Disclaimer
: This is a work of fiction, and it was created solely by me as the author. Any similarities to characters, businesses, places, or things are all happenstance, though my appreciation to those who have
inspired
my works is immense.
Author's Note
: This entire series is based on the same characters, places, and general situations, but will be shared in the form of five different versions. I'm hoping you'll appreciate the various approaches as they are posted. And be aware, some versions go into certain details more than others, so remaining calm and awaiting the next installment may be necessary, but I assure you, it'll be worth it. Questions and comments are welcome. I hope everyone will be kind.
I've included a recap, and here's a hint (for those who read these notes all the way through): This part begins with Trin's continued POV.
Recap: Wednesday, December 7 6:34PM
Tommy: "Gracie has taken a turn for the worse. Dad is calling the vet. Thought you should know. You're welcome to come say goodbye before she's put down. Sorry for the text. Not doing so hot. - T"
I turned to look at the guys and shook my head. "I have to go," I told them, and Dougie nodded.
"I'll be right behind you," Dougie answered.
I went over to Jeremy's side and squeezed his hand. "I want to..."
"I know, but he needs you," Jeremy responded without hesitation. I paused which made him squeeze my hand back. "Go, Trin."
"Thanks, Jer," I told him and kissed his forehead. "I'll be back Monday, if not before then. Take care." I turned away and then turned back suddenly. "And welcome home."
BMB: Version 5-3
I headed for Tommy's place and parked next to his truck. I ran to the backdoor of the main house and found Tommy standing in the kitchen alone.
"Oh, thank God," he whispered and with two long strides, he approached me and pulled me into his arms. "I didn't want you to miss saying goodbye."
"I came as soon as I saw the text," I told him and nodded against his head. "Dougie should be right behind me."
"Head on in," Tommy encouraged. "Dad's been sitting with her."
I walked into the living room, and when Tom looked up, he nodded. "The vet is on the way, so we still have a little time. Come on over, Trin. She's going to want to see you before she..." he said and trailed off. I knew what he meant. It broke my heart to see the pain in his eyes.
I got down to sit by Gracie and petted her head. "Hey, Gracie-girl," I said and smiled when she lifted her head to put it on my leg as she had the last time I'd been there. "Hi, sweetheart. I hear you're just not feeling all that good, huh? Well, let me tell you something. It's been an honor being your friend. You are the coolest non-human I have ever met, Gracie," I told her quietly. "I'm so glad that you ran out to meet me that day. I will always be grateful to have known you. You've lived a long life, and you deserve to be out of the pain you're in now. Soon, you'll be running around with lots of other dogs and having the time of your afterlife."
I changed my position to kneel and then bent down to kiss her head. "Thanks for being you, Gracie," I whispered and petted her a few more times. "Thanks for being my friend." I got up and walked back into the kitchen without looking at anyone. If I made eye contact with anyone who was crying, I would lose it. I went to stand by Tommy and stared at the floor.
Dougie ran in the door and headed for the living room. The vet made it shortly after Dougie said his goodbyes. I motioned for Tommy to follow the family into the living room to be there with them when she passed away. He squeezed my hand and left me in the kitchen. When it was all done, Tommy took my hand and led me to his place. I stopped at my car to grab my purse and to lock my car. When his door was closed, he kept his back to me.
"Tommy," I whispered and stood against him with my hands on his arms and my face against his back. I didn't know if he wanted to cry alone or have me stay. Before I could ask, he turned around and wrapped his arms around me. I closed my eyes and ran my fingers through his hair. "It's OK. I'm here. I'm here for you," I reiterated and held him tighter. He said no words. He just shook against my body.
I pulled from his embrace and motioned with my head for him to follow me. He put up a finger to tell me to hold on while he took off his shoes, turned out the light, and locked the door. He took my hand and led me to the bed but didn't lay me down or undress me. He pulled out his phone and played a song. My arms were led by his hands to wrap around his neck, and then his came down to wrap tightly around me. Soon we were swaying and holding each other tightly as the music surrounded us.
After five songs, Tommy stood back and pulled off his shirt. He walked to the bathroom, and I used the opportunity to grab my purse. I was waiting outside the bathroom door when Tommy came out and pointed at it. "Go change," he encouraged and nodded. "I had Georgie put some shorts in there for you to keep here until you decide to keep your own here. We've never planned a night here yet." I nodded and went to the bathroom to change clothes. I pulled off my bra from under my shirt and then changed from my jeans to the comfy shorts Georgie had left for me.
Tommy was waiting outside the bathroom door and took my hand to lead me to bed. He was wearing shorts, and that shirtless look had me feeling pretty warm. It wasn't long before we were lost in our passionate kisses and wrapped up with each other tightly. Man, he felt so good.
It didn't surprise me that his hands roamed down to the hem of my shirt. I think I surprised us both when I reached down and tore it off. Soon his mouth was all over me. I held his head and moaned as he licked and sucked my nipples until I was nearly dizzy. Finally, once he'd placed his mark on both breasts, we settled in and fell asleep.
I woke up to find him sitting up on his side of the bed. I could tell he was upset. I put on my shirt and knelt behind him to wrap my arms around him. "Will you let me hold you?"
He turned his tear-filled eyes to look at me and then climbed onto the bed to lay his head in my lap. I ran my fingers through his hair and held him close to me when he suddenly wrapped his arms around me and cried into my shirt. I continued to hold him and ran my fingers through his hair.