Chapter 44

“Yes,” I said, “after my wife died I never thought I would be this happy again. But Andy and I have been together seven years now and—”

Jorge reached out and scratched my nose.

I was completely caught off guard. “What?”

“Just scratching your seven year itch.” He smiled.

We arrived back at the house. The dogs gave their new friend an enthusiastic greeting. Jorge enjoyed their welcome and then asked to use the bathroom. In his absence I made a quick call to Andy’s cell phone.

“Sorry, Babe,” he said, “but I have three more barn calls to make tonight. We’re running really late.”

Curses, foiled again.

I said goodbye just as Jorge immerged from the hallway. “I could use a beer. Got one?”

“Sure.” I got us each one from the fridge before realizing I once more had acted without thinking. “Um,I better not,” I said, turning to replace my bottle.

“Relax, Dave,” Jorge laughed. “I ain’t gonna bite.”

I wasn’t too sure about that.