Kai scratched behind Bella's ear as he unlatched her leash, and the dog climbed onto the park bench with her front paws to lick his face.
"Alright, alright, I love you too," he patted her side. "Now, go have fun." He sent her out into the dog park, and she went running.
It had been over a week since the disaster at the beach, and he was doing better. He had gone back to work, he and Maria were on great terms, and Vira seemingly stopped opposing their relationship, though Kai felt she was hiding something—as she was often distracted, disappearing for long periods at a time without explanation.
"Hi," Lance said as he sat down and let loose his Chihuahua. The small dog bolted off and instantly began braking.
"Hey, what's up?" Kai asked casually, only then noticing the coach's mournful expression.
Lance sighed. "Not so great, honestly."
"Did you lose someone… in the Crescent Beach Disaster?"
He let out a bitter chuckle. "No, nothing like that… My girlfriend and I… we broke up."
Kai's mouth hung open. It didn't make sense; Lance was compassionate, confident, and capable, not to mention handsome. How could anyone break up with him?
"What about you? How's it going with Maria?"
"Good, we had some fights lately, but we got past them, and…" Kai shook his head. "Sorry, I feel shitty telling you how great I'm doing when you are…"
Lance smiled. "It's okay; not my first breakup, probably not my last either."
Kai frowned.
"I…" the coach started, sensing his statement required explanation. "I am very dedicated to my work, and sometimes… it comes at the expense of my personal relationships. I give so much attention to my clients that I often end up neglecting my partner."
"So? What's the problem? Just work less."
"I've tried that, but when an opportunity presents itself… when a person asks for my help… how can I say no?"
Kai scoffed. "Seriously? That's your great flaw? You are just too kind and caring?"
"You laugh, but that's a serious problem. It's why I've been struggling to find a stable relationship. I hate disappointing people or letting them down, but sometimes you have to set boundaries and… I struggle with that."
"Struggle how?"
"I'll give you an example. My partner and I went to a museum once; she is into art, and there was an exhibit she was looking forward to, so we went together. Then, a few minutes after we arrived, a client called, crying to me about the terrible day she had, having a complete meltdown. Feeling responsible for my client, I apologized to my partner and took the call."
The Oathless shrugged. "Seems reasonable to me."
"The call lasted two hours."
Kai frowned.
"Now you see the problem? I was out on a date with my partner, and instead of spending time with her, I was talking to a client… a female client—which only makes things worse as far as my partner is concerned."
"Right, but… it was an emergency. I'm sure she can understand that."
"Maybe when it happens once or twice…"
"But it didn't?"
Lance shook his head.
"Huh… You really are too kind."
Lance sighed. "Everyone has flaws, Kai, even me. Or did you think I was perfect?"
"No," the Oathless said. "Well, yeah, kinda."
They both laughed.
"So… wait, isn't this her dog? You broke up with her, and you still took her dog for a walk?"
"She had to go to work and didn't have time to find a dog walker."
"Sounds like her problem."
Lance shrugged. "Sure, but letting the dog suffer because we decided to break up… that doesn't sit right with me. It's not the dog's fault."
"I guess not…"
They remained silent for several long minutes.
"Ah… Does that mean this is the last time we'll see each other?"
"Maybe… you can text me or call me if you want," he smirked. "Though if you want more advice, I might have to start charging you."
Kai smiled. "I don't think I can afford you."
"I'm sure we can figure something out."
They sat and talked for almost half an hour before Lance had to leave. He whistled for the Chihuahua, then rose to his feet and picked it up.
"It's been great knowing you, Lance," the Oathless rose and put his hand forward. The life-coach shook it. "Really, you've helped me a lot."
"It's my pleasure, Kai… I hope things work out with your girlfriend."
"Yeah, thanks… me too."
***
As Kai returned home with Bella, Mr. Isaacson was waiting in the doorway to greet them. He stood steady on his own two feet; his cast had been taken off earlier that week, and he was feeling like his old self again. The dog dashed forward to brush against his leg, and he patted her flank.
"Had a good walk today?"
"Yes, sir."
"I wasn't asking you, son."
"Ah…"
The old man smiled mischievously and pulled out some cash from his wallet. Kai took it, and raised a brow. It was double what he usually received.
"Consider it a bonus for your dedication and a gift for your last walk."
"Last walk? Are you sure?"
The old man nodded. "I'm feeling good enough to walk her by myself again, so you don't need to trouble yourself anymore."
"It's no trouble at all, Mr. Isaacson. I like walking Bella."
"Yeah, well…" the old man scratched behind the dog's ear. "I think she has taken a liking to you too. But she is my dog, my responsibility, and I will walk her from now on."
Kai frowned. "Right, sir."
"However… I will let you know when I happen to need help, if that's alright with you."
"Yes, sir," he nodded. "You can count on me."
The old man chuckled. "Careful what you wish for," he reached for the door handle. "I'll see you around, son," he added, and closed the door behind him.
Left alone in the hallway, Kai turned and entered his apartment. He felt exhausted, even though it had been an easy day at the park, and slumped down at his bed, lying still with no drive or desire to do anything.
His phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Felicia."
"Felicia? You have a phone?"
"Obviously. Anyway, how are you doing? We never really had a chance to talk since… you know."
"I'm… I'm fine. Maria helped me get through it, and… I'm alright now."
"Good, I'm happy to hear that."
"How are you doing?"
"Great, great, better than great, actually. I'll be heading out of town for a few weeks."
"What? Where?" He sat up.
"There's a convention in the next town over. Evelyn is going, and I'll be going with her," she said. "This is my chance, Kai! If I can impress her over the trip, then maybe, just maybe, I could get a job at her store!"
"Right, your dream…"
"Exactly, exactly…" she trailed off, and her voice went soft. "But if you still need me here, then—"
"No, don't worry about it. This is your dream; of course, you should go. Besides, I'm not so helpless. I can do without you for a couple of weeks."
"Fantastic! Thank you, Kai."
"Don't worry about it, really. Just go and have fun."
"Thanks, I'll send you some pictures."
"Sure."
"Alright, bye-bye for now."
"Bye."
She hung up the call, and the Oathless slumped back to lie on his bed.
I lost them all in one day, he thought. Don't be so dramatic, he told himself, rubbing his face. Lance is a phone call away, Felicia will be back, and Bella is literally next door. You didn't lose anything. Besides, you still have Maria, and that's all that really matters… right?
Right. He turned around, burying his head in the pillows. But if that's the case… Why do I feel so… empty?
"Vira…" he moaned into his pillow. "Where the hell are you?"