“So now what?” Josh asked.
“Now,” said Amelia, “your girlfriend and I need to talk.”
“She’s not my…,” Josh began, turning red. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. She’s not not my girlfriend. It’s just that, well, um, it’s complicated,” he finished weakly.
“How do you think he did?” Amelia asked Jenny.
“I think he did splendidly, under the circumstances,” Jenny said, giving an approving smile to a now very confused looking Josh.
“Yes, quite,” Amelia said. “Josh, you’re doing fine. But like I said, Jenny and I need to talk. Here, take the dog.” And without further ado she got up off the bed and placed Bruno into Josh’s arms.
“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Josh protested. “I mean, I don’t think he likes me.” Bruno, meanwhile, looked very comfortable. The moment he was in Josh’s arms, he gave a very impressive yawn, tucked his muzzle into Josh’s left elbow, and closed his eyes.
“Oh look, he’s gone to sleep,” Jenny said. “He could start dreaming any moment. Is that going to be a problem?”
“Oh no, not at all,” Amelia said amiably, “It’s only a problem if I’m asleep. Josh,” she said, looking at Bruno nestled in Josh’s arms, “I think he really likes you.”
Jenny giggled. “I guess we can talk now.”
“Yes,” Amelia said, sitting back down on the bed. “Sit here next to me. You and I have a lot to talk about.”