#barksandglances

They had been inseparable since they found each other. Gail and Joe’s yellow Labrador, Sandy, had a litter, and they surprised her with a puppy as a birthday gift. She had her choice, and she gravitated towards the runt- she was happy and bounced around on her puppy paws, seemingly unaware she was half the size of her siblings. She fit Claire just perfectly- they were two peas in a pod.

Their post-shift walk was her favorite part of the day. They always took the same path, Alexandra Parade. The buildings were a charming mix of brick and stone, with a line of buildings with oversized windows framed by stonework. Streams of sunlight flooded those windows, and she found herself wondering what the insides of those flats must look like. What gorgeous light, she always thought.

They would wander the park, meandering from the path to the various flower beds, before eventually ending up at the flower stand. They bought a new bouquet each week.

Perdy would have her say and Claire would nod, give a good scratch behind Perdy’s ear and then she would hand over the money to the vendor, the same one each week for the past three years. He wore a flat brimmed cap, always touching the brim in greeting as he saw them walk down the path towards his stand. He was an older gentleman with kind eyes that had become a part of their routine, and always gave Perdy an extra pat on the head, and kept a pocket full of treats just for her each day.

Today she was let out of work surprisingly early, a quiet day and impressive list of overtime hours for the week put her at the top of the list to be cut. Not that she minded, it was a beautiful day and the flowers were just coming into bloom. She was grateful for the fresh air and the walk, the perfect way to empty her head from the stress of the hospital and replace the sterile smell of surgery with the aroma of freshly cut grass.

Perdy would be happy for the early walk. Claire strolled the few blocks from the hospital to her flat, stopping just long enough to change her clothing and leash Perdy before continuing onto their favorite park. It was a warm spring day but she felt a slight chill with the wind, and grabbed a plaid flannel from the front closet as she whistled for Perdy.  

“What do you say, shall we head towards the pond? I saw a few new ducks taking up residency by the lily pads.” She smiled as she turned back towards the path, Perdy bouncing alongside her. While the flowers were Claire’s favorite part of their walk, she knew Perdy loved the water, a Labrador in every sense of the word- she loved to jump in, splash around, and chase the ducks through the lily pads.

They padded down towards the water, Perdy’s steps quickening as her tag wagged with anticipation. It was at that moment that out of the corner of her eye, Claire caught the flash of brown fur as she felt something tangle around her legs. She was knocked off balance as a solid figure with red curls pushed them both into the cool spring water.

“IFRINN!”

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!” Her teeth chattered as she splashed around, trying to find ground under her feet.

“Ah Dhia, are ye alright?” A thick Scottish voice boomed next to her. Large, warm hands grabbed her firmly by the shoulders, and she looked up to see big blue eyes and red hair, drenched but still curly.

“It’s s-s-so cold!” She muttered as she shook, clothes soaked and clinging to her.

“Och, aye lass, let’s get ye out o’ the water and get ye dry.” His voice was warm and she nodded as she felt the cold creep into her bones.

“P-P-Perdy!” She looked around, seeing her yellow Labrador at the water’s edge, tail wagging in unison with a dog next to her, a charming chocolate lab.

“Pongo! Look what ye did ye wee dolt!” His voice was a mix of humor and exasperation as he eyed the dogs standing together. “I’m sorry lass, seems my dog was lookin’ to meet a lass, aye?”

They looked back to each other and laughed. His arm steadied her as they made their way towards the path, both dogs watching them- tails wagging.

“I hope this doesna seem too forward, but my flat is just around the corner. Can I offer up a cup of hot tea and some dry clothing?”

She paused for a moment, contemplating the walk back to her place in her current condition and shuddered. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

He held out one hand, smiling, “I’m Jamie.”

She reached for his, slightly shaking, grateful to find a warm palm. “I’m Claire.”

Leashes in hand, they made their way towards his flat. All the while, she watched their dogs’ tails dancing in unison.

She was warm, dry, and drinking a perfect cup of oolong tea, her favorite. A small fire cackled in the fireplace as he joined her on the couch, a respectable distance from her, but close enough where they could speak in a slightly lowered voice.

“… And then, out of nowhere, Pongo just bolts down the pathway, towards Perdy,” his Scottish lilt caught the name and it made her smile. “Next thing I know, his leash is wrapped around my legs and I’m staring at the top o’ yer head as we splashed into the water!”

They laughed together and she noticed how easy it came, how their voices mixed together in perfect unity. She caught him looking at her more than once, a smile forming on his lips each time and it made her blush. It had been some time since she’d felt flush from a man’s attention, and she smiled back as she quietly enjoyed the flutter of her heart in her chest. Claire cupped the tea with both hands, savoring the aroma, the heat from the fire, and the company. It was a perfect mix, and she didn’t want it to end.

They made small talk, exchanging small tidbits about their lives. She was a doctor- a surgeon; he was an artist, currently preparing for a large gallery showing in the coming weeks. Canvases of half-finished work were stacked everywhere and she eyed an easel in the front room, set squarely in front what must be his favorite chair. She smiled to herself as she caught the glow of light pouring through the expansive front windows- painter’s light.

They mused at the frequency in which she passed by his flat, never having run into each other. How funny that the two dogs seemed to want to meet each other, and they were helpless to stop them.

When she finished the last sip of her tea, Claire exhaled- part contentment and part disappointment. It was time to go home. She slowly shifted from the couch, eyeing her clothing still strung in front of the fire, small pools of water just barely drying against the tile.

He caught her stare, holding up one hand. “Ye better wear what you’ve got on. Yer clothing would start yer teeth rattlin’ again.” His voice had a humor to it and he smiled.

She sighed in relief. She was cocooned in heat and the smell of what must be his aftershave, and happy to stay there. She gathered her clothing, placing it in a bag he offered. “Come on, Perdy.”

They padded towards the door slowly, eyes on the dogs as a distraction. When she reached for the handle, she felt his hand light on her shoulder and she turned to face him.

“I… I canna say I enjoyed the early springtime swim, but it was sae lovely meetin’ ye, Claire.” His smile reached his eyes and she smiled back instinctively.

Laughing, she nodded, “Yes, I agree.”

“Maybe next time we can meet somewhere a bit dryer, aye?” His voice was hopeful as he held the door open for her, waiting.

“Yes, I’d like that.” She smiled as she gently tugged on the leash, Perdy slowly following behind her.

She heard Pongo whine softly, and she looked down at him, “And it was lovely to meet you too, Pongo.”

Her eyes met Jamie’s once more, and they shared one last smile before she turned back towards the direction of her flat. Claire and Perdy walked home together, their gate a bit slower than usual. Claire recounted the flurry of events that afternoon, smiling as she replayed his laugh and easy smile in her mind. She shook her head and laughed a little as she thought of the mess of artwork strewn about the flat.

She heard a soft whine and when she looked down at Perdy, she saw her tail unusually calm, and her brown eyes looking up at Claire.