Louis settled back. “Have you ever wondered if that would be so bad? Have you ever wondered if this might be the way out of the cage? That’s what you called it when you were in college. I understand that you had to keep things going for the family, but if the family doesn’t want it, why are you trying so hard? You wouldn’t lose the money. It belongs to your mother, not the company.”
He’d never thought about it. He’d never had a choice if he wanted to honor his father’s will. “I would lose the only job I ever had.”
“And then maybe you could do what you really want to do.”
He had no idea what he would do. He liked the actual work he did. He’d trained for this job. Even as a child he’d come to the office with his father. He’d worked every summer during his teen years right here, learning the business from the ground up. What would he do if he hadn’t had his whole future planned for him?
“I think I’m fine right where I am. I’m doing exactly what I promised I would do,” he replied.
Louis stood and smoothed down his jacket with a graceful hand. “I was only trying to point out that maybe your father never should have made you make that promise. We’ll figure out who’s sending our bids to Charles. I guarantee it.”
Rene wished he could believe him but his mind was racing again as Louis opened the door and walked out. It was almost a relief that his outer office held yet another visitor.
Zep Guidry stood in front of Jane’s desk, looking around like he wasn’t sure he should be there. Zep was Remy’s younger brother and had recently taken on the job of building the parish’s animal services department from the ground up.
He looked like he was taking it seriously since he held a small dog in his arms.
“Hey, Rene. I was hoping I could talk to you.”
Louis greeted Zep and the dog before walking toward his office.
“What did you need?” The dog was a small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with brown and white fur and big sad doggie eyes. “I just talked to your brother.”
“Yeah, I did, too, and he was the one who suggested I come to you,” Zep replied, striding into his office. “This little thing was turned over by a breeder. She’s the runt of the litter, and that asshole isn’t willing to get her the meds she needs. She’s got a heart issue, which is why he can’t find anyone to take her. I was hoping I could get you to sponsor her.” Zep held the dog up. “Look at how fancy I am. Don’t you want to save my life, Mr. Moneybags?”
“You asked Remy for the cash and he sent you to me?” He was amused by the thought. And the dog was sad and sweet. He held out his hands and took the puppy.
“Yeah, I have to admit, this one kind of kicks me in the gut, you know,” Zep admitted. “She was supposed to be some fancy family’s beloved pet, but no one wants a dog who starts life with problems. She’ll likely always need expensive meds. I need to get her started on them or she won’t last long. But ye old city budget doesn’t allow for me to spend that much on one dog. You should talk to your wife about that. She’s stingy with the cash, if you know what I mean.”
She had to work with what she had.
He stared at the dog, who stared right back at him. She was a beautiful girl, and it struck him that he had a lot in common with the dog. She’d had a path laid out for her, one that should have meant an easy life. All of her brothers and sisters had likely gone on to that promise, but she’d been dumped because she hadn’t quite made the cut. She’d been dumped because she couldn’t give her owners what they wanted. They’d literally bred her and then tossed her out like trash.
She stared up at him like he could save her.
Did he stare at Sylvie like this?
Zep was going on about tax deductions and how saving animals could save souls, and other stuff he didn’t quite get.
He’d never had a dog because his father said he shouldn’t get too attached to an animal. They died too often, and he needed to think about his studies rather than playing with a dog. But Sylvie’s family always had one. They would love and care for that dog, and cry when they lost their friend. Then they would find another who needed some love and welcome that puppy into their family for however long they were blessed.
She’d said they should start with a dog.
“I’ll take her.”
“You will?” Zep frowned. “I was only asking for cash. You don’t have to take the dog. I kind of like her. I was thinking she could be the shelter’s mascot.”
The dog licked the side of Rene’s face and he was done for. “No. She’s perfect. Send me a list of the medications she needs and I’ll take care of her. I’ll need the name of a vet, too.”
She was such a sweet bundle, and maybe it was time to find his way. He’d been running the house and the company—his whole life, really—the same way his father had. He could make time for something other than this damn company.
“You want to go for a ride, sweetheart?” He would drop the bid off and then take care of his dog. It was an impulse, and he almost never followed those.
But he could see Sylvie holding this dog, petting her and cuddling her close.
Zep stood there and frowned. “This is not how I thought this would go.”
It was good to know Rene could still surprise someone. He hoped this was a surprise his wife would like.
* * *
* * *
Sylvie caught sight of her hair in the mirror as she passed through the lobby of city hall and sighed again in relief. Her mother could work miracles.
She bit back a yawn as she started toward the elevator. Along with her well-done hair, she’d gotten another lecture from her mother about being absolutely sure she wanted to take this risk with Rene.
She wasn’t sure she had a choice. Her heart was already involved, and she couldn’t seem to help it. She only knew if she didn’t take the chance, she would always regret it.
She’d spent the morning wondering about what would happen tonight. Would Rene expect her to move into his room? Would it feel like playing house, or was it the next step? It wasn’t like they’d met last week. They’d known each other all their lives. But they’d never dated.
Did they have to do that? Did everyone’s love story have to play out in exactly the same way? Or could she consider the years before, the years when they’d circled each other and been friends, as their courtship?
It would be good to spend the rest of the afternoon going over reports. She could do with some quiet contemplation.
“Madam Mayor, I was hoping to run into you.”
Sylvie turned and realized quiet contemplation was going to have to wait.