4. “Daddy’s home.”

FOUR

“DADDY’S HOME.”

SHEP

I look down at my watch and sigh in relief that I only have thirty more minutes left of my shift before I get to go home and act like I didn’t touch the Harlow Sutherland today after her practice. Mondays typically drag, but this one in particular is taking its sweet fucking time.

I don’t know what possessed me to follow her off my stand but then to touch her? I couldn’t help it though, it’s like my arm moved on its own. It probably confirmed every thought in her mind that I’m some creep who just sits here and watches her. I meant what I said about being sorry she was hurt and couldn’t race, but I had no intention of then reaching out to touch her injured shoulder.

I blame the doe-like eyes she gave me after I made my apology. She looked so sad and delicate, which was quite the contrast to her fiery comments. Her subtle wince as I grazed over her soft skin was enough to let me know I made a mistake.

“Hey, Shep!” a gruff voice calls out behind me. I turn around to see Wes walking up to me. If there’s anything that eases the torture that is Mondays, it’s sharing a shift with one of my best friends.

“Yeah man, what’s going on?” I shoot back.

“You going to the date party tomorrow for your frat?” He makes it to the edge of my stand and whips my calf with the rope of his whistle.

“FU—” I rub at my now stinging leg. “I haven’t decided yet. Why, you wanna go?”

Wes didn’t rush our freshman year because he’s attending Everson on scholarship, but we got paired as roommates and he became my forever plus-one after I got initiated into Chi Kappa. Sophomore year we lived together again on campus and the man became more of a brother than my fraternity ones. Then junior year was an absolute shit show. I tried to live at the fraternity house and quickly realized I only liked seeing those guys during our events and not every day, so I threw in the towel on that and decided to get a place with Wes for our last year of college. Best decision I ever made.

“Yeah, actually. I heard some of the swim team is going to be there and I’ve had my eye on a brunette I saw at the meet last month who happens to be in my senior thesis group.” He smirks.

My ears perk up at this, wondering if that means Harlow will be there. I considered she might because of Beckett, but now there’s an even higher chance. All too quickly-and loudly-I reply, “Yes. Yeah, let’s go.”

Wes gives me a funny look before another sly grin appears on his face. “Your sudden enthusiasm wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain blonde swimmer would it?”

“Good one,” I deadpan.

Wes cocks an eyebrow and I know he doesn’t believe me, but he chooses not to argue, chuckling instead as he heads back over to his stand across the pool.

I pull into the driveway of my townhouse and turn off the ignition. Do I really want to see Harlow tomorrow? I haven’t stopped replaying our conversation and the more I think about it, the more I feel like an idiot. I don’t know if not telling her my name was my best move. She could actually not care.

My thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of my phone.

“Hey Mom, perfect timing.”

“Oh? How’s that, Son?”

“I was lost in thought and you called me just in time to stop it. What’s going on? Everything okay?”

“Yes, I was just calling to see if you had figured out your senior thesis yet. Your father and I were talking about it last night over dinner.”

“Thanks, Momma, but I haven’t decided on anything yet. I just know that I need to find something by December.”

“Alright sweetie, well if you need me you just call.”

“Okay, I will. Love you, Mom.”

“I love you, my Shepherd boy.”

The line clicks and my head feels clear already. A text message pops up almost instantly.

Mom

Oh, and you stay out of that head of yours.

Tell Wesley that I send my love.

I shake my head. That woman would claim Wes as her own if she could. Grabbing my bag, I jump out of my truck and slam the door behind me. That sound alone grants me a small howl from beyond the front door. “Yes, yes. Daddy’s home,” I call out, opening the door to be greeted by the sweetest fur baby I know.

I set my stuff down then kneel to Dahlia’s level and give her much needed pets and rubs. At the beginning of the year, the fraternity hosted a giveback with the local shelter and this little lady caught my eye. The organization told me she was their longest resident, having been brought in when she was two and is now four years old.

It’s not hard to figure out why. Dahlia may be mixed but she’s mostly a pitbull. The reputation of her breed preceded any opportunity for someone to take the time to meet her and realize she’s the most loving dog. Not to mention, a total baby. If she isn’t sleeping with me, she’s sleeping in Wes’s bed. She craves physical affection and maybe that’s why we get along so well.

I turn the corner into my bedroom and drop my stuff. Wes isn’t home yet, but he let me know he was heading somewhere to prep for one of his exams after he finished up his shift. The guy never stops studying.

Dahlia jumps up on my bed and starts to whine, already craving my attention again. “I know baby, just give me one second.”

A huff comes from her floppy lips. Laughing, I turn back around and grab a pair of sweats from my drawer and change out of my swim trunks and lifeguarding shirt into the familiar soft material. I don’t bother putting anything else on, sweatpants and no shirt is my natural state.

Running a hand through my wavy hair, I face Dahlia and her tail wags in anticipation for what’s to come: the daily debrief.

“Alright, so let’s see…” I head over to my bed and sit down next to her. She nuzzles into my side as I start to reel off the formalities. “Breakfast was fine, you know that, we ate together. Class wasn’t bad. Work was, well, more interesting than normal. I actually talked to Harlow today.”

I soften my voice as I say Harlow’s name and my dog’s ears perk up and she tilts her head. Of course Dahlia recognizes the change in my tone when I say Harlow. It’s not like I talk about her almost every day or something.

“Yeah, I know don’t give me that look.” I gather her smooshy face in my hands and give her a kiss on her forehead. “Nobody will ever replace you. My first true love. My Dahlia girl.”

As I’m continuing my baby talk, I hear the front door swing open and Wes calls out, “Daddy’s home!”

Dahlia jumps off the bed to go greet him and I holler after her, “Traitor!”

Wes’s laugh booms through the town house as he saunters towards the middle of the living room where I can see him through my door frame. Dahlia’s rubbing against his calves like a damn cat.

“What’s that about a traitor, hm? Don’t be upset that Dahlia recognizes I’m the real man of the house.”

“Oh fuck off.” I walk out into our living room and plop down on the couch. “Where’d you end up at once you left the rec?”

Wes shifts uncomfortably and turns to go put his things down.

“Whoa, hold up. What aren’t you telling me?” I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees and study him pensively.

He spins around and lets out a loud sigh. “I went to Boulder Brewing Co. and Beckett was there with some of your frat brothers.”

“Okay, and?” I raise my eyebrows as I await for whatever nugget of drama he has for me.

“He was talking about your girl.” Wes walks over and mirrors my position on the opposite couch.

“First off, not my girl. Second off, why are you being so weird about this?”

He reaches out and starts rubbing Dahlia, which I know is his way of putting a buffer into the conversation.

“He was talking about the date party and, well, I guess Harlow is going with him.”

“Right,” I deadpan. “Well, they must be dating again. Maybe when they’re on another break and he’s entertaining his newest flavor of the week, I can see if she’s into me. Besides, I just talked to her for the first time today, it’s not like she’d just agree to go with me anyways.”

Wes coughs like he’s choking before stammering out, “I’m sorry? You talked to her today? And you didn’t think to mention this to me at the pool? Honestly, man. It’s like we’re not even friends sometimes!”

“Don’t be so dramatic. Yeah, we talked. She apparently finally caught onto the fact that I’ve got a habit of keeping an eye on her when she’s at the rec center.” I avoid looking at him.

Wes laughs, “Keeping an eye on her, is that what we’re calling it? Talk about the understatement of the century.”

“Oh, give it a rest. We get it. You know I’m into her. ”

“Well I’m glad you’re able to cut the bullshit about it with me. All I really wanted to say was, if I’m being honest, I’m with you about Beckett. The guy’s a fucking prick and I don’t know how you deal with him being in your fraternity.”

“I don’t. Remember?” I spread my arms out in front of me, gesturing to him that I’m here with him and not living at the frat house where I had a front row seat to Beckett’s lack of loyalty. Wes nods his head in silent understanding.

“Oh, by the way,” I start, “ Momma Fords told me to give you her love.”

Wes slaps his hand on his chest. “Be still my heart. I love that woman.”

“Yeah, yeah. We know. You’re her favorite.” I roll my eyes.

“Hey! At least you know.” He stands up and starts to head towards his room before looking back over his shoulder and giving me a wink. “Don’t hate the player, hate the game. Hey by the way, were you planning to wear a suit tomorrow?”

“Uh, I hadn’t really thought about it yet.” Dahlia jumps up next to me on the couch and lays her head on my lap. “Why?”

“Oh, I just didn’t know if you were planning on trying to impress Harlow or not.” A sly grin sneaks up on his face.

“Or, you’re trying to impress the brunette you mentioned earlier and don’t want to get dressed up by yourself?” I shoot him a glare.

“I actually don’t know what you’re talking about and I resent that presumption.” He puffs out his chest and leans against his door frame.

“Okay scholarship boy, cool it with the proper talk. I’ll wear a suit with you tomorrow. But NO tie.”

Wes closes his eyes and makes a fist before letting out a hushed, “Yes,” as he shakes his hand in the air triumphantly.

He turns and goes back into his room, kicking the door shut behind him. Wes and I might argue like brothers, but he’s my best friend and I’d do anything for that fucker, even wear a damn suit.