“Any news, sweetie?” Mom asks gently, putting a cup of tea down on my bedside table.

I shake my head.

Since the vet is closer to my folks’ place, I decided to wait here, in my old bedroom. I’ve been lying in bed remembering the good times with Draco. This was his first home. He was the cutest pup ever. The memory of his first night with me is crystal clear still. Mom and Dad had insisted that he learn his place and put him in a box filled with blankets in the kitchen, but he had cried so much I had sneaked down and brought him into my bed.

In the morning, Mom had found us in tucked up in bed together and she had pronounced that I had ruined the dog forever, but she was wrong. Draco did not become spoilt or unruly. I didn’t have to toilet train him, he naturally knew to do it outside. With the exception of that time with Jackson’s mat, of course, I’ve had no toilet problems. I glance at my phone but still no news from the vet. I wonder if poor Draco is still on the operating table.

“It’s ok,” I reply, sitting up and thanking her for the tea.

“Well, I’m sure we’ll hear soon and then we can go straight to pick him up.”

“Thanks Mom,” I say, “I just hope he’ll be ok.”

“Me too, darling. But he’s a tough old dog, let’s try and stay positive. Why don’t you take another day off tomorrow as well? I’m sure Draco will want lots of attention after his op.”

I smile weakly. I love my Mom for trying to be positive but the truth of the matter was that there was a high chance he wouldn’t survive the surgery. It broke my heart to think of him lying there on the operating table.

“I need to go back in tomorrow. I told you about the big Montfort project, didn’t I?”

She nods vaguely. Mom has no interest in work stuff. She doesn’t even believe women should work. “Are you sure you’re up for it, dear? I’m sure Mr. Jenkins will understand if you take a day off work. After all, your dog is sick.”

“Actually Mom, he would. He would expect me to go in and I’ll have to. I think I’ll just stay here for a couple of days with you guys and go to work from here. At least you can watch over Draco.

“Of course, darling. Stay here as long as you want to.”

The truth is I cringe at the thought of going back to my house. So empty without Danny or Draco. And worst of all, the thought of bumping into Jackson. He must think I’m unhinged after my crazy rant last night but I don’t even care right now. All I can think about is Draco.

Mom pats me on the arm and tells me she’ll be downstairs if I need her. I nod and manage to hold back the tears. But when she pulls closed the door they trickle down my face and I’m sobbing again. Why is my life such a mess all of a sudden? I’ve even messed things up with Jackson.

An hour drifts by as I lounge around watching old movies and not really concentrating at all. I call the vets for updates, but they can’t tell me anything yet.

There’s a knock at my door and my Mom pokes her head around. “Someone’s here to see you.”

“I don’t want to see anyone,” I huff.

But Nina is already at my bedside, hugging me. “This is so sad,” she cries, “Draco’s the best dog in the world.”

“I know,” I say, managing half a smile. “Thanks for coming to see me.”

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Mom says, withdrawing.

That’s fine with me because I’m ready to tell Nina what really happened. I blurt it all out to her.

She’s sitting there with her hands over her mouth. “Oh, no! Do you really think the love potion made Draco sick?”

“I don’t know...”

“What did the vet say?”

“He said Draco’s arthritis has deteriorated massively over the last couple of weeks. It could just be old age, but we’ll never know that for sure, will we? The gypsy did say there would be dire consequences if it went to the wrong person!”

“Draco isn’t… a person though. Do you think it’s the same for dogs?”

“I know it’s wrong, but I just can’t help being annoyed at Jackson for feeding him the cake. He has digestion problems too. Surely, he must have figured that out when he pooped on his doorstep!”

“But I’m the one who persuaded you to use the potion!” Nina gasps, “It’s all my fault!”

“It’s not! It’s not,” I tell her firmly. “It’s Jackson’s fault. He shouldn’t have fed a whole cupcake to an old sick dog. What was he thinking?”

“Maybe he just didn’t think…” Nina says, looking uncomfortable. “So, are you not going to see him again then?”

“I don’t know.” I sniff. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m blaming Jackson although I know everything is my fault. I think guiltily about the bit of pizza Draco devoured too. “I’ve probably blown it with him anyway to be honest. What with my behavior last night.” I hang my head in shame. I wish I could turn back the clock.

“But now you know that he does really like you,” Nina says gently. “That’s what you always wanted.”

“Not like this,” I say, starting to cry again. “He even said he was falling for me, but now I can’t think of anything. I just want Draco to be ok.”

“He told you that?” Nina’s eyes are wide and she’s got a goofy look on her face. “I really think you should at least give him another chance?”

There’s a knock at the door and it’s Mom. “I just phoned the vet again, love. They were just about to call you. Draco is out of surgery! And it went well. They are going to keep him in for a few hours to make sure, but we should be able to pick him up later this evening.”

I can hardly believe my ears. “He’s really ok?”

“That’s wonderful!” Nina shrieks.

The three of us bundle into Mom’s rusty old car and head straight there to pick him up.

“Oh, Draco!” I exclaim, when I see him. His big brown eyes light up and he whimpers affectionately as I gently embrace him. I’m crying again but they’re tears off happiness and relief.

Mom drops us back at my place and Nina comes up with me, carrying Draco as I open the door. He’s still really groggy and we put him in his bed next to the couch.

“Jackson was meant to be coming over for dinner tonight,” I say, glancing at my phone. “I really don’t feel up to it.”

“You’ve had a tough day, Lolly,” she says. “I’m sure he’ll understand if you change to another night. I’m glad you want to see him again…”

I smile. “I do want to see him,” I tell her earnestly. “If he’s still interested in me… God Nina, what have I done? I went crazy at him last night. He’s probably having second thoughts.”

“Have you heard from him today?”

I shake my head. “He texted goodnight last night. I never replied.”

Nina is frowning. “When I said play it cool, this isn’t exactly what I meant.”

“I’ll text him now…”

We spend the rest of the evening relaxing and watching over Draco. I start to feel a bit better. I try my best not to think of Jackson and what he is up to. I noticed his car wasn’t parked outside when we arrived.

“I can’t believe Danny’s going on a silent retreat with someone he fancies! That would be soooo frustrating,” Nina says, playing with her hair and laughing.

“I know. I guess they’re just sitting there staring at each other?” I say and we giggle imagining it.

“Do you want me to keep you company tonight? I can stay over if you like?”

“That would be great, thanks.” I smile at her and think how lucky I am to have such a lovely caring friend.

“Let’s order pizza.” She grins at me. “And have a movie night!”