The Dysfunction Of Evan: Books 1-3 Collection

22. Thankful

I stood at the luggage claim at the Detroit airport. Thanksgiving was my scheduled holiday off from work, so I took the the before and the day after off, so that I'd be able to spend Tom's entire visit with him. It was Wednesday, and he'd be here until Monday morning.  

He saw me before I saw him, when I spotted him in the crowd, he had a huge grin on his face, and was waving at me. The hug he greeted me with was amazing. I hated the distance between us, but it made our time together even better. 

"I've missed you." I said into his neck. He kissed the top of my head. 

"I'm so glad to be holding you right now." He said. 

"Did you bring Bobby?" I asked as we pulled apart. 

"I did, time to find out how he likes traveling." Tom said with a chuckle. We didn't have to wait for any luggage, so we headed over to the desk to get Bobby. 

"He seems to have done very well, Mr. Hiddleston. We took the liberty of giving him a walk, so he's all stretched and has had a chance to potty." The attendant said. "I'll get get him."  She disappeared behind a curtain. Moments later, I heard whining and the sounds of nails on plastic. 

"Here you go, sir!" She handed the carrier to Tom who took it. 

"Thank you very much." He said handing her a tip. She beamed and thanked him. 

We moved a ways from the desk and Tom untied the leash from the handle. He opened the door of the carrier and out flew a hyper bundle of brown curls. I laughed as Bobby drenched Tom's face in drool. 

"Okay, calm down." Tom laughed. He made a face as Bobby's tongue found its way into his mouth, making me laugh even harder. Tom gave me a pleading look. I recovered and called out the dog's name. Bobby paused and looked over to me, then turned and jumped up. I knelt down and let him sniff me. 

"That's Astrid, Bob. She's the one I talk to all the time." Tom said using his sleeve to dry off his face. He quickly clipped the leash to Bobby's collar. 

"Hi, Bobby." I said. He answered by licking my nose. "Well, I guess we're cool." 

Tom chuckled and helped me up. He grabbed his bags and I grabbed the carrier, then we started the trek to my car. Bobby weaved between us as we walked, nearly tripping us a few times. He sniffed everything he could, his entire butt wagging with his tail. 

When I opened the back door of my car, Bobby hesitated. He sniffed every inch of the outside of the car he could get to.

"Get in, Bobby." Tom said clicking his tongue. Bobby turned and pawed at Tom's leg and whined. "No, get in." He said sternly. He bent down and picked up Bobby, setting him on the back seat. "Sit." 

I smiled at I put the carrier and Tom's bag in the trunk. Tom closed the door just as Bobby tried to dart out. 

"He doesn't like car rides?" I asked walking around to the drivers side. 

"No he does, but this isn't my car." Tom opened the passengers side and got in. "He'll get used to things." He said grabbing my purse as I got in. 

"Well, he'll have plenty to get used to, with my cats. My Aunt Connie said we can bring him to dinner tomorrow, but her dog and my cousins dog will be there. They are both shepherds." I said.

"He should be fine. He likes to play." Tom reached back and pat his head. Bobby took that as a sign, and forced his way to the front seat, and into my lap. 

"He's fine. I do this with Rebel all the time." I said giving Bobby a kiss on his head. 

"Rebel is about half the size of Bobby." Tom pointed out.