That’s their problem with Zoey? Jealousy over her hair?

I sigh heavily. “Jesus, people are weird as fuck.”

I see the blinds shift in the front window of Zoey’s trailer and I know she was watching the whole scene with her neighbors. She’s probably freaking out that I’m running for the hills too.

“Bye, sugar snookums! I already miss you!” I call out, smooching the air loudly three times, then add, “Can’t wait to see you later!” I’m being loud enough for the whole damn trailer park to hear my over the top, lovey-dovey, corny declarations and make it real crystal clear what I’m doing with Zoey Walker.

As a final declaration, I kiss my fingertips and blow with all my might to send that kiss Zoey’s way. I hope she’s laughing her ass off, not giving a shit what the neighbors must be thinking. The blinds open again, and I see her uncertain smile, which I answer with a big grin of my own.

Play along and don’t worry a bit, Zo. Those grumpy, gossipy women aren’t going to scare me away. Not when I finally have you.

* * *

I wait the socially acceptable two days to call. Not Zoey.

Hell, I call her by that first afternoon just to hear her voice and pout when she’s dealing with a DB and has to work late.

But I do wait to call Sebastian.

Thankfully, he’s more than willing to meet me at the dog park again and show me some beginner workouts for Chunky. I’d suggested that instead of obedience training for Irish-Retriever Jessie, since she’s not real and Zoey vetoed trying to find a fill-in dog. Probably for the best, anyway, and maybe I can get something useful for Chunky out of this investigation.

We can work a deal if you let me film your big dude for the Tok, ya know, Sebastian messaged me. I’m sure Chunky will get a big head from all the likes because who wouldn’t like a peanut butter ball of puppy cuteness?

“Thanks for coming, Sebastian. I could use some help. Well, I’m okay,” I joke, patting my own flat belly, “but The Chunkster is looking a little rotund, so some advice to get him into game day shape would be great.”

“No worries, man. We can all use a little extra pump time.” He holds up an arm, flexing to show me his bicep, which I’m man enough to admit is impressively large. “That’s how we get the goods,” he adds with a wink, dropping his arm to pump his hips in the air.

Is he for real?

“Yeah.” I laugh awkwardly.

Sebastian gives his bicep an affectionate pat and then flashes a big smile. “I got you, big dude.”