Chapter Six

Several hours later, AJ and Howie were lugging in a large sofa and several plush chairs.

“Where. . . do. . . you. . . want this?” AJ puffed.

“Living room.”

“But there’s. . . stuff in the living room!”

“I know, we’ll move that to the basement.”

AJ groaned, wishing he’d never offered to help with the furniture. Together, they carried all the old stuff downstairs and arranged the new stuff upstairs. When Howie was pleased with where everything was, the two collapsed on the couch, red faced and hot.

“Shit, this thing didn’t look so heavy in the store,” AJ said, punching the cushion.

“You’re just a wimp.”

"Ha ha.”

The doorbell rang and Howie yelled, “Come in!”

Nick poked his head inside. “What, no personal greeting?”

“We’re too tired,” AJ said, kicking off his shoes and stretching.

“Wow, new furniture, cool!” Nick said, coming inside. He closed the door with his foot. In his hands was a medium sized box.

“What’s that?” Howie asked suspiciously, eyeing it.

"This? Oh nothing.”

The box chose that moment to bark.

“You didn’t!”

Nick grinned and handed the box to Howie. Howie lifted the flaps and up jumped a black lab puppy.

“Awww!” he said, as the puppy leapt up and licked his chin. “It’s cute!”

“It’s a girl,” Nick said, dropping into a chair.

“She’s cuuute!” Howie cooed, taking her out of the box. “What’s her name?”

“That’s up to you, buddy. Just don’t name her something stupid, like Blackie.”

The puppy slobbered all over Howie’s face and then wiggled to be set down. Once her feet hit the floor, she bounded over to the answering machine and began pouncing on it.

“Ahh! It’s blinking, grab her before she erases my messages!” Howie yelled.

Nick dove to get her, but it was too late.

“Messages erased,” the mechanical voice told them.

“Aww man, not again!” Howie said, reaching for the dog. “You bad, bad girl.”

The puppy began to whimper.

“You’ve scared her!” Nick exclaimed.

Howie instantly felt bad. “I’m sorry, girl.” He stroked her fur and rubbed her ears. Soon she was yipping and being playful again. Then suddenly, a foul smell filled the air.

Nick waved a hand in front of his nose. “Ick, I think your dog just let one.”

AJ cracked up and laughed so hard he fell off the couch.

“Well, that settles that,” Howie said, scrunching up his nose. “Her name is Stinker.”

“Stinker, that’s a good one,” Nick laughed.

“I just realized, I don’t have any dog food or toys.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got everything you need in my car.”

“Thanks, buddy. Really, this was so nice of you.”

Nick shrugged. “What’s on the agenda for tonight? We goin’ out or what?”

AJ sat up and rubbed his eyes, leaning against the couch. “That sounds like a good idea. What do you say, D?”

“You’re just trying to keep me from unpacking.”

“Duh!”

Howie let the puppy go again and she took off running, eager to explore her new home. “I guess we can go out, as long as I’m home before dawn.”

Nick and AJ snickered, exchanging sly glances.

Howie knew he was in trouble.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” AJ said, taking charge. “Nick and I will go home and change-” “Because you’re dressed like a kid.”

“I am a kid!”

AJ ignored Nick and continued. “We’ll go home and change and then everyone meets at Steps at 8:30? Is that okay?”

“Sure. See you guys there.”

Nick brought in all the dog stuff and Howie waved goodbye as they left. Then he showered away the sweat and dirt from hauling in furniture. After his shower, he ate a light snack of peanut butter and apple slices with raisins, while going over some paperwork in his office. He occasionally tossed a raisin to the dog. When that was finished, he went upstairs and dressed in black pants and a crisp white shirt, deciding not to wear a jacket.

“Aww, Stinker, you wanna go too?”

Stinker was wagging her tail and looking up at him with big brown eyes.

“Sorry, no doggies allowed.” He carried the dog to the kitchen where her water dish and food bowl were sitting. “See? Nummy snacks. Go eat.”

Stinker ignored the food and walked right over to the paper Howie had set down for her.

“Good girl!” Howie cried. “Thank God you’re not a peeing pug.”

He then grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

As he was pulling out of the driveway, the phone inside the house rang and the machine picked up.