Chapter 56 A Walk in the Park
Mia’s POV
The autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves as I watched Casoline bound across the park lawn, his golden–brown fur catching the morning light. He raced ahead, then circled back, as if making sure I was still following. For a former stray, he’d adapted remarkably fast and well to domestic life – though his enthusiasm sometimes overwhelmed even me.
“Gasoline!” I called as he charged toward a group of dogs near the walking path. “Be nice!”
“Interesting name choice,” Nate commented beside me, expertly handling the leashes of his three dogs. “Most people go with Max or Buddy.”
“He named himself, really.” I smiled as Gasoline approached Nate’s dogs with typical exuberance. “Your three seem very well- behaved.”
“Meet the gang,” Nate gestured to each dog in turn. “Einstein here is the mastermind,” he pointed to a dignified grey Weimaraner. “Schrödinger,” a black Scottish Terrier, “is simultaneously well–behaved and chaos incarnate. And this little lady, “he scratched behind the ears of a tiny Yorkshire Terrier, “is Marie.”
“A scientist theme,” I observed, watching as Gasoline attempted to engage Einstein in play. The larger dog regarded him with patient tolerance. “Very on–brand for a doctor.”
“Says the architect who named her dog after a combustible liquid.
I pulled out my phone as Gasoline succeeded in getting Schrödinger to chase him. “This is too cute not to record.”
The four dogs created an amusing spectacle – Gasoline leading the charge, Schrödinger close behind, Einstein maintaining his dignity while occasionally joining in, and tiny Marie Curie yapping excitedly from the sidelines.
After posting the video, I turned to Nate. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“How did you really know about my work? The university exhibitions, my early paintings…‘
“I am one of your university shareholders, remember?”
“Just this?”
”
Nate was quiet for a moment, watching the dogs play. “I should be honest with you. I know Kyle.”
“Kyle?” The name still caused a small twinge in my chest.
“We’ve worked together on some projects. K.T. Enterprises has diverse interests in medical technology and research facilities.”
I nodded slowly. It made sense – Nate’s obvious wealth, his connections, the way he moved in the same social circles. Kyle’s business empire touched countless industries.
“Can I ask you something in return?” Nate’s voice was careful. “Why Kyle? Someone that… driven usually struggles with relationships.”
A wry smile crossed my face. If only he knew about Taylor. But then I remembered seeing her with that other man, shopping and laughing. How real was anything in that relationship?
“What about you?” I deflected. “Surely an ‘over–achieving doctor has similar challenges.”
11
Nate laughed. “Who says I’m just a doctor?”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. Kyle’s name lit up the screen.
“Hello?”
“Where are you?” Kyle’s voice,
“Out.” I kept my tone neutral. “Did you need something?”
“Who are you with?”
“I’m not obligated to answer that.” My grip tightened on Gasoline’s leash. “We agreed to give each other space, remember?” “Space doesn’t mean disappearing.” His voice hardened slightly. “Mrs. Chen said you left early this morning.”
“Are you having me watched now?”
“I’m simply concerned-”
“No, you’re controlling. There’s a difference.” I watched Gasoline play with Marie Curie, trying to keep my voice steady. “I don’t answer to you anymore, Kyle,”
“You’re still my wife.”
“On paper. For now.” The words came out sharper than intended. Was there something specific you needed?”
His pause lasted a beat too long.
“Goodbye, Kyle.” I ended the call, forcing my hands to unclench.
“Everything okay?” Nate asked quietly.
“Fine.” I whistled for Gasoline, who came bounding over. “Just… divorce complications.”
“I know an excellent lawyer, if you need one.”
A surprised laugh escaped me. “You’re the second friend to offer that. Scarlett’s been trying to get me to meet with her lawyer friend for weeks.”
“Smart friends you have.”
“Very protective ones.” I scratched Gasoline’s ears as he pressed against my leg. “But I think I can handle it.”
Nate nodded, not pushing the issue. “On a different note – your mother’s recovery is progressing well. If everything stays stable for the next two weeks, we can schedule the second surgery.”
“Really?” Hope fluttered in my chest. “That’s wonderful news.”
“And the children’s center? How’s that coming along?”
“We’re about to begin construction officially.” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice. “The permits all cleared, and the site preparation is almost complete.”
“I saw the final designs. The integration of therapeutic spaces with the natural landscape is remarkable.”
We walked in comfortable silence for a while, watching our dogs explore the park. Gasoline had apparently appointed himself Marie Curie’s protector, staying close to the tiny dog as she investigated interesting smells.
“They make quite a team,” Nate observed.
“Maybe they do. I am happy Gas has new friends.” I said.
The morning sun had risen higher, casting long shadows across the grass. Other dog walkers had begun to appear, their voices carrying on the crisp air.
We should probably head back,” I said, checking my watch. “I have a site meeting at eleven.”
“Of course.” Nate gathered his dogs‘ leashes. “Same time next week?”
Thesitated, then nodded. “I’d like that.”
As we walked toward our respective cars, Gasoline kept looking back at his new friends, his tail wagging hopefully.
“They’ll be here next week,” I promised him.
Just like their owner, I thought, then quickly pushed the idea away I had enough complications in my life without adding more.
But watching Nate load his dogs into his car, their various personalities still making me smile. Gasoline bumped his head against my leg. One day at a time, I told myself. That’s all anyone could really manage.
The drive home was quiet, Gasoline sleeping contentedly in the passenger seat. My phone buzzed twice more with calls from Kyle, but I let them go to voicemail. Whatever he wanted could wait.
Today had been… nice. Normal. The kind of morning I’d stopped believing I could have somewhere along the way.
Maybe that was enough for now.
