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dorm.
    To cover my bases, I bought a big red bow and secured it around Bogart’s neck so she’d understand he was a gift to her. But that didn’t stop her from glowering at me as soon as Jeremy and I walked into the kitchen with Bogart. With her hands on her hips, she gave me a very formidable glare. Or she tried to. I could see her softening as Bogart stared up at her with his soulful eyes.
    â€œHe’ll keep you company when I leave for school,” I assured her. She was a freelance graphic designer, did most of her work from home. “I’ve been really worried about you getting lonely.”
    She arched a finely shaped brow. Her red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and in spite of her age, she still had freckles that made her look adorable and too young to be scolding someone. “Yes, I’m sure my loneliness was a major factor here.”
    â€œOkay, not a major factor, but I did consider it. The thing is, Mom, he’s near the end of his life expectancy. He mostly just lies around. I couldn’t stand the thought of him dying in the shelter, possibly alone.”
    I was aware of Jeremy jerking his head around to look at me. I guessed he hadn’t considered that aspect of adopting a senior. Some people adopted older dogs just so they could ensure they had a little bit of heaven here on Earth before they headed to the rainbow bridge. Of course, it was always possible that I was wrong and Bogart would be with us for a while. Life expectancy numbers were an average not a set expiration date.
    â€œI knew it was a mistake to let you volunteer at a shelter,” Mom said. “I guess I should be grateful you went so long without bringing one home.” Then she narrowed her eyes at Jeremy. “What was your role in all this?”
    He shifted uncomfortably. “I signed the paperwork.”
    â€œSo legally he’s yours?”
    â€œLegally, yeah, but—” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m worried about you getting lonely, too.”
    â€œIf you’re both that worried, get me a subscription to a dating service.”
    I laughed, then sobered when a red blush crept up Mom’s cheeks. It had been five years since my dad had died, but still. “Are you serious?”
    She didn’t meet my eyes. “It is going to be really quiet around here when you two are gone. So, okay, Bogart can stay.”
    I gave her a hug. “Thanks, Mom. You won’t be sorry.”
    â€œDogs are man’s best friends for a reason.” She turned back to the stove. “Guess you’ll need to go get him some stuff.”
    â€œWe stopped at the pet store on our way home,” I assured her.
    She gave me a pointed look. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.”
    â€œWell, if you said no, I was going to take him to Grandma.”
    â€œHer cats wouldn’t have been too happy about that.”
    She had three, but I figured Bogart was calm enough to get along with them.
    Jeremy brought the items in from his car. We set the bowls in the utility room. Put the bed in my bedroom.
    â€œI can’t believe she said yes so easily,” Jeremy said while I sprinkled a few chew toys around my room.
    â€œHe’s going to win her over,” I assured him.
    When we got downstairs, Mom was tossing little chunks of meat that were supposed to go in the stroganoff to Bogart.
    Yeah, everything was going to be fine. “So what can we do?” I asked.
    â€œWhy don’t you make a salad? Jeremy, would you mind setting the table?”
    He ate more meals with us than he did with his own parents. Mom had stopped treating him like a guest months ago. He knew his way around the kitchen and gathered up the plates while I got everything I needed out of the fridge.
    I set it all on the counter, began slicing tomatoes, and tried to be as nonchalant as possible, although my heart was hammering as I considered my mom’s earlier words.