8. Special Protection

Briar

I didn't plan to send them a photo, but Donut is making it impossible not to. My tiny rust-colored Dachshund has burrowed into my clothes in the pink suitcase in Aubrey's guest room, wiggled her way through leggings and bras, and is stretched out across nearly the whole length of the luggage, her little head poking out of a lavender sports bra, her tail twined around a white hoodie. I add a sticker saying thank you then hit send on a group message.

Briar: Apparently, it's a dog case too. And it's Donut approved.

Hollis: She's making sure she's never left behind.

Briar: Her MO. Also, thank you. That was unexpected and awesome. Also fortuitous since I'm heading up to Lucky Falls today with Donut, and Frances Furbottom will stay with her grandad. I got into my rental early, in case Rhys didn't mention it.

Gavin: Oh. You mean Rhys went to your yoga class? What a surprise.

Hollis: I had no idea he went to your class.

Gavin: Does he go every other day?

Hollis: Right after morning skate?

Rhys: I'm like literally in this chat, wankers.

Briar: He went, and he's an excellent student. Such a shame I didn't see you guys there. But maybe someday you can be as flexible as Rhys is.

Rhys: Not likely. But it's nice of you to try to prop them up, Bri.

Hollis: Let's not forget you're the rival, Pretzel. We've got to be careful who we consort with.

Gavin: Is that another dictionary word of yours?

Hollis: Like doily?

Gavin: Yes. Like doily.

Hollis: Do you even know what consort means?

Gavin: I know what consort means. It means…associate, as in a verb.

Hollis: Are you sure?

Hollis is bluffing. That's clear. How Gavin will handle his bluff is anyone's guess. Especially mine. But I can't look away from their text tennis match. Three dots appear and Gavin replies with…

Gavin: Indubitably.

I crack up as I write back.

Briar: And that round goes to Gavin.

Then, I tug Donut from my clothes, zip up the suitcase, and pop Frances into her newly purchased carrier. She yowls at me.

"But you look so pretty in your new bag," I say, and before I close it, I toss her a stuffed catnip alligator and that hits the spot for her. In spite of Aubrey and Ledger's offer to look after her, my dad called dibs when I mentioned I needed a place for her, though I haven't told him why yet. He'll be pissed on my behalf. Since Aubrey's at work, I let myself out and head to my car, Donut by my side. I set the pets safely in the car. After I drop the suitcase into the trunk where the other one's already stowed, I check the chat again.

Hollis: Damn. It fucking does. I need to step up my game. Speaking of stepping up our game…I take it the cat is staying with your dad?

Briar: She is. He's a cat man, even though he's a Sea Dogs fan.

Hollis: I'll pretend you didn't say that last part. But if Mrs. Furry Butt needs any special protection while you're gone, you know where to find us.

Briar: I do.

I don't know exactly how I wound up with a crew of three hockey protectors but somehow I have one.

Serendipity, I suppose.

I close the thread, turning on my girl power playlist. I need an epic breakup tune, something to signify I don't need anyone. I find the Amelia Stone tune—Better Off—blast it, and hit the road, leaving the hockey guys behind me, and the next phase in my life ahead.