“She was furious,” I said. “I think in part because she had given up on her dream to be an actress to take care of me and so she wanted me to have a sensible, reliable job, too. I think she finally realized that was more her issue, and she backed off.” I let out a little laugh. “Wow. Sorry to drop my whole life story on you like that.”

“No, I like it. I was the one who asked, remember?” I tried not to read too much into his words. I also tried to ignore how disconcerting it was to have him towering over me as I attempted to bond with Magnus. He asked, “Do you have a dog?”

I shook my head. “I don’t. My mom was allergic and I currently don’t because my landlord doesn’t allow it. But someday I will. Someday I’m going to have my own ranch with a barn and tons of land so that I can bring in as many rescue animals as possible and take care of them. For now I get my daily fix from other people’s pets. Don’t I, Magnus?” I was scratching his belly, and his tongue lolled out of his mouth.

“I wasn’t allowed to have any pets growing up, either, and now I wonder how anyone can be happy without a dog of their own. I had no idea how much you could love one until I got Magnus. I have a hard time imagining loving anyone more than I do him.”

“I bet your girlfriend loves hearing that,” I said.

“I’m not dating anyone.”

But what about Barbie Mummy? I wanted to know, but decided it was none of my business. Maybe we had different definitions for the word dating. Keeping it professional, remember? I reminded myself. “I should probably get started.”

“Yes,” he said, handing me the leash. “I’m sure you have other things to do. I didn’t mean to pull you away from any plans you might have had this evening. Is someone . . . expecting you?”

I led Magnus over to the table I used for brushing. He was a heavy beastie, easily 150 pounds, if not more. I did manage to get him up with the offer of another treat. “Expecting me? Other than Shelby? No.”

“So . . . you’re not seeing anyone? No boyfriend?”

“Uh, no,” I said with a laugh that was tinged with a bit of frenzy. “No, definitely not.” Never had, never would.

Wait. Why was he asking me that?

He immediately shot down any notion that he meant something more by it by adding, “Good. I felt bad about calling you over here last-minute, and I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t infringing on your time. I’m going to grab a shower if you’re okay here.”