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Chapter One

Caroline

“You ing hi his tail “I know you’re alone all day, but Linda will be back soon I’onna miss our walks”

At the alks, he barks, raising one paw

“Yes, yes We’re going out Come on”

I’ood friend Linda, who’s been in Hawaii for a week Bing and I had a rocky start, but I slowly coaxed hi treat at a tiirl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do

I take Bing for a walk on our usual route around the block, stopping for hi hi with a shrill bark and a chronic tiny-dog syndrome

My phone chirps in ’s leash firlancing at the text e from one of my best friends

Summer: Proud aunt Maddox is perfectly healthy

She also sent me a picture, and I swear to God, my heart almost bursts Red-faced and tiny, the newborn is absolutely adorable

Caroline: He’s sweet Congratulations! Thanks for the pic How are Clara and Blake doing?

Summer: Clara is tired but happy, and my brother is a little too excited You know Blake

A second picture co the baby, and next to her is another brother of hers, my ex, Daniel I wonder if there is an expiration date on calling someone an ex Maybe it’s time to use a more neutral label, such as acquaintance, or friend After all, Daniel and I called it quits alo, and I’m close to his mother and sisters

A jolt inlurches after a stray cat

“Bing, no! Stop Sit Bing!”

I break into a run to keep up with him, and by the time we’re back in Linda’s apart raises both his front paws, standing on his back legs

“I’ll be back to”

Bing blinks, setting down one paw and then the other, then resting his snout on the up at me ide, accusatory eyes

Loweringyou beef jerky”

Well, daht of beef jerky cheers him up I look around the neat, quiet apartment I don’t have the heart to leave him alone here

“You knoe’re gonna do? We’re going to break the rules tonight” He lifts his head “Yes, we are Hoould you feel about spending the night in my apartment? Come on Let’s take the stairs It’s just one floor”