“Why does he sleep in the bathroom?” I ask.

“I’m not sure. Since the day I got him, that’s just where he goes to sleep.”

“So he’s going to be in the bathroom every night?”

“Most likely, yes. Is that a problem?”

“It’s not a problem,” I say, “but what if I have to use the toilet while he’s lounging around or whatever?”

Ryan shrugs. “Just make sure to watch your step. Duke won’t bother you.”

“So your dog will just sit in there, watching me?”

“Duke,” he clarifies. “His name is Duke so please address him as such. He’s a human being, Kara.”

“My mistake, so Duke, the human dog, will be in there and staring at me?”

“It’s possible but I wouldn’t worry about it.” Ryan pushes off the sink to stand up straight. “Honestly, Duke wouldn’t wake up if a marching band came through to do their business after a hotter-than-normal curry dinner. You have nothing to fear.”

“Phenomenal.”

Well, it looks like a midnight trip to the bathroom with a heavy-breathing animal waiting for me in the dark is in my immediate future.

I head back into the living room and sit down on the couch. Duke follows and launches himself onto the cushions beside me, water trickling down from his mouth. I try to avoid eye contact, but he stares at me until I give in and start petting his beautiful coat. Ryan walks into the room and claps his hands together.

“Well, Duke’s room is all set up.”

“Great,” I say, getting up and turning around to face the couch. “This is where you’ll be sleeping. Lots of my friends have crashed on this little beauty and then asked to stay forever so you should be good.”

“My partner in crime seems to approve.” Duke sprawls out over my vacated spot, making himself even more comfortable. And then he farts. Loudly.

“Ugh!” I laugh as I cover my nose.

Ryan winces and turns his head away from the overpowering smell. “Come on, man, we talked about this!” He waves his hand to create some airflow but it’s pointless; the stench is way too powerful.

“I have some air freshener,” I offer through my hands, which are still serving as my gas mask.

“That’s all right. It’ll pass after an hour or two.”

“Oh, wonderful.” I reach over to the coffee table to pick up the blankets and pillows I have waiting. “These are for you. Sorry I don’t have a pullout couch, but I don’t have many overnight guests.”

“Oh, no?” Something about Ryan’s tone makes me think that he’s wondering about my overnight guests of the male variety. Good. He smiles when I don’t answer and goes on to say, “The couch is great.”