Page 7 of Dad Next Door
The flash of the back door opening caught my attention. Leo slipped outside and raced down the stairs toward us.
“That’s sad.” I rubbed the sore spot on my back. “I’ve always been an adopt, don’t shop advocate.”
“My dad says that too.” Leo came skidding to a stop next to us. “Thank you for saving Jinx.” He looked up at me with admiration shining in his eyes.
“I’m glad I could help. Is he okay?”
Leo nodded. “He’s good, just embarrassed.”
“Embarrassed? How can you tell?”
“He went into his house of shame.”
“His what?”
“His house of shame. It’s a bed that looks like a shark. He went into it after he ate his squishy and put himself in time-out. He only does that when he’s embarrassed.”
“I’m so sorry, kiddo.” Lydia put her hand on Leo’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean to leave the door open like that.”
“I know.” He shifted his attention to her and gave her a reassuring grin. “Accidents happen, right?”
“Yeah.” She playfully ruffled his hair.
Leo rolled his eyes and shot her a pointed look as he smoothed down his hair. “Thanks,” he deadpanned.
“We should get inside.” Lydia turned back to me. “Are you okay?”
“Me? Yeah.”
“Are you sure? You keep rubbing your back.”
“I do?” I paused, realizing I was rubbing that spot again. “Oh, that. Yeah. I’m fine.”
Leo leaned around to look at my back. “You’re bleeding!”
“I am?” I pulled my hand away from my back and looked at it.
Small streaks of blood were smeared on my palm and fingers, mixing with the dirt from crawling around on the ground.
“I’m sure it’s just a scratch.”
“Can I see?” Lydia asked.
Obediently, I turned and lifted the back of my shirt.
She drew a breath in through her teeth. “That looks like it could be deep. It might need stitches.”
“I’m sure it’s fine.” Dropping my shirt, I turned back to her. “I’ll let you get back to your evening.”
“Thanks again for saving Jinx.” Leo lunged at me, his skinny arms circling my waist. He squeezed me hard.
Before I could react or worry what Lydia might think of her nephew hugging me, Leo stepped back and beamed up at me. “You’re the best!”
“It was really great to meet you,” Lydia said, putting her hand on Leo’s back to give him a little nudge toward the door.
“You too.” I waved awkwardly.
“See you around, Quinn.” Leo took off for the door.