Page 81 of Too Fast To Fall
“Gus likes to sleep with us,” Emilio said.
“Uh-huh,” answered Willa.
They checked out the other rooms, including the kitchen, which would likely be a gut job, but Piper’s dad had several friendswho were contractors. It wouldn’t be a problem.
“I’ll leave you two to talk about everything,” her mom said when they’d finished the tour. “I’ll be outside if you need anything.”
Piper so appreciated that her mom gave them space. “The backyard is fenced in for Gus.”
“Let’s walk out there,” Emilio said. “We only saw it from the sliding glass door. I’d like a better look at the pool.”
Piper felt another glimmer of optimism. Maybe this house could win him over. Hand in hand, they slipped through the door outonto the flagstone patio. It was covered on one end by a pergola, and the pool was lovely—retro with deep turquoise tile.It would need a little TLC, but Gus would love it. He would spend hours in that pool. It might be impossible to get him out.
Off to the side was a grassy area. “This is perfect for Gus,” Piper said. “And it goes all the way around to the other sideof the house.” When she turned the corner to view the side yard, she gasped. There, straight ahead, were two adorable doghouses.
“Oh, my God. Emilio. Look. It’s perfect.”
“Gus isn’t going to want to sleep in there.”
“No. Probably not. I mean, he’s very, very spoiled. But maybe it’s a sign this house is right for us.”
“Maybe.”
“I should probably tell you that I talked to my mom’s client. The woman who runs the local animal shelter.”
“And?”
Piper smiled and stepped closer, taking his hand, hoping her touch could influence him. “They have a super-cute dog. A femaleborder collie. Apparently, she’s a little shy. Probably about two years old. She was abandoned in a parking lot.”
Emilio frowned. “Oh, no. That breaks my heart.”
“Apparently, she’s doing really well. Eating like crazy. She’s just not too sure about the shelter. It’s noisy and that’sa difficult environment for a dog that’s been traumatized.”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“That Gus needs a sister?”
He unleashed a wide and effortless grin. “You’re unbelievable.”
“In a good way?”
“In the best way. And that could be nice. Then Gus would have a companion. Someone to play with.”
“Someone else to knock over. Besides me.”
“Exactly.”
“So we’re doing this?”
He nodded. “Yes to the house. I’d like to meet the dog first.”
Just when Piper hadn’t thought she could get any happier, this happened. It was all too perfect.
“Of course.” They found Willa out in the driveway. “We’ll take it,” Piper said.
“You two don’t mess around with making a decision, do you?” Willa asked. “That’s wonderful. Now, I told Piper I’d waive mycommission to save you all some money.”
Emilio cast Willa a look. “Please don’t waive your commission.”
