“It’s not rude to be curious.” Alastair didn’t look away from my face.
“IED.”
“What branch?”
“Marines. Second light armored reconnaissance battalion.”
With a warmth I didn’t expect, Alastair clasped my hand with both of his. “Thank you for your service, Stone.”
I never knew what to say to that. “It’s all good.”
He snorted. “That’s a first.”
“Sorry.”
“Are you dating my son?”
“Dad! Oh my God, you’re like an untrained dog that jumps on people and sniffs their crotches and—”
“Why can’t I ask?” He finally turned to Sebastian. “I want to know the answer. I’m not trying to be offensive.”
“I should go.” I backed from the room while they argued. “I’ll call you.”
“Oh, man.” Sebastian tried to lift his arms. “I can’t even cover my face in shock and horror. You know that.”
I turned and left, though I heard their voices raised in argument as I walked toward the elevator. Outside, I found Molly and Morrigan where I’d left them. Molly was showing Morrigan something on her tablet.
“No, look. He’s handsome, isn’t he? Don’t you think he’s handsome?”
I sat down next to Molly. “I’m not sure Morrigan’s the best judge of handsome.”
“What about you?” She showed me a picture of a Boston terrier. “What do you think?”
“Are you trying to set Morrigan up?” I studied the little dog. He was really cute if you liked small breeds. “Is there now a Tinder for dogs?”
“Ha. You’re cute. No. This is Friar Tuxedo. I have a friend trying to find me a dog for Sebastian. Friar Tux here is about two and a half. He’s from a breeder who shows dogs, but there’s something off about him, not his health but his temperament maybe?”
“I’d find out what that thing is. Maybe take him to a vet. If he’s sound, he’d be a great pet for Sebastian.”
“He’s just adorable, isn’t he? I have an appointment to go see him, but he’s in Grass Valley. It’ll take most of the day to get there and back.”
“Sebastian can’t manage a dog right now. He’s going to be in casts and in pain.”
“I can take care of a dog. Sebastian needs cuddles, don’t you think? A pet would be great for him.”
I’d been pretty determined to buy him a plush throw. Maybe in the back of my mind,cuddleswas exactly what I’d been thinking. I took the tablet from her and flipped through the pictures. Friar Tux was exactly the type of dog I’d pick for Sebastian. A small animal he could control easily, keep in an apartment or hotel, and travel with. Bostons were loyal, and they loved to cuddle.
“The right dog could bring comfort and happiness to Sebastian’s life.”
“Being responsible for another life can be a reason to get up when you don’t want to,” she said.
She had me there. “I was told the suicide rate among veterans who have support animals is lower than among those who don’t.”
“Is it true?”
“Again, just from my experience”—I measured my words carefully—”I’d say yes.”
“Sold.”
