“Thanks.” Thea laughed. “I can wear something other than dog fur. How’s it going?”
“Amazing,” the young girl exclaimed. “We’ve already taken in a few paper applications for three dogs and six cats. Everyone is very excited to get one of those new kittens that came in. I told them they were in quarantine for now, but they want them.”
A tablet was propped up with the screen rotating through the many animals she had needing homes. It was impossible not to feel the tug on the heartstrings when seeing the sometimes smiling faces of the animals hoping to find their own home.
Thea grabbed the clipboard with a signup sheet for those that wanted to be contacted. “Is this real?” she asked. “All of these people are interested in adopting?”
“Yes,” the volunteer said. “Some of them are looking for specific breeds. One guy wants a turtle. I told him we get them in sometimes. He’s on the waiting list.”
“Wow!” Thea exclaimed. “This is incredible. We never get this kind of reaction at our adoption events. This is crazy. If even half of these work out, I’ll be over the moon. I have a list of people wanting to surrender but I can’t take in any animals. I would be able to clear up so much space.”
Her excitement was contagious. I knew she’d be happy, but I never imagined she would be this happy. She looked up at me, absolutely beaming. Just like before, the way to her heart was through the animals. She slipped her hand under my arm with her hand resting on my forearm. “Thank you for this. Tell me what you need from me tonight. I’ll do anything you need to sell this place.”
“Good to know,” I said. “Let’s start with me introducing you to a few people.”
“Just to make one thing clear, the table setup is amazing, but I plan on talking up the shelter,” she said. “I do need every dollar I can squeeze from people. This is an impressive group of people. I hope to get some donations flowing in.”
“That works for me,” I said.
“Why am I here?” she asked after we talked to a few people. “I feel like everyone here is pleased with what you have done. What value do I add?”
“It’s a long story,” I muttered.
Another couple approached us. Thea introduced herself as the founder of the animal shelter, Paws in Hand Animal Haven, which always prompted a conversation about what it was and what she did. I quietly sat back and let her do her spiel. I didn’t care. She was sparing me from the stupid questions about my love life. People had the good sense not to ask about other women while I was with a woman.
“Reese!”
I heard my name and turned to see who it was. Rich waved and cut through the crowd. We shook hands before he looked at his sister. “Damn, Thea, I almost didn’t recognize you without the hair shirt you’re usually wearing.”
“Ha, ha,” she said. “Not all of us get to sit in a cushy job wearing a suit while in an air-conditioned office. Some of us have to get down and dirty.”
“And you definitely do that,” Rich teased.
“And I love it,” she replied.
“Your plan seems to be working,” Rich said.
I glanced at Thea to judge her reaction. “Plan?” she questioned.
I hoped she didn’t get pissed. Rich nodded at a group of women gathered near one of the tables. “Thea is the most hated woman in the room.”
“What?” she asked with alarm. “Why? What did I do?”
“You’re on the arm of the most eligible bachelor in Vancouver,” Rich replied. “They were all hoping to snare him tonight.”
Thea snorted. “If only they knew you weren’t really a catch. I could tell them all about your horrible breakup skills. That should send them running.”
It was said as a joke, but it still stung because it was true. “I’m just happy to be able to enjoy this party without having to fend off advances and questions about a certain actress.”
“You were dating an actress?” Thea asked.
“You honestly don’t know?” Rich asked. “Do you live under a rock? He’s been all over the local news. Probably international news. You’re looking at the man that broke the heart of America’s sweetheart.”
“I don’t have time to read gossip and I particularly avoid anything having to do with my ex,” she said.
“Gee, I feel the love,” I joked.
“Hey, you asked me for a favor. This is a quid pro quo situation. If the ladies don’t leave you alone, seriously, let me know. I will happily help you out by taking out a full-page ad explaining all the reasons why they should be happy they aren’t dating you. On second thought, I should probably take out two pages. It’s a long list.”
“Alright then,” I said and downed the rest of my drink. “I think I could use another drink. My ego can only take so much.”
“That’ll be on the list.” She laughed as I walked away from her and her brother.
I was grateful she was able to joke about things now. Back then, it had not been a laughing matter. I thought for sure Rich was going to kill me. Thankfully, we all moved on. She had done very well for herself, and I had climbed the corporate ladder. Sometimes, shit just worked out, even when it felt like your entire world was crumbling around you. There was always a silver lining somewhere.
I got another drink and watched her and Rich from across the room. A man would have to be batshit crazy to walk away from that. Yet, here I was. They said hindsight was twenty-twenty. Was it? Did I make a mistake letting her go back then? It was a question I asked myself over and over. A question I doubted I would ever get an answer to.