I wake up on the couch to sounds coming from the kitchen. Is someone cooking? I sit up, wondering if I imagined AJ cradling me against his chest. Do I want that to be real? Or just a dream? I rub my eyes and look over to where Maya was napping. Somehow, she is still passed out, and I swear I see drool. Jeez, that bitch naps like its her full time job. I stand up and head towards the kitchen. As I approach, something smells amazing. I lean against the door frame, and watch AJ cooking something on the stove. I forgot he can cook. And WELL. "Mmm, smells good." I say, causing AJ to turn. "Well, hello there sleepy head. You didn't even wake up when I got up to cook." Guess it wasn't a dream. "You hungry?" He asks. "I am now." I laugh. It's then that I remember what else Ryan was supposed to do. "Where's Blue?" I ask, expecting AJ to say he's outside, or that he's laying down somewhere and I just didn't see him. AJ's face turns somber. "Car.." He hesitates... "Gorgeous, you're going to want to sit down for this." I stare at him for a moment, face forming into a scowl, but walk over and sit down. "Where is he AJ?" I say through gritted teeth. I see worry and something else rise in AJ's expression. He takes a deep breath before he finally responds. "So, I sent Ryan to get him, and he went over to your house..." he hesitates. "He went over to my house and what??" I say, anger and worry continuing to rise within me. "Carter, Blue wasn't there." "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE WASN'T THERE AJ?" I yell. I must've woken Maya up because moments later she's running into the kitchen "What's going on?" She asks, clearly still waking up. "Car, listen, Ryan and I are on it. We are going to get him back. We'll find Blue and find this fucker and take care of it. I promise gorgeous." "You promise? You PROMISE AJ? Your promises don't mean shit right now. I trusted you that Blue would be back with me by now and WHERE IS HE? Not here!" I say, jumping up from the chair. Venom is dripping in my voice. I pull my phone out of my pocket to check my ring camera. FUCK! I never charged it and it died. I shove my phone back in my pocket. I notice AJ walk towards me slowly, and I can tell he is going to try to soothe me. Fuck that. "Stay the fuck away from me until you find my dog. If anything happens to him I swear to fucking god.." I trail off as I start crying and shaking. How could I be so stupid? I left him home defenseless and now who knows where he is? This is MY fault.
Maya comes up behind me and wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry this is happening to you babes. We're gonna get Blue Baloo back, and I will personally sterilize whoever did this. Guy or Girl. I don't give a fuck. Fuck around and find out remember?" She says, trying to comfort me but also cheer me up a little. I feel the sobs rake through my body, but can't help but let out a small "ha." She always knows how to make me feel just a little bit better. The sadness weighs heavy, but I feel the anger start to bubble back up again. I don't want to fight because that won't help anything, so instead, I remove myself from Maya's grip. I say, "I'm not hungry anymore." quietly, and head towards my room. Maya turns to follow me but I stop her. "I just want to be alone for a little bit please." Maya looks sad, but doesn't fight me. "Of course Car. I'm right out here if you need me." I nod knowingly, "Thanks My." I say, before heading to my room and closing the door.
I drop onto the edge of the bed, keeping my feet on the floor. This has gone too far. They took my fucking dog. The anger wipes out the sadness and I pull out my phone. I open up my messages, and click on the thread with Unknown. I don't even think twice before I am hitting send.
Me: You really fucked up by taking my dog.
Probably not a good idea to poke the bear right now Carter. The three dots pop up for a moment, and then go away. I grip my phone tighter. Respond you stupid fuck.
Unknown: I just wanted to make sure he was well taken care of. I can't believe you left him behind. Not a very good dog mom.
Me: You better not hurt him or I will have your nuts on a platter.
Unknown: It's 2024 Carter. Awfully sexist to assume I am a man. Women can be stalkers too. But, you made a lucky guess. I intend to keep my nuts intact. I would never harm a dog. I'm not a monster, you know?
Me: Oh, my bad. Forgive me for not knowing my stalker draws the line at animal cruelty. Enough with the bullshit. What do you want?
Unknown: Who says I have to want anything? Maybe I was just curious about the great Carter Lynn Mayfield.
Me: If you are just curious about me, why take my fucking dog?
Unknown: Maybe I just thought he looked cute and soft. Or maybe it's how I guarantee I get to meet you. An insurance policy if you will.
Me: Fine. Where are we meeting?
Unknown: Patience Sweetie. All in good time. Just have to work out a few kinks, but I'll begin touch.
Me: What do you mean a few more kinks?
I wait for a few minutes, and send another message after there's no response.
Me: Stop fucking around. I want my dog back!
I wait for several more minutes, staring at my phone. Unknown never responds. "Fuck!" I say, filled with frustration and anger. I flop backwards onto the bed and stare at the ceiling. I'm coming for you Blue. We'll be back together soon.
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ChickLitWhen Carter's life takes an unexpected turn, will she wait for a man from her past to save her, or will she save herself? Or will Maya, Carter's best friend, come out the hero of the story?