He was there virtually in the same spot that he had been the first time. But this time, he didn’t wait for me to call Buddy’s name. He jumped to his feet and walked toward me, saying, “hello Carrie, how are you doing today?”
I replied, “fine, thank you and yourself?”. He smiled at me. But I saw him glancing down. I was not sure at what. I told myself, as I turned and walked him to an empty room, that he had not been looking at my arms; he was looking at my scrubs. But my brain thought differently. But I could be wrong.
Ben was as chatty as the first time. He told me that he had given all the medication to Buddy and that he seemed much better. But then he asked me a question that made my stomach flip.
“Do you have a dog?” He asked, changing the subject
I turned from the computer and looked at him, petrified. I remembered suddenly thinking that I had seen him on Sunday walking buddy. “ yes,” I said, hoping my voice was not too obviously terrified.
“What kind?” He asked, still gazing at me.
“She’s a golden retriever,” I said without hesitation, but I was yelling at myself inside my head.
“I think I saw you walking her last Sunday.” He explained, smiling at me. “Buddy is very dog friendly.” He added. “You do not have to cross the street when you see us. He loves you and would love to meet your dog. I would too.”
I was speechless. I stared at him, unable to think of words for longer than it was proper.
Before I knew it he was talking again. “ if you don’t have any plans, maybe we could meet this weekend for a play date?”
I swallowed hard. “ it’s my…. My birthday this weekend, and I have plans.” I blurted out.
Ben hardly blinked. “ that’s all right. I’ll give you my number, and if you change your mind that way, you have it.” He took out a small piece of paper and handed it to me. He brushed my freezing fingers again. On it was a handwritten telephone number.
“Call me anytime or text; it doesn’t have to be about a play date.” He was looking into my eyes earnestly.
Spookychild’s writings 
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