Heartbreaker(52)

He can’t stay on break here forever.

“Penny for them?” I feel a light tug, and realized I’m zoned out completely. Somehow, we’re already at Mickey’s, in line for the window service. I shake my head, self-conscious.

“Nothing.” I squeeze Finn’s hand, then turn to place my order for one of their famous crispy chicken sandwiches. We claim our food, then settle in at one of the picnic tables overlooking the ocean, armed with sodas in plastic cups and a basket of condiments.

“I know how to wine and dine a woman,” Finn jokes, through a mouthful of his sandwich. He’s got ketchup smeared on one corner of his mouth, and he devours his food like a wild beast.

I grin. “You’re all charm and so debonair.”

Finn takes another bite. “So how’s work?”

I shrug, picking at my fries. “Fine, I guess. Like I said, Delilah is the one getting most of the deals. I stay behind the scenes.”

“That’s not the Eva I remember.” Finn gives me a quizzical look. “What happened to your plans for drama school? You never really said.”

I shrug, and look away. “The city didn’t suit me.” That much, at least, is true. “But I was lucky to get this gig. The hours are great, and there’s commission, too. If I ever managed to close a deal.”

“But do you even like it?” Finn asks, pushing. “I mean, I’d understand if you were working the day job and going to auditions, or still pursuing acting, but this is different.”

“Acting wasn’t for me,” I insist. “And this isn’t so bad. I like the flexibility,” I say, trying to find a reason. “I get to babysit Kit a lot, and spend time over at the shelter.”

Finn’s mouth quirks into a grin at the mention. “How’s Edith? Still giving them hell?”

“Pretty much.” I pause, thinking about her money problems. “She’s getting older, though. I’m not sure how much longer she can keep the place together.”

“They’ll have to carry her out,” Finn chuckles. “When are you heading out there next? I’d love to come by and say hi.”

“I was planning to drop in after work today,” I suggest.

“I’ll meet you there.” Finn finishes his food, and screws up the wrappers. He tosses it for the trash can, but it misses, bouncing off the rim. “Good thing I didn’t have my heart set on sports,” he says, and I smile.

“Yeah, that’s really held you back.”

I slurp the rest of my soda, not quite ready to head back to the office. It’s a gorgeous day out, summer on the horizon, and the view couldn’t be better. The view of Finn, that is. I swear, I could look at him all day long and not get tired of it, the strong line of his jaw, and how that long hair falls over his eyes.

Today he seems distracted, too. He toys with his drink for a moment. “That was Kyle calling, this morning. Wanting me to get back in the studio.”

“Hmm?” I try to sound casual. “I thought you were on vacation.”

“I am.” Finn’s face clears. He smiles at me. “You’re right, I need the break. No work allowed.” He stands, and offers me his hand. I take it, smiling, but inside, a spark of unease flickers to life. The real world is calling.

How long can we put it aside?





Eighteen.


After I finish up at work, I change and head straight over to the shelter. When Finn arrives, he finds me with rubber gloves up to my elbows, cleaning out the kennels.

“Sexy,” he quips, leaning in the doorway. “I love a woman in marigold yellow.”

I laugh and strike a pose. “I know, there’s nothing men love more than the smell of dog poop.”

“Now you really are talking dirty.” Finn approaches, and tries to kiss me, but I back away.

“I’m so gross right now.”

“No, you’re beautiful.” He kisses me lightly, making me glow from the inside out. “Stinky, but beautiful.”

I finish up and head to the washroom next door, dousing myself in a generous helping of soap and hot water before emerging to meet him again. “So, what do you think?” I ask, feeling curiously protective of the place. I know it’s not much to look at, but this place is important to me, and I want to share it with him.

“It’s changed since I was here last.” Finn sounds impressed as he looks around.

“She converted the barn a few years back, and added the storage sheds,” I explain, leading him through the kennels. “We have anywhere from twenty to fifty dogs here at a time. Summer’s the worst for strays,” I add. “Too many litters left starving, or Christmas pets the owners get tired of cleaning up after. Poor things.”

“People shouldn’t sign up for a commitment they don’t understand.” Edith’s voice comes, and we turn.

“Edith, hey. You remember Finn, right?” I introduce him.

“It’s great to see you again. This place is amazing, you’ve done a great thing.” He shakes her hand politely, and flashes a charming smile, but Edith still regards Finn with a look of clear suspicion.

“I don’t suppose you have time for a dog, off in the big city,” she says.

“No ma’am. It wouldn’t be fair on them, with me traveling so much.”