Reggie waved her off and walked into the house. She was going to take a lot of Toby grief from her friend. She could already feel it. She would have to—

“How was your evening?”

The voice came from the shadows of the living room. Reggie jumped, managing to hold in her strangled scream.

“Mom! You scared me. It’s nearly ten thirty. You didn’t have to wait up.”

Belle came skittering out of the living room. Reggie braced herself for the impact of her dog rushing into her, wanting to be greeted.

“Your father went to bed, but I wasn’t tired. Did you have fun?”

“We did. I met Shaye, who’s new to town, and she seems nice. Dena cut out early. I think her morning sickness is really getting to her.” Reggie took off her coat, scarf and gloves.

“I couldn’t help hearing what Paisley said. About Toby.”

Oh, no. That was how rumors got started.

“It was a joke, Mom. We talked about the fact that Toby’s back in town and that we used to date. She was teasing. It wasn’t anything more.”

Her mother studied her. “Are you sure?”

Reggie made an X over her chest. “Yes. I haven’t seen him since high school. Paisley was just being funny, and later I plan to kill her.”

Her mother smiled. “That seems a little extreme. All right, darling. Have a good night.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Reggie walked through the house to let Belle out for a late-night potty break. The Great Dane shot Reggie a look of incredulity, then reluctantly headed for the chilly backyard. She was back in seconds, shivering and acting offended.

“The temperature is not my fault,” Reggie pointed out.

Belle turned her back to show her displeasure.

“Maybe you’d like to sleep downstairs tonight, not with me,” Reggie grumbled, not really meaning the threat.

Belle ignored her and headed for the stairs. Reggie followed, petting her dog as she went.

“There was a really nice Chihuahua at the shelter. Maybe I should have taken him home instead. They eat a lot less, and you can probably pick up their poop with a tissue.”

Belle shot her the “I can’t hear you” look before walking into the bedroom and going to her big, fluffy bed.

Reggie followed her and knelt on the floor. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t speak of it again. You’re my favorite, and I love you very much.”

Belle nuzzled her cheek.

Sad but true, Reggie thought. Belle was her most successful relationship. At least her doggy companion never hogged the remote.

After spending most of the day translating Gizmo’s technical instructions into something the average person could understand, Reggie was ready for a break. She got out a thick coat for Belle and a matching scarf for each of them and took her dog and herself out for a walk.