Page 6 of Frozen Hearts

“He seems to have made himself at home,” Jordan smiled.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mel smiled.

“While he’s busy, why don’t you take me outside and show me the yard?” Jordan suggested.

Mel led Jordan out her back door to her yard. If one could even refer to the tiny space as a yard. Jordan tapped a finger against her chin.

“Usually, I would say this isn’t big enough for a dog his size. But you have access to a dog-friendly beach, and the dog park is right across the street. So I don’t think this will be a problem.”

Mel breathed a sigh of relief. Mase poked his head through the open door and bounded outside. Mel watched as the dog sniffed every blade of grass. Jordan gave another smile.

“Do you mind showing me the rest of the house?” Jordan asked.

“Of course.”

They called Mase and he followed them inside. Mel gave Jordan a tour of the rest of the house. When they were done Jordan followed her back to the living room.

“Everything looks perfect. I think you’re all ready to go,” Jordan smiled. Mase came over and gave Jordan’s hand a lick. Jordan scratched the dog behind the ears.

“You be a good boy, Mase,” Jordan commanded. The dog tilted his head to the side as if he was trying to understand.

“And you know where to find me if there’s anything I can do to make the transition easier,” Jordan said, pointing at Mel.

“Thank you. You’ve been beyond helpful,” Mel smiled.

“Don’t forget that adopted dogs get to use the doggy daycare free for the first year,” Jordan smiled.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll get to see Mase. Especially as we figure out my work schedule.”

“Well, Mase is doubly welcome any time. He’s one of my favorites. Even though I don’t have favorites.” Jordan sent Mel a wink.

Mel walked Jordan to the door and waved goodbye. Mase seemed confused by Jordan’s absence, but not concerned. He walked back to his favorite place on the couch and laid down.

“No dog bed for you, huh?” Mel asked. She pointed at the fluffy bed on the ground. Mase wagged his tail but made no move to get up.

A knock on the door drew Mel’s attention. She glanced around the room, unsure of anything that Jordan may have left behind. When she answered the door her friend Brianna stood there with a giant dog bone in hand. Brianna came inside with a flurry of movement. Mase looked at her as if he were trying to solve a puzzle.

“Oh my gosh! Is that him?” Brianna asked excitedly.

“This is Mase,” Mel laughed.

Brianna was the type of person who was constantly evolving. When she’d met Brianna she had been working as a deejay. Back then she had gone by Bri. But recently, she’ddecided that the full version of her name was better. Mel was still trying to get used to calling her Brianna. Brianna had also recently started a new job with the LezGetaway travel agency.

“HI, Mase. I’m your auntie Brianna.” Brianna lay the bone on the ground. The offering was immediately accepted by Mase.

“What are you doing here?” Mel laughed.

“I took an extended lunch break to come say hello to my adopted nephew,” Brianna chided.

“Oh my goodness! You will find any reason to get out of work,” Mel accused.

“Not so. I love my job, because I get to do things like this.”

Mel shook her head and watched as Brianna scratched Mase behind the ears.

“Okay, auntie Brianna do you want to come with me to take Mase to the dog park?” Mel asked.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Brianna grinned.