Traitor. I shake my head at him.

He gives me a sidewise glance. His lips are peeled back like he’s smiling. He stands up, and his tail cranks around now, pumping more excitement into him.

“You’re such a handsome boy!” Morgan says.

Love you so much! His joy explodes and he jumps on her again, slathering her face.

“Beeehave!” I push at Diesel’s head gently to return him to a sit. Then I throw one arm round his neck.

He turns around and laps at my face. Love you even more! Love, love, love.

I close my mouth and eyes tightly, leaning away from that tongue.

“Did you dye his fur?”

I open my eyes again.

“It’s kind of rosy.” Morgan fingers the patch on Diesel’s chest, still slightly pink.

“We tomatoed and bleached him to get rid of the skunk smell.”

Morgan wrinkles her nose. “Didn’t work.” She smiles at Diesel. “Highlights his eyes nicely, though.”

“Right. Did you bring the collar?”

She takes a worn-out leather band from her backpack and holds it for a moment, frowning. “All I have left of King.”

“Sorry.” I remember how bad I felt when Diesel died. Four more days to keep him safe or he might die again. “You can have it back as soon as I can buy a new one.”

She shakes her head. “I want him to have it. I love Diesel, too.” She snaps the collar around his neck.

“Thanks.” I give her a half hug and then break away awkwardly. “Come on into the kitchen.”

Morgan turns off her moment of sadness like a light switch. “Listen, we have to go shopping.”

Walkies, walkies?

“No! I have to learn how to swim.” I release Diesel as we head for the kitchen. “Besides I’m having breakfast right now.”

Swimming, swimming?

“Later!” I answer him out loud.

“Great. ’Cause you’re gonna love this.” Morgan suddenly looks around. “Where’s your mother?”

“She took some things to my aunt’s on her way to work. Listen, you know about giving parents romantic time?”

“Remember, I told you that didn’t work. Especially if your dad doesn’t come up with the idea himself.”

“Right.” I fold my arms across my chest. “I want to try anyway. Tuesday night when I come to your house.”

“Fine. But he’ll only be romantic ’cause you arranged it. Then he’ll go back to being boring with her. For our plans it works, though. Like it was meant to be!”

Meant to be. Something in me freezes when she puts it like that. What else is meant to be? I glance at my watch. Still flashing.

“You need a new swimming suit.”

“Yeah, I know.” I sit down at the table, and she pulls out a chair across from me. “But my parents are broke.”

Walkies, swimming?

“Look at these muffins! I never get anything this good at home.” Morgan takes a cranberry lemon one and bites in, chewing for an extra-long time.

Muffins, muffins?

“A bit dry, aren’t they? Can I have some milk?”