Chapter 22

Landon

Brooke and I walk into the building together, her bulldog leading the way. Mixed emotions eat away at my insides. Today is the National Agility Trials, and I want to be there to support her and Merle since they’re competing in the small dog division. But on the other hand, the thought of seeing hundreds of other small dogs rips at my gut.

I miss Chili, Burrito, Fajita, and Taco. Part of me hopes to run into that asshole Guy Foster so I can tell him again exactly what I think of him. I’m desperate to bring my Chihuahuas home, and I won’t hesitate to confront him with my words or my fists. Even though Brooke says I need to be peaceful and patient, that shit hasn’t worked so far. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m ready to take it to the next level. I fantasize about breaking his perfect nose.

“It’s really packed today,” Brooke says as we squeeze through the crowd.

“Who knew these things were so damn popular,” I say. “Before I met you, I’d never even heard of agility.”

“We dog lovers seem to be drawn to any opportunity to show off the talents of our four-legged friends.”

“How about me? I’m a dog lover now, I just don’t have my…” I can’t finish the sentence.

“Landon, are you up to this? I know it must be hard for you to be here. If you want to leave, I can get an Uber back home.”

“You mean like the last time we were here, and you screamed at me and said…” I mimic her voice, “‘Don’t worry about giving me a ride! I’ll catch an Uber!’”

The corners of her mouth tug upward at my teasing. “I don’t talk like that at all.”

“Sure you do.” I laugh. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily today. I’m not leaving your side.”

“Good.” Brooke plants a kiss on my lips. My heart races but she pulls away leaving me wanting more. And more. “You hungry?”

“Some more of those nachos would hit the spot, but this time, it’s my treat.”

“You know, I can scrape together enough pennies to afford some nachos and two Cokes.” She winks.

“And you know I want to treat you. It’s the least I can do. We still haven’t even gone out to a nice restaurant yet.”

“There will be plenty of time for that.”

“So that means you want to keep going out with me?”

She chuckles. “Landon Cole, you can be so clueless sometimes.”

Is this her way of saying that she’s officially my girlfriend? I’m dancing on a cloud at the mere thought of it. I must have completely zoned out because I almost walk right into a giant pillar. Brooke pulls me out of the way just in time.

“You’re always saving my ass,” I say.

She smiles. “What else is new?”

We get into the long line at the concession stand. I point like a child and say, “Oh! The pretzels look good too! With processed cheese food.”

“Brooke!” Guy calls out. I would recognize that fucker’s voice anywhere. Brooke and I turn around while Merle growls deep in his throat.

Good dog.

He meanders through the crowd, dodging strollers and holding a large crate. My heart squeezes when I see Chili, Fajita, Burrito, and Taco locked inside. I’m sure that Chili has been biting his nails non-stop since he suffers from crate anxiety. What I wouldn’t give to rescue them from Guy’s clutches. I fight to keep my anger from bubbling up to overflowing.

“Why are my dogs in that crate?” I can hardly speak the words past the knot in my throat. It’s like someone bought a pretzel and shoved it down there.

“Not going to happen.” He looks around at the people standing nearby and points to me. “That’s right folks, this guy had to have his dogs taken away from him.”

I shake my head. “I’m not–”

“Don’t try to deny it. You know you frightened Chili half to death when you hit him at the last agility trial.”

“I didn’t–”

“If I open this crate right now, everybody will see how scared they are. How they tremble and quake at the mere sight of you.”

“Go ahead, do it,” Brooke demands, bending to hold Merle in place.

Guy’s smirk falls away, and he takes a step backward. “No way. I’m not–”

Brooke’s face grows harder and she points to the ground. “Do it.”

He looks around and see all the eyes watching us. The muscle in his jaw pops when he places the crate on the ground and reaches for the latch.

My heart begins to pound. What if he’s right? What if they are afraid of me? I know I should’ve treated them better, petted them more, loved them harder.

“Here goes!” Guy shakes his head. Now, a small crowd has gathered around us. I think I recognize the redhead with the tampon in her purse.

Guy opens the crate, and the dogs start barking. I hold my breath as I wait for their judgment. Then something happens that I never, ever expected, but it causes my entire body to sing with joy. They run straight toward me and leap into my arms.

“I missed you, little dogs!” As they lick my face and hair, I try to pet all of them at once, but we just end up in a tangled mass of fur and paws.

As they bark louder, Guy’s gritty grunt rises above the fray. “That doesn’t mean anything. They’re still traumatized and confused. And you’re still an abuser. They’re still going home with me.”

“You know what…” I look up at Guy, angry enough to punch him in his face. But I know that’s a horrible idea in front of all these people. Instead, I decide to do the exact opposite of what my instincts tell me.

The dogs are excited and worked up. I start using Brooke’s training techniques to calm them down. They immediately stop jumping. Her eyes light up, and she says, “You were paying attention.”

All of the sudden, Burrito takes off running past a girl eating a hot dog. This little guy puts my patience to the test. I know I can’t have the same reaction that I did with Chili, but I’m scared of Burrito getting stepped on or getting into God knows what.

“Burrito!” I stand up.

“I knew it was an act.” Guy stares at me. “He couldn’t wait to get away from the likes of you.”

I still have an urge to cold-cock that bitch, but making sure Burrito is okay is more important. “Burrito! Come!” I clap my hands and whistle the way Brooke taught me.

A few seconds later, he turns around and runs back toward me in a perfect recall. I smile wide as he trots toward me in a straight line and executes a perfect sit right at my toes. I look at him, overjoyed and my chest puffing out with pride. “You need a treat, buddy.”

He lets out one excited bark, and I pet him and the other Chihuahuas. Everyone around us applauds except for Guy. He stares me down.

Brooke turns to him. “What were you saying about the dogs being unhappy?”

“I-I…” Guy hesitates, and I see an opportunity to press my case.

“It’s obvious that they belong with Landon,” she says.

Tampon lady glares at Guy and points her finger. “Give the guy his dogs back, or else!”

He glares at her and then at me. “Okay, but I’ll be watching you.”

“Whatever, I just want my dogs back.” I keep petting the Chihuahuas and all four snuggle into my lap. I take the leashes Brooke pulls from the crate and hook each of them up.

Guy turns and walks away. Brooke smiles wide. “I’m proud of you, Landon.”

“What can I say, I learned from the best.” I grin.

The redhead approaches me, swinging her big purse. I brace myself for another blunt force attack to the head, but I’m surprised when her face gives way to a smile. “That was very impressive. I can tell you love those dogs very much.”

“They’re like my kids.” I can’t believe that I’m not only saying the words…but meaning them. “And I really appreciate you speaking up. I know you didn’t have to.”

“It was my pleasure, and I can totally relate. Those Chihuahuas are so cute. I hope you participate in the agility trial today.”

“Actually, I just came here to support my girlfriend…” It feels so good to say that word.

Brooke smiles wide, but she doesn’t correct me. “Of course he’s going to participate.”

I turn to her. “But–”

“You can do it, Landon. I believe in you. Let’s go see if they’re accepting any late entries in the small dog beginner division. If they’ve had any last-minute cancellations, they will.”

The dogs bark and people applaud. I haven’t been this happy since…well, since I lost my first love.

Now, I’m on the road to finding love again, and for some reason, I think Carla would be happy for me.