I stood beside her and looked over her shoulder at the house that looked like it was at risk of being taken down. “It’s small,” she said, “but the yard is nice.”
She slid her finger across the screen. I was doing my best not to cringe. The house was old and in desperate need of updating. I wasn’t sure she would be able to finance the thing. It was in rough shape.
“I think for that price, they should be willing to at least put on a new roof,” I said.
“They don’t like when you ask for things,” Ally said. “They’ll reject her offer right away.”
“She can’t offer on a house that is going to fall down around her the day she moves in,” I countered.
“Not everyone can afford a mansion,” Ally spat.
“Ally, please,” Thea lectured. “He’s trying to help.”
Ally glared at me again. “I’m going to drive by that place I told you about,” she said to Thea. “It’s for sale by the owner. Maybe they’ll be asking a decent price.”
“I would appreciate that,” Thea said.
“Come on, kid, we’ve got to go to the grocery store on our way home,” Ally said. “You’re sure you’re okay if we leave a little early?”
“I am,” Thea said.
“I’ll be here,” I added. “I’ll help her lock up.”
Ally once again shot me a dirty look. “I bet you will.”
I flashed her a winning smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’m sure you are. Let’s go, Lucas. I’ll see you tomorrow, Thea. Call me if you need anything.”
“Bye, guys.” Thea waved. “Thank you for coming in today, Lucas.”
“Anytime,” he said.
They left through the back door and it was just me, her, and about a hundred animals. “I see she’s warming up to me,” I teased.
“Sorry about that,” she said and walked around the desk. “She means well.”
“She hates me.”
“She’s a good best friend looking out for me,” she said. “She remembers the last time we were together.”
“I know, I know,” I said. “I fucked up. I deserve the hate. I’m cool with it.”
“We’ve spent the last few hours checking out listings,” she said. “Shopping for a new house is exciting. At least, it’s supposed to be. It’s a disaster. It’s depressing. I wanted to stay in the city, close to the shelter. I think I’m going to have to expand my search.”
“I will keep my eyes open,” I said. “I know people.”
“Thanks.” She exited off the screen on the computer. “I need to refill water dishes. Want to help?”
“That’s what I’m here for,” I said. “They won’t bite me, right?”
“I’ll handle the ones that might,” she said.
“That sounds ominous,” I replied.
She led me through the door marked for employees only. Together, we opened each kennel and tag-teamed the job. She went in the kennels, checked the animals, and cleaned up any shit while I filled water bowls. It was impressive she knew every name. She offered kind words to every one of the dogs. This was why she was good at her job.
“What next?” I asked.