Page 20 of Except You

“I wouldn’t say I feel pressured…”

“Oh god, I am. Fuck, Max. I’m so sorry. We can go. We don’t need to be here.”

He looks suddenly sad, his eyes growing glossy. I feel like shit. Is he going to cry?

“Don’t. It’s…you didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t have to come here tonight, but I’ve thought about it and you’re probably right. I am lonely, and a dog would be nice.”

Beau blinks rapidly, his bottom lip pulled between his teeth.

“Are you sure? I can do this sometimes. Trample right over people. I don’t mean to, but it happens.”

“I can hold my own against you.”

“I am very convincing when I need to be. I just don’t want you to resent me, or him.”

“His name’s Doggo,” I say, and Doggo barks loudly at that, his tail wagging. He is cute, a puff of white and black fur, and he looks far too happy for a grump like me.

“Oh my god, that’s the most perfect name,” Beau says with a laugh, blinking those big blues at me.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I grumble as he presses his hand against my chest once more.

“You need a friend, a companion, and Doggo needs a home. I think this will be real good for you.”

I’ve lost control, complete control.

Jesus take the wheel.

“Fine, but you agreed to watch him while I’m at work. I need you to sign a contract or something.”

“Oh my god. I so will. I promise. I will be the best co-parent ever.”

He beams, his face positively shining, and I can’t help but smile back.

“Guess Doggo is coming home then,” I murmur, and Beau pulls me into a tight hug.

“You won’t regret it. I promise.”

“We’ll see,” I say, and Beau turns back around, leaning down and pressing his fingers back through the cage.

Don’t know what the hell just happened, but it happened, and it seems I’m just along for the ride.

I didn’t expect to spend this evening walking through a pet shop, spending money on a dog I didn’t think I even wanted. But the way Beau is happily striding beside me, Doggo on his leash, almost dancing with excitement, I can’t say I’m sorry.

God, I hope I don’t regret this.

You won’t.

“Beau, this bed is pink.”

“So?”

“But Doggo is a man.”

“Men can like pink,” he says with a scowl and then pokes at my chest. “I happen to love the color.”

“Yeah, but you’re gay.”

He rolls his eyes and then places a hand on his hip. “You know what? I’m gonna buy you a real masculine pink shirt, and I dare you to wear it.”