Page 89 of Broken
Jacqueline opened the wine, poured two glasses. “I brought them presents, but I think you should make sure they’re age appropriate.”
Naomi laughed. “They’re dogs, not children, but I’ll check them. That’s so sweet of you.” After checking the toys, she said, “These are great.”
Jacqueline gave the first one to mama Cleo, who, with a wagging tail, hopped the puppy gate and vanished into the living room.
“She loves her babies, but she’s definitely not into sharing her presents,” Naomi lifted the wine glass. “It’s great to have you back.”
They clinked and sipped.
Jacqueline sat on the floor and handed out the identical rope toys to the three remaining dogs. “Loki is still here.” She picked him up and stared at his face. As soon as she set him down, he went on a tear with his new toy.
Naomi checked the tuna steak. “Turns out, the family who was taking him backed out. Keith and I talked about keeping two puppies, but three German Shepherds in our small townhome is too much.”
“I’d love him,” Jacqueline said, as Loki returned to play with her.
“Really? That would be awesome.”
“How much do dogs cost these days?”
“Depends on the breed and the market. We’re asking three thousand.”
Jacqueline laughed as she tossed the toy. Loki bounded after it, captured it in his little teeth, and romped back over. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“Black Shepherds are less common than the black and tans. We’ve seen some priced at seven grand.”
“What?”
“I know. I struggled asking for three, but no one had an issue. Anyway, if you take Loki, we’d gift him to you.”
She cuddled him in her lap, but he was much more interested in running wild with his new toy. “I’m short on time and this little guy needs a lot of attention.”
“Give it some thought,” Naomi said. “We’ll hold off posting an ad.”
During dinner, Jacqueline raised her glass. “Here’s to you.”
Naomi smiled. “How sweet.”
“I’m grateful for you, and I hope you stay exactly the way you are.”
After sipping, Naomi said, “You saw Leslie, didn’t you?”
Jacqueline slid a piece of tuna into her mouth. “I felt sad when I saw her, surprised at how self-absorbed she’s become, but a little jealous. Those are some big melons she’s lugging around.”
“Don’t be jealous,” Naomi said. “You’re a beautiful woman with so much going for you. Once you start with implants, you have to trade them out for new ones.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, they don’t last forever. Do you really want to be seventy and need new implants?” Naomi shook her head. “No, thanks.” She scooped rice into her mouth. “You saw the finished product, but we watched Leslie change and we couldn’t stop it. First, it was her hair and contact lenses. Then, the surgeries. When her personality began to change, I tapped out. I just didn’t have the energy to listen to her anymore.”
“Leslie isn’t Leslie.”
“Keith is angry because she owes us money.”
“Yeah, me too.” Jacqueline sipped the wine. “Have you seen her new home? It’s huge.”
Naomi’s eyes widened. “When did this happen?”
“No idea, but it’s over a million. How much does she owe you?”
