Here's to Puppies

 

Here’s to Puppies

Noel Laflin

9-22-22

On a beautiful September autumnal equinox day, just like today - only forty-some odd years ago - I prepared to grill three juicy rib eyes on the small backyard patio barbeque.

Although recently unemployed, I still had a little cash on hand by which to treat a couple of former co-workers to a fine lunch. They were probably the only two I still liked from my former job, so I wanted to show them my appreciation.

Right before their expected arrival, one called to inform me, sadly enough, that they were stuck at work and could not make it.

Undeterred, having already drunk half a bottle of Cabernet in anticipation of our reunion, I ran two doors down and asked Kathy, the manager of our small apartment complex, if she liked steak.  She immediately followed me out the door.

Meat soon sizzled and more wine was opened.

She liked hers medium rare, she informed me, and I told her she was in good company.

Two plump succulent rib eyes and a second bottle of Cabernet later, it dawned on me that this could be the perfect opportunity to broach a new subject with Kathy.

“So," I slurred, ever so slightly, and topping off her wine glass once more, “We were thinking of getting a puppy – just a small one, mind you – but there’s this pesky clause in our rental agreement about no pets allowed,” I concluded with a sigh.

Kathy nodded to the glass again and I gladly poured another generous top off.

“You gonna eat that third steak?" she enquired, eying the juicy piece still untouched on the serving plate.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly,” I said, gesturing to my stomach. “One’s my limit. Would be a shame to let it get cold,” I concluded, quickly moving it to her plate and refilling her wine glass.

“I don’t recall any such pet clause in that pesky rental agreement,” Kathy said, savoring another bite. “You maybe thinking of grilling steaks again soon?” she asked, chewing thoughtfully, and motioning for more wine.

“Oh, most definitely!” I said.

“But,” she mentioned as an afterthought, “I think rib eyes are too rich for a puppy’s tummy, don’t you?”

“Kibbles it’ll be!” I toasted, clinking her glass.

“And here’s to puppies!” she said with a warm, trusting smile, as I topped off our glasses one last time.