Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward Page A

We’re not talking about little pebbles, either.”
    “Oh, I know. I’ve seen you cleaning up their turds.”
    “Some days, if they eat the wrong crap, it’s like Montezuma’s revenge. Seriously, I couldn’t subject you to that if you’re the least bit queasy.”
    “I can totally handle it, Damien. I can tell you’re stressed about finding someone to look after them. I’m right next door. I can take them for two walks before I head to work in the afternoon then be here at night when she comes to pick them up.”
    “You serious about this?”
    The dogs were looking back and forth between us in unison as if they were interested in the outcome of this conversation.
    “Totally.”
    “Alright. But I insist on lining up a backup in case you bail out mid-week.”
    “I won’t. I’m not a quitter.”
    “I really appreciate it.”
    “It’ll be good exercise. I see your ex running after them sometimes when she drops them off. They’re basically walking her.”
    “Yeah, you just need to hold on and go with the flow.”
    “I can handle it.”
    I couldn’t figure out whether those would be my famous last words.
     
    ***
     
    The following week with Damien gone, I needed to be up early to collect the dogs from Jenna.
    That first day, I had to admit that I was a little nervous to meet her up close and in person. At the same time, even though she’d been intimate with the guy I was obsessed with, he’d dumped her. So, I felt an equal sense of sympathy and kinship, seeing as though Damien made it clear that things weren’t going anywhere between him and me, either.
    Damien told me he always fed the dogs as soon as they were dropped off then took them for a walk an hour or two later. I figured I could try to nap in between their breakfast and the walk then take them out again before heading to work. In the evenings, I would give them one more meal and walk them one last time before she picked them up for the night.
    He’d given me the key to his apartment, so I made myself some coffee while I waited for the dogs to arrive.
    The door opened, prompting me to straighten in my seat. Dudley and Drewfus ran into the room ahead of her.
    Wiping my hands on my pants, I said, “Hi, I’m Chelsea.”
    “Yes. I know.”
    Damien had told me that Jenna worked as a hair stylist downtown. She was wearing black pants that hugged her wide hips and a black shirt with the name of the salon written in sequins. Her physique made me wonder if Damien preferred curvier bodies to more athletic figures like mine. Her hair was cut into a straight brown bob. She was definitely attractive, although not someone I would characterize as a bombshell. Jenna was naturally pretty with big brown eyes and a funky style as exhibited by her multi-colored fingernails and fitted retro leather half-jacket.
    “It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
    “Is it?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’m sorry. I can be a little snarky. He told me to be nice to you.”
    “He did?”
    “Yeah. He didn’t want me to scare you away, maybe.” She gave me a quick once-over that made me wish I had dressed up a bit. “You’re probably so into him, that wouldn’t happen, though, right?”
    Great.
    “Damien and I…we’re just friends.”
    “Oh, I’m sure that’s the official label. But you probably like him, right?”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Because I’ve been there, and I can tell by your face. You’re blushing.”
    “Everything makes me blush. It doesn’t mean anything,” I lied. “Well, regardless, it doesn’t matter. He’s already closed the door on that.”
    “Right. He’s not gonna let you get too close, especially after what happened with me. You’re probably kidding yourself, though, and still holding out hope, thinking maybe you can change his mind?”
    “No,” I lied.
    Her mouth curved into a somewhat empathetic smile. “I wouldn’t blame you at all, by the way. I just pity your situation because it reminds me of a time when I didn’t get it. But