“That is correct. Beau is loaded, so he got his own room at a different hotel that doesn’t allow dogs, and Ryan is staying here. Jason thinks it won’t be a big deal and feels bad because any hotel Ryan books now will be ridiculously expensive. I offered to pay for it myself but eventually caved because some lunatic started a rumor that you’re supposed to compromise in relationships.”

I’m about to come up with a comforting response when Cristina’s apartment door swings open, banging against the wall. We crane our necks to look behind the couch and in walks Jason, followed by Ryan, followed by one slightly overweight bulldog.

Cristina turns back to me and takes a deep breath in through her nose. “I’m going to have a panic attack.”

“No, you’re not,” I say quickly and quietly, getting up from the couch. “Hey, guys!” I cross the room with a friendly smile, and it almost falters when Ryan openly grimaces at me. I consider vampire hissing back at him in response, but then figure one of us should act like an adult. I do my best to ignore him as I squat down in front of his canine better half, who’s now pulling excitedly against his leash, trying to get to me.

Ryan’s dog has bristly white fur with wide caramel patches, and I instantly want to pick him up and cuddle him even though he has to be north of fifty pounds. I scratch all over his head and neck, triggering him to stomp his foot in rapid succession against the floor and to bring his face very close to mine. His big, dark eyes tell me that if I stop petting him, he might die. Melodramatic and possibly eats too much. This dog gets me.

I stand up to reach Ryan’s eye-level, asking, “What’s his name?”

“Duke,” he answers, like he’d rather not tell me.

“Hey, Kara!” Jason is now wrapping his arm around my shoulder as he turns us around. Cristina glares at him from the couch and he nudges his chin in her direction, leaning in close to me. “Have you talked her off the ledge yet?”

“You need to tread lightly, my friend,” she snaps back at him. “I’m still not sure if I’m speaking to you. Kindly leave the room.”

“Guess not.” Jason pats the side of my arm and makes his way into the kitchen as Cristina turns back around in a huff, facing away. I’m drinking in the whole sorry scene with regret when a twisted idea comes to mind. An idea that can possibly save Cristina and my career in one fell swoop if I’m unhinged enough to do it. My eyes shift to Ryan, who is now retreating into Jason’s office as my inner confidence meets with riotous doubt and fear. Then I stop thinking altogether.