The work week passes quickly, mostly because Dylan gives me a lot of space. He’s avoiding me. It’s weird. I welcome the quiet and the time to work in his big open space. Although, I debate whether I should ask him if I can bring my pet to work. It’s been quite lonely with him barricaded in his bedroom. He handles all the calls, so I don’t have anyone to talk to unless I go out and get lunch somewhere and then it’s just giving my order.

Standing up from my desk, I move to his bedroom door, feeling like I’m impeding on his privacy. Softly, I knock on the door. The bed squeaks and there’s shuffling then Dylan’s head pops out. He just stares at me, like I might bite him.

“So, I was wondering if I could bring my little pet to work tomorrow? She’s potty trained and she won’t be in the way. I promise. I’m just used to a little more social interaction than this.” I look down at my feet, a little ashamed that I’m letting him know I’m lonely. Glancing back up, I give him my puppy dog eyes. Maybe it will help. He has a phone tucked to his chest, like it’s on hold.

He seems to debate my question rather quickly. “It doesn’t chew on stuff, does it?” he whispers.

“Oh, no. She’s perfectly harmless.” I smile big. Dylan seems to be in a hurry to get back on the phone.

“Fine, but keep her out of my way. This is a work environment, after all.” He shuts the door quickly. “Yeah, Sam I’m still here.” His voice moves away from the door. I hop a little at my excitement. Birdie is coming to work with me! Maybe this job does have its perks! I’ve always wanted to bring my pet to work. I feel bad about leaving her home all day. She’ll be so excited.

The next day, I walk Birdie up to his apartment and knock as usual. There hasn’t been an incident like that first day. He’s been a man of his word, so far anyway. I wait patiently for him to open the door. He unlocks it, and without a backward glance, turns away from the door. He’s already on the phone. Birdie follows me in to my desk.

“Yeah, okay. I got it. Sounds good. Thanks, Sam.” Dylan turns around from his phone call and drops the phone on the floor. “What the hell is that?” He points toward my pet with a shocked expression.

I motion to Birdie. “Oh, this is the pet I asked to bring to work yesterday, remember? This is Birdie. See, she’s sweet.” My little piglet makes her way over to Dylan and nudges his leg. When I moved from Alabama, Birdie had to come with me. I couldn’t leave her at home with my dad. He hardly took care of me. He threatened to turn her into bacon for years. He’s a cold human being. I’m so glad I brought her. It’s been lonely in the city. I don’t have many friends but my pig keeps me company.

“Oh my God. You have a pet pig. I should have known you’d have something pink. Jesus, Andy, I can’t have a pig in my apartment. How do you have a pig in your apartment?” He makes no move to touch her, but he lets her rub all over him. She’s friendly to everyone, even if they are bearded monsters that go back on their word.

“My landlord doesn’t really know about her. But, she’s just like a dog. She’s very domesticated. In fact, some people believe pigs are more intelligent than dogs.” I bend down to call Birdie to me. She trots on over and rolls on her back so I can rub her belly. She makes the most adorable little rooting sound.

“When you said pet I was thinking of some shelter dog, not a pig. Why couldn’t you just have a normal pet? And who the hell names a pig Birdie?” He’s exasperated with me.

Stomping my foot like a two-year-old, I try to stop my eyes from tearing up. I knew he’d be an asshole about it. I should just expect this kind of behavior from him. “Fine, I’ll just take her back home then.” I move to the door, but Dylan rushes in front of me. I hang my head down so he can’t see the tears running down my cheeks. I don’t know why this made me so upset. Either it’s the fact that he thinks I’m weird, or that he wishes I were normal? Then he does something I’d never expect. Dylan places his finger under my chin to raise my head. The look he gives me is one of concern and remorse.

“I’m sorry, Andy. I was just a little surprised at the situation. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Birdie can stay.” He removes his fingers from my chin and crouches down to Birdie. Dylan pats her on the back and she squeals at him, as if she knows he said she could stay. “Does she need a water bowl or anything?” I sniff and wipe my nose on the back of my hand. I hold up the pink tote I brought. It has a few of Birdie’s toys, her water bowl, snacks, treats, and food. He looks in the bag and smiles. “Even her toys are pink.” I never thought I’d see Dylan smile at something pink.

I get over my speechlessness. “Thank you.” Birdie immediately digs out her favorite toy. It’s a Peppa Pig that squeaks. My little piglet makes herself at home on his rug, in front of the TV with Peppa. I peek at Dylan to make sure that’s all right. He rolls his eyes. I can’t believe he’s allowing her to stay. I’m surprised he didn’t give her the boot.

“We good?” Dylan places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes it.

“Yeah,” I reply, nodding my head. A warm fuzzy feeling covers my whole body. It’s nice when Dylan doesn’t treat me like a princess. He’s actually baffled me quite a bit since working for him. His apartment is starting to feel like my home away from home, black couch and all. Dylan picks up the phone and moves to the sofa, where I see paperwork sprawled out on the coffee table. He’s such a mess. Birdie notices him on the couch and jumps up to sit next to him.

“Uh, Andy?” He holds his hands up, like he’s under arrest.

I laugh a little to myself. I want to see how this plays out. “Yeah?”

Dylan lowers his hands and Birdie nudges him with her nose. His hand falls on top of her head. He pets her timidly. Everyone loves Birdie; there’s no way anyone can resist her charms. I smile at the adorable sight. This big, burly, tattooed man petting my cute pink pig. I’m getting that warm fuzzy feeling again.

“Never mind,” he huffs. Sucker.

The day goes by quickly. Before I know it, it’s time for Birdie and me to leave. My piglet’s been a permanent fixture at Dylan’s side. The bearded monster seems to embrace it. He loves on her when he thinks I’m not looking. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Dylan seems a little sad to see us head out. He must get lonely too. Wait, no he’s probably going to go out and land a chick, or whatever they call it. Unless he’s still seeing that girl I met on my first day. She was pretty, even if she had just woken up. I feel a little jealous. I don’t know why. It’s not like I want to be with Dylan in that way. I mean my boss is very attractive, especially when he’s being nice. I think back to when he said I could keep Birdie. My heart flutters. Stop that heart. He’s a Prince of Darkness, bearded hipster . . . that thinks I move like a ballerina in the kitchen. I still can’t get over his unusual but sweet comment.

I turn to say goodbye to Dylan. His face looks solemn. I’m almost tempted to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Birdie and I just stand there at his door. Dylan stares back.

“Is something wrong, Andy?” I love how he says my name, even if he’s a gruff Neanderthal. Swiftly, I walk over and give him a hug, in a way of thanks for letting me bring Birdie to work. As I wrap my arms around his waist, he tenses up. He drops his head back and closes his eyes. It’s like it’s physically painful to touch me. What the hell? His arms are stiff at his sides and his hands are in fists. I let go of him, shocked by his reaction to my hug. He finally lets out the breath he’s been holding.

I push my hair back behind my ear and play with my earring. “Umm, I just wanted to say thanks for letting me bring Birdie to work.” I pick up Birdie and close the door behind me. I didn’t realize I repulsed him so much. Who gives that kind of reaction to a hug? Birdie snuggles in my arms. I’m glad I at least have some wanted attention.