Tucker
Ryan ran through a bunch of commands with Morgan, finding that she was spot on with most of them.
“It’s very rare to adopt a dog from the shelter who knows the common commands. Usually it’s a lack of any training that results in them ending up at the shelter. I’m very impressed with her.”
“Well, we know her story isn’t typical. She lost her owner. And remember they said she tried to stay with him, refusing to leave his side. That shows great loyalty.”
“It does. For now I think we can call it a day. She seems very eager and in a couple of days we can begin adding to her skills. I was thinking, the first skill will be her being your support when you walk, should you need it. With any kind of luck you will be able to go without your cane, and she can learn to help you with your balance.”
“That would be great. I’m sick of walking around with this cane. Makes me feel like an old man.”
“Nobody’s mistaking you for the elderly anytime soon, Tucker.” Ryan gathered up the dog bowl and supplies, then off we went with Morgan walking between us. I almost wished it was like this—just the three of us—all the time.
As we left the park grounds, we ran into two people coming in with their dogs. My initial reaction was to hide, but when I looked down at Morgan, I felt a new sense of calm. We greeted them and proceeded to leave. That was when I noticed Ryan had a huge smirk on his face.
“What?” I asked him.
“You just spoke with those people and weren’t hiding behind your hat and a glare. I think that’s progress.”
“I don’t hide, do I?”
“Yes, Tucker, you do. I don’t see why, but you do.”
“I guess I’m worried what people will think.”
“Well, you shouldn’t be. You’re still as handsome as ever.”
I blushed, unsure of what to say.
Ryan continued, “You should never hide your face or who you are. I understand the scar is different for you, but believe me, your eyes and spirit are all people see. And that incredible smile.”
“Dang. I’m not sure what to say to all of that.”
“Don’t say anything, just take off the damn hat already.”
I paused, then threw my hat into a nearby trash can. “No more hats, Ryan. Anything for the guy who rescued me from myself.”
I did it. But what Ryan didn’t know was how badly I wanted to reach back inside that trashcan and get my hat back. Still, it did feel good to rid myself of it.
“I didn’t realize how much of a crutch that hat was. And I can tell you, as someone who walks around with a cane, I’m officially sick of crutches.”
As we walked to the rear of his car, Ryan leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. His eyes welled up with tears. “Thank you so much for trusting me and for fighting for yourself.”
I ruffled Morgan’s head as she sat by my side. “I have to. I have others to think about now.” And that kiss to think about. Man…
Ryan threw his gear into the back, shut the hatchback, and then we walked to the front of the car. He started to open the door behind my seat for Morgan when I stopped him and insisted, “Let me.”
I put my hand on his as he was opening the door. He and I were facing each other, eye to eye, my hand still on his. I quickly looked around the parking lot, then went for it, kissing him briefly on his lips.
Ryan’s eyes widened.
I stepped back and signaled for Morgan to jump inside. I tossed my cane on the floor behind my seat and leaned in to harness Morgan, my hand finally leaving Ryan’s. He stepped away and climbed into the driver’s seat.
I noticed his eyes in the rear-view watching me. I winked at him. He blushed. His brown eyes seemed darker and more intense at that moment. I wondered what he was thinking.
I knew I was thinking about that brief kiss. His lips were so warm, so soft. I wanted more. My god, I hadn’t felt like that in years. I wanted him!
Our eyes broke contact, as if we both read each other’s thoughts. I finished up Morgan and slowly backed out, making my way to the front seat.
Ryan started up the car then asked me, “Lunch? I know a place where we can sit outside with Morgan.”
“That sounds great. I have some time, and I’ve worked up quite the appetite.”
“You aren’t the only one.”
Oh yeah, we were both thinking about that kiss. I wished it had lasted longer. I wished I had never left him. I wished for so many things at that moment.
*
We drove for a few minutes in silence. Eventually Ryan pulled up to what looked like an old gas station, but was, in fact, a restaurant. It had a decent crowd, which I figured meant the food must’ve been good. Picnic tables were laid out under an awning that used to be where cars pulled up for gas. Now it served as shade for diners.
I noticed a family at one of the tables, with a cute little scruffy-looking dog who was munching on meal scraps. Pet-friendly indeed!
Ryan found a menu in a slot on the outside wall of the restaurant and handed it to me. “I know what I’m getting since I’m a regular here with my dogs. Figure out what you want and I’ll go in to order for us.”
“Let me treat.”
“Nah, this one’s on me, but you can pick it up next time.”
“Fine,” I said, happy he was thinking of a next time. I looked over the menu. Everything sounded great to me, but then again, I was incredibly hungry. “The crab burger sounds great.”
He chuckled. “That’s usually what I order. And a beer?”
“Sure. And a burger for Morgan here.”
Ryan smiled. “Okay, I’ll be back in a few. Find us a spot.”
He disappeared inside and I looked down at Morgan. “Where do you want to sit, girl?”
Morgan stood up and looked over at some tables by the old gas pumps.
“Good choice.”
We walked over and I somehow found a way to slide onto the bench of the picnic table. It hurt a little, bending like that, but I managed. I put my cane to my left while Morgan sat beside me on my right, her leash in my hand.
While we sat there, an employee showed up with a bowl of water and placed it by Morgan. “Here you go, sweetheart.”
The woman looked up at me, smiled, then asked, “Is there anything I can get you, Mr. Lee?”
She recognized me yet didn’t put me on the spot for an autograph or selfie, which was a huge relief.
I found myself instinctively reaching for my hat to lower it, but of course, I had thrown the hat out earlier. So I ran my fingers through my hair instead. “No, but thank you for bringing her water.”
She looked down at Morgan and patted the dog’s head. “She’s a beauty. Aren’t you girl?”
Morgan spoke to her, giving her an ‘ar-roo-roo-roo.’
The employee giggled. “Oh, goodness!”
I chuckled. “I adopted her a few days ago and just today found out she speaks.”
“How wonderful! You’re so lucky.”
“Thank you.” I felt quite pleased and proud of Morgan.
“Well, if you need anything, Mr. Lee, please raise the flag on the table and someone will be right over.”
I looked at the cute little flag on a pole, having not noticed it before, and smiled. “What a great idea. Thank you.”
She smiled and walked to another table, leaning down to better hear a customer.
I looked at Morgan. “Aren’t you a charmer?”
She looked up at me, and I swear she winked. Or perhaps it was just the sun in her eye. Either way, damn, that dog had charisma!
Ryan showed up a few minutes later carrying a tray of food. An employee followed behind him with two mugs of beer. Everything looked amazing.
Ryan sat across from me and placed his tray between us on the table. The server placed our drinks down and left us to it.
I took a bite of my crab burger. My eyes almost rolled back in pleasure, it tasted so good. I then noticed Ryan smiling at me. “What?”
“You look like you like it.”
“Are you kidding me? This is amazing!” I took a sip of the ice-cold beer which refreshed my senses even more.
After a few moments of indulging ourselves in our lunches, Ryan managed to take a moment to say, “This is pretty good, huh?”
“How long has this place been here?”
“Hmm. For a while, maybe a few years.”
I realized I hadn’t given Morgan her burger. So I put my food down, unwrapped hers, and tore it in two. “You hungry, Morgan?”
Her tail patted the pavement and her mouth watered, yet she sat patiently.
I gave her the half, and she ate it in one gulp.
“Dear lord.” I held up what remained of the burger. “Try actually tasting this next half, huh?”
She cocked her head at me, which made Ryan laugh.
I tentatively handed her the second half, hoping my slow motions would slow her down too.
But nope. She swallowed it whole.
We both laughed hard.
Morgan just stared at us with her innocent eyes, and a ‘what’ expression only a dog could have.
“Dang.” I shrugged my shoulders and continued savoring my burger, looking down at her as I mumbled, “See? I’m still enjoying mine.” I then asked Ryan, “How do you not eat here every day?”
“Well, I do come here pretty often, but there are other spots I like to dine at too, besides my own kitchen.”
“You cook?”
Ryan grinned. “Oh, you bet I do! You’ll have to come by sometime.”
“Definitely.” I laughed. “I remember back in high school, all you knew how to make was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”
Ryan narrowed his eyes at me, but his tone was one of amusement, “Well, I’ll have you know my culinary skills have evolved since then.”
“What do you like to cook, then?”
“I like to cook Cajun. I enjoy the heat and flavors.”
I sipped more of my beer. “Now I’m intrigued. How did you discover you liked Cajun? And cooking?”
“Well, I took a vacation after college with some friends to New Orleans. Discovered the food and flavor there. While they were out partying, I took some classes in town. I returned home with a couple of good cookbooks and a passion for New Orleans fare. Have you ever been there?”
“Yes, for football. I admit, the food was damn good.”
Ryan finished his beer, leaned back, and took a deep breath. He appeared to take it all in. The moment.
I knew because I was doing the same. But all good things had to come to an end, and I needed to get back home to prep for my therapy session. I looked at my watch.
Ryan noticed. “Time to go?”
“Sadly, yes. But thank you for the amazing lunch.”
“It was my pleasure.”
I grabbed my cane and Morgan’s leash, then slowly stood up away from the table. I lost my balance, having not set myself up with my cane yet, and found Morgan by my side, where my hand found its perch on her steady head.
She had prevented me from falling.
I looked over at Ryan, who had rushed by my side. “Did you see that?”
“I did. She has natural instincts.”
“Isn’t that what you were going to train her to do?”
“Yes, though she’ll still need training, to make sure she’s consistent with her assistance. Do you need a hand?”
“Thank you. I’m fine now.” I had my cane at the ready.
We walked back to the car and Ryan drove me home. When we arrived in the driveway, my therapist was already there idling in his car.
“Oops, guess I’m late. Gotta go.” I left the car, and Ryan went to the back seat to release Morgan from her harness. I opened her door and commanded once she was free, “Morgan, come.”
She instantly exited the car and went to my side. I grabbed my cane, shut the door, and made eye contact with Ryan. “Sorry to cut and run.”
Ryan gave me an understanding smile. “It’s okay. Go. I’ll see you at the next training session.”
I smiled one last smile at him, then turned and left. By the time I approached the trainer’s car, I noticed Ryan’s car already backing out.
That was not how I planned on saying goodbye.