“Seems kind of mean to me,” she said.
“Does he look upset?” Alec James countered, pointing to Darling’s wagging tail. Before she could answer, he continued. “It’s no meaner than putting up a knee to keep distance.” He bent to give Darling an ear rub, which got Darling’s tail wagging like a furry metronome. “People often either stay put or back up, and both moves invite the dog to jump. This teaches the dog who’s in charge.” He cocked an eyebrow at Zona. “That doesn’t count as mansplaining, does it?”
He obviously didn’t expect an answer, as he turned his attention back to Darling. He pushed on the dog’s rump, forcing it down, and said, “Sit.” Then gave him another rub. “Good boy.” To Zona he said, “You have to reinforce the good behavior with lots of praise, just like with kids.”
It was hard to picture Alec James with kids. Unless they were running away from him.
He stood back up and Darling, delighted with all the attention, got excited and tried again to jump on him. He repeated the move and once more Darling backed down. “Dothis enough and he’ll get the idea.” He once again made Darling sit and gave him more praise, and Darling showed his gratitude by trying to lick his hand. “Yeah, you’re gonna learn to be a good dog,” he said to Darling, all the gruffness gone from his voice.
This was a different Alec James than the angry neighbor who had showed up on Zona’s doorstep with Darling in tow. Or the man the woman next door had called a monster. Once again, Zona found herself struggling to reconcile the two versions of Alec James.
“So, you’re a dog whisperer,” she said. It came out half tease, half taunt.
“I told you. I’ve had dogs.”
“Why don’t you have one now?”
“Not ready. My dog died a couple years ago. It felt like losing family. In fact, he was better family than most of my family.”
There was a telling statement. She wanted to ask more, but he didn’t give her time. He was back working with Darling.
Half an hour later, after bringing Zona into the process and seeing some success, he said, “That’s probably enough for one session.”
“Thanks,” she said. “Now, if we can just keep him from jumping the gate, maybe I can let him out in the backyard.”
“Did you put up the fence barrier?”
That he’d offered to help with. The good side of Alec James.
“I did, but like I said, he jumped over the gate. That’s how he got out on the Fourth.”
“You may have to put up a double gate. I’d offer to help, but I don’t think you’d take me up on it.”
He was being so nice, so... normal. She could not figure this man out.
“Martin will do it. He likes to help Mom,” she said.
“He seems like an okay guy,” Alec James observed.
“He is.”
“Most men are, when given a chance.”
That was subtle. Against her better judgment, she found herself saying, “How about something to drink?”
She thought he’d turn her down. Half wished he would because she was already regretting her offer. What was she thinking?
“What have you got?” he asked.
“No beer.”
The lack of beer didn’t appear to discourage him. He cocked an eyebrow, gave her a half smile. Even a half smile on this man had a lot of wattage, and it turned on the jitters in her.
“You think I’m a beer drinker?”
“You look like you could be.”
“What makes you think that, the truck?”
