Page 40 of Dad Next Door
I wasn’t sure if it was an older millennial thing or if Tristan just didn’t care about fashion or clothes, but the worn jeans, faded sweats, and printed t-shirts he wore unironically always made him seem like he’d been caught on laundry day or like he was reliving his student days.
The tux he had on was perfectly fitted to him and accentuated his long limbs and broad shoulders. He’d told me he used to be a four-season athlete when he was younger but stopped playing sports when he went to vet school and hadn’t done much working out since his marriage had fallen apart.
The shadows of his time as an athlete were still visible, and while I hated to use the term dad bod because I found it condescending and ageist, that was the body type he had. A little soft, but the kind of softness that suggested he’d be down for sleeping in on a lazy Sunday instead of rushing to the gym or would be a fantastic cuddle buddy.
I froze mid-fur collection. What the hell? Why was I picturing me and Tristan cuddled up together on my couch?
“That’s true.” Tristan glanced over his shoulder. “All clear?”
“Almost.” I shoved that thought out of my mind and ran the roller over a large deposit of bright yellow and white fur on his butt. “Did you sit on Koda? I’m worried he has a bald spot from how much of his fur is on your ass.”
“He’s a shedder. It’s a year-round thing with him. Another reason his previous owners didn’t want him. I made the mistake of laying my clothes out on the bed while I showered, and he decided to roll all over my pants to accessorize them. Sneaky guy was hiding in my closet, and I didn’t see him when I closed the rest of the gang out of my room.”
“He’s a bit of a brat.” I chuckled and pressed more firmly against a stubborn patch of fur.
“He’s such a brat.” Tristan laughed. “But I love him for it.”
“I wish I’d had a pet growing up.” I gave up on the roller and put it on a chair near the door. “Do you mind if I use my hand? This thing isn’t doing anything anymore.”
“Yeah, go ahead.” He dropped his arms from his T-pose. “Are you a dog or cat person?”
“Both. I’ve been around more dogs, but I love cats. They give zero fucks, and I appreciate that.” Being careful not to spread the fur around more, I brushed off his butt with firm strokes. “My parents have a dog, Sadie. I swear my brothers and I go over to see her more than our parents.”
“What kind of dog is she?”
“The shelter said her mother was a lab and her father was a border collie/Doberman mix. I only see the lab and border collie, but her siblings at the shelter had Doberman markings, while she’s pure yellow. She’s sweet, but not the brightest light on the tree. My parents had to teach her how to wag her tail without moving her whole butt when they got her, and she still hasn’t figured out that fetch is more fun if you keep bringing the ball back. She always looks so indignant after the third throw, like she’s personally offended that we keep throwing away the perfectly good things she’s bringing us.”
Tristan chuckled. “Sounds like Freddie. I love that big oaf, but he didn’t know how to be a dog when I rescued him. He grew up with cats and thought he was a giant cat. It’s why he gets along with our gang so well and why the cats rule the roost.”
I stepped back and did a quick fur check.
“How does it look?” he asked.
“Almost got it. Just a bit more on your leg.”
He held still as I got rid of what was left on his upper thigh. “You have been de-furred.”
“Thanks.” He turned to face me and adjusted his bow tie. “I usually just pretend like I don’t know I’m covered in pet glitter. Helps I’m a vet. People expect me to be that guy.”
“I bet having Jinx helps in situations like this. Not like he can get you all furry.” I motioned for him to follow me off his porch.
“You’d think, but sphynxes have their own issues. They don’t shed, but they get oily.”
“Oily?”
“Mmmhmm. All cats produce oil, but it usually gets trapped in their fur, and they clean it through grooming. Sphynxes need to be bathed, otherwise they leave streaks of the oil behind on clothes or whatever else they rub up against.” Tristan sighed heavily as we paused near the end of his driveway. “He was in horrible shape when his previous owner brought him to the clinic. They got him without doing any research on the breed and didn’t do any of the maintenance he needs to be healthy. Sphynxes’ skin and ears are vulnerable to infections, and they have special dietary needs because they burn so much energy to keep warm. They’re great pets when they’re taken care of, but not everyone is willing to put that work in.”
“That’s really sad. I could go on a full rant about designer animals and breeding, but tonight is about having fun and watching Simon turn fifty shades of purple. We can bitch about irresponsible people after we ruin his night.”
Tristan smiled, the tightness around his eyes easing. “You’re right. Tonight I’m just Tristan, a regular guy going to one of my oldest friend’s weddings with a hot guy on my arm. Not Tristan the vet or Tristan the dad.”
“Exactly. Tonight is about you having the night out that you deserve.” A flash of light on metal caught my eye. “Looks like our ride is here.”
“Holy crap on a cracker.” Tristan gaped at the gleaming limo that pulled up in front of us. “Now that’s a car.”
The back passenger door flew open as the driver started to get out of the front.
“Chillax, Vlado. It’s just Quinn. No need to be all fancy pants,” Nick called to the driver.