Page 152 of The Storm

There’s another knock.

“Coming,” Callum says loudly, throwing me a quick look before adding, “Coach.”

“Fine,” I say. “I’m just…”

I duck past him and run to the door while he lets out a shout and tries to tackle me. I get to the door before him and pull it open.

There’s a woman standing there. She looks between me and Callum, a startled expression on her face.

“Hello?” she says.

I don’t have the time for polite greetings. Instead, I whirl around and pin Callum with a look.

“Indy, this is Tina,” Callum says. “Tina. Indy.”

“Yeah, great,” I say. “She’s holding a puppy, Callum. Why is she holding a puppy? Please tell me you didn’t buy a puppy.”

Callum scoffs. “Of course I didn’t buy a puppy. I’m not a moron.” He goes and takes the wiggly cocker spaniel puppy in his arms. I almost start to relax.

“I’m babysitting her,” he announces.

There goes that relief.

“I really am so grateful,” Tina says. “I was all out of options. Brad was supposed to stay home with her, but then his father fell on the stairs, and I have to be on a plane to Chicago in”—she glances at her watch—“oh, about an hour and a half. I don’t know how to repay you. Seriously. I packed everything you need in this suitcase, and I will pick her up first thing Monday morning. You’re literally my hero.”

“It’s not a problem,” Callum says. “You’re doing me a favor, actually. Free puppy time? Hell yeah!”

Tina laughs. She kisses the top of the puppy’s head and Callum’s cheek, and then she’s off.

Callum is too busy baby talking the puppy to pay any attention to me at first, but eventually he lifts his head.

“I didn’t buy a puppy,” he says. “If anything, you should be proud of me. I’m being very sensible. This is a trial puppy I will give back in a few days.”

“Yeah,” I say slowly. “Hey, do you think this puppy is a fan of planes, by chance? Or football? Because the last time I checked you’re playing Seattle tomorrow.”

It takes a moment for my words to register, and then his face falls.

“Shit,” he says. “I am playing Seattle, aren’t I?”

“Uh-huh. Jet’s leaving in a few hours, isn’t it?” I purse my lips thoughtfully. “Really puts you in a bit of a pickle if you think about it.”

He looks remorseful for about two point five seconds before he lifts the puppy up, holding her face next to his. The puppy starts licking his face.

“Pwease,” he says.

“No. Ugh, no. Eww. No baby voice. That’s fucking weird.”

“In that case, stay here while I’m gone and take care of Nova. Or I will only speak in a baby voice from now on.”

“I will quit,” I say tonelessly.

“Please? It’s only for a few days. I’ll pay you extra.”

“You’re already paying me more than a normal person would. You know, you can just be one of those asshole bosses and demand I babysit your puppy.” He makes a face, and I bite back a smile, crossing my arms over my chest. “Go on, give it a go. Be a dick, and I’ll help you with the puppy.”

I’ve never seen anybody look so conflicted in my life.

“You have to do it?” he finally says.