Page 10 of Happily Evan After

“What have you done to try to find the girl?”

“Went back to the bar and talked to the bartender—or she might be the owner, I’m not sure. In any case, she’s friends with Dimples, but she refused to give me any additional details. Something about girl code.”

“When was this?” Abel asks.

“The following day. After I woke up to an empty bed. I had to wait a while for the damn bar to open. Plus, she had my wallet. So I grabbed that, but she wouldn’t give me any more information.”

“Maybe you’ll find each other again. If it’s meant to be or whatever.”

I snort. “You’ve been reading too many rom-com scripts.”

chapter

five

Evan

Current day…

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Is this the number for Sergeant Cartwright?

ME: Sure is

ME: But I’m retired, so you can just call me Evan

ME: Who is this?

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Sorry. I’m just trying to be respectful.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: This is Dr. Olsen, the small animal vet. I just wanted to touch base with you about the appropriate protocols for those vaccines I sent over.

ME: Hey, Doc! Nice to meetcha.

ME: Thanks for helping out with the vaccines for all the pups at Great Danes!

DR. OLSEN: You’re welcome.

DR. OLSEN: Those vaccines need to be stored at the proper temperatures until you’re ready to use them.

ME: Yep. I got them stashed in the fridge as soon as they arrived.

DR. OLSEN: Please tell me you’re NOT storing them in your home refrigerator. I was told you would have a medical refrigerator at the rescue center.

ME: Yeah. We do. That’s where they are.

DR. OLSEN: And they’re being kept within the proper temperature range?

DR. OLSEN: I can’t guarantee their potency if they’re allowed to sit out and then recooled. Or worse, accidentally freeze.

ME: Well, I did store them on top of the microwave for a bit, but that was just to make room for the keg. I put them back once the party started.

DR. OLSEN: What???

DR. OLSEN: Maybe I should come over there. Handle things myself.

ME: I’m joking!

ME: Jesus, have you met Dane? He’d kill any of us if we so much as stash our lunch in the fridge.