“She told us no jumping,” Leigh said from her place next to Burt in the back seat. “Has she met a dog before?” Her mom pressed her lips together. “We have ramps for him, but he resists using them. We’re going to have to be more firm. I’m just glad he’s all right.”

“Me, too,” Reggie said, more than a little shaken. “That was awful. Poor little guy.”

They drove home to find Reggie’s father waiting. He and Belle were pacing in the living room, and they both rushed to help Reggie and Leigh with Burt.

“Is he all right?” Vince asked anxiously. “I know you said he was, but is he?”

Leigh passed over the dog so Vince could hold him.

“He’s been given an anti-inflammatory and a pain medication. At eight tonight, we can give him a pain pill to help him sleep. He has to stay quiet for the next couple of weeks, so we’re going to have to be extra careful with him.”

Vince gently placed Burt in his bed. The dog tried to raise his head, then sighed and closed his eyes.

“They really drugged him,” Reggie offered as she hugged Belle, hoping to reassure her. “His doctor said he would be out of it for the rest of the day.”

“Best thing for him,” her father murmured. He looked at Leigh. “We have to put up the ramps and make him use them. No more jumping.”

Her mother gave him a soft smile. “That’s a good idea. You’re right.”

“I’ll go get them from the basement.”

He went downstairs. Leigh looked at her dog, then shook her head. “I just aged ten years.”

“You still look good.”

“Thanks. It’s like having a kid all over again.”

“Only Burt won’t ever want to borrow the car.”

“There is that. I’m going to make some coffee. Or possibly a cocktail. Want one?”

It was only two in the afternoon, but Reggie found herself nodding. “That would be great. Thanks, Mom.”

Leigh retreated to the kitchen. Reggie watched Belle anxiously circle around Burt before settling down next to him, her big head on his bed, their noses almost touching. Burt stretched out just enough to lick her face, then closed his eyes and sighed again.

Reggie got out her phone, scrolled through her contacts until she found Jake’s number, then texted him an update on what had happened.

I feel like I should stay close tonight. We’re all kind of traumatized.

Three dots appeared. Seconds later, he answered.

No problem. I get it. Poor guy. I hope he’s feeling better. As for dinner, should I ask again or leave you alone?

An interesting question, she thought. Having Jake back in her life was nothing if not unexpected. But seeing him again? Going out with him? Fool me once and all that.