took off his tuxedo jacket and folded it to make a pillow for his head before he laid out on the bench. Immediately Lucky jumped onto his chest. Dane’s hand rested on Lucky’s back.

  “Why does he do that?”

  “His weight comforts me, especially when I come out of it.”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “Don’t let anyone try to rob me.”

  “Dane—”

  “Tell me why you want to be happy with me.”

  He was gone before Jules could say the words. It was strange to sit with him while he had his seizure. Dane laid perfectly still as though he were asleep. Lucky rested his head on Dane’s shoulder.

  Jules took hold of Dane’s hand and held it. “Look after him, boy. Keep him safe.”

/>   She sat in silence, listening to Dane as he breathed, afraid that maybe it would stop. Jules thought back to when she was a new mom, alone in her home with her newborn baby. She would sit by Becca’s crib for hours listening to her breathe, afraid that the breathing might stop. Jules was a doctor. She knew the odds and yet she still worried. And then she thought of him, her fantasy man who gave her this remarkable baby and she wondered who he was, and she wished he was with her.

  Lucky whined, wagging his tail while licking Dane’s face. Dane’s hand moved on his dog’s back, giving him slow caresses.

  “Dane?” Jules waited for him to respond. She squeezed his hand.

  “Mmm.” He kept his eyes closed.

  “I’m here for you.”

  “No one tried to rob me?”

  “No.”

  “What were we talking about before I blacked out?”

  “I don’t remember.”

  “Liar.” A thin smile formed on his face.

  “Are you going to open your eyes?”

  “No, then I can pretend this is a dream if you don’t tell me why you want us to be happy together.”

  “Because of Becca.”

  “Becca?”

  “Her heart. Remember? She got it from you.”

  “It’s only DNA.” His voice was soft, but the words stung, a painful reminder of what she had said to him.

  “I’m sorry that I said that to you. You’re more than a DNA donor.”

  “Careful, Red, you might get my hopes up.”

  She sighed heavily. “Will you open your eyes? I feel as though I’m talking to a corpse.”

  One eye opened. “Played that game before, doc?”

  “I can make it happen if you want,” she said with a low, threatening tone.

  Dane’s other eye opened. “I’m listening.”

  “Becca needs to have you in her life as her father. And I need to have you in my life, too.”

  “As?”

  “As my boyfriend.”

  “Boyfriend?”

  “Let’s not rush things. I want to do this right this time around. No shortcuts. Let’s start at the beginning and see where we go from there.”