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All the smells were different here. That was almost the very first thing Newton had noticed when his Katie had opened her car door and set him gently on the grass. He’d watched in confusion, these last few weeks as everything in his life had been hacked into big cardboard boxes, he’d known it was cardboard because he’d given one a nibble just to check, and skittered off as the entire corner had given way and several pairs of Katie’s shoes had spilled out onto the floor.
“We’re heading home, Buddy.” Kate sighed as she lifted him into the car, buckling him into his little seatbelt. “It’ll be fun.”
Newton huffed at that, watching their little flat disappear into the distance, I don’t think it’ll be fun at all.
Kate hummed, changing the music on the radio, “You’ll get to see Grandma Mary, and Auntie Eddie, you love them.”
I do love them. Newton had conceded huffily, tapping his paw. Grandma Mary gives me bikkies and I like that.
“And I’ve got us a big yard and there’ll be lots of things for you to chase, and when we get the shop open you can come to work with me every day. You’ll love that. Newtie time all day every day.”
But I won’t get to go to my park anymore! Newton Yipped indignantly, That squirrel will think it’s bested me!
“You’ll like being in Somerset all the time, you’ll see.”
Newton had whined the entire way there. A little pettily, he was willing to admit but, he’d whined nonetheless. Pawing at the window as they’d driven in the car, the wind whipping at his fur as they’d stopped to refill the car, the ground chilling his paws.
It’s cold here. Newton whined, sneaking closer to Katie so his heart stopped beating quickly in his chest, his paw tapping at her boots until she cooed gently, picking him up.
“Oh Baby boy, I know it’s cold here.”
Newton nosed at her neck, ignoring all the foreign smells and nestling himself closer to her chest.
“He’s sweet.” The girl behind the counter had said when Katie had finally been forced to take him inside with her.
“He’s not happy with me.”
Well, at least she knows. Newton had tutted, begrudgingly eating the apology crisps Katie offered him as they sat together in her car.
They’d arrived at their new house, Newton peeping out the window with a laboured sigh, the big van that had put all of their boxes in it already there. His heart leapt when he saw Grandma Mary standing on the porch talking to the man who hadn’t smelled very nice when Newton had nosed at his boot, directing him upstairs.
Granny! Newton yipped excitedly, ignoring Katie’s chuckle as she stepped out of the car.
“I know, I know, you like Mum more than me.”
Not likely Newton nosed at her cheek as she lifted him out of the car, his legs already moving before his paws hit the ground.
“Oh Newton, look at you. Happy to be home?” Mary said as she knelt in front of him, his little tail wagging behind him as she scratched his ears.
This isn’t home. Newton whined, Where’s my Eddie?
Mary kissed the end of his nose before she stood up, turning to Katie. “I’m glad you’re home, sweetheart.”
“I’m happy to be home.” Katie hummed, giving her Mum a tight hug, making the happy little sighing noise she always did when she saw her Mama. Just the same one he made when she hugged him.
And Newton supposed, if Katie was happy, he’d try to like it here.
________________
Newton did not like it much here in Bridgwater. He just didn’t. It was cold, wet, and rainy, and he supposed London had been as well but that was different. He’d liked living in London. He’d been there since he was a pup. He had his park that he went to, and Katie would take him out for walks and they’d sit at their little table and Katie would have a drink and he’d get a shortbread bikkie. Where was he even supposed to get shortbread bikkies from here? Did they even have them? He hadn’t seen any evidence in the three days he’d lived here. Not a single one. He’d seen his Eddie, that was always nice, and he had been able to sit with Katie all day every day, instead of her having to go to the thing she called work. She had taken him to the little shop on a cobblestoned street a little distance from their house, with his harness and leash on they’d walked, his paws cold against the ground because he’d absolutely refused to wear his little shoes. What would the other dogs think if the first time they saw him he was wearing his shoes and they weren’t? They’d think he was ridiculous! He couldn’t have that. The room Kate had shown him smelled old, just like the books she was slowly putting onto the shelves, stacked so high Newton could barely see the top of them, and at least, for the most part, all he was expected to do was lay at the front of the shop, behind Katie’s counter and have a nap.
“Come on, handsome,” Katie said gently, scratching him between the ears, making his tail wag despite himself as he nosed at her hand. “Maybe we’ll get some chicken nuggets for lunch, hey?”
Newton’s heart leapt in his chest just as he leapt to his feet, placing his paws on Katie’s knee. Do they have nuggets here?!
Kate chuckled, kissing the end of his nose as she put his harness back on, and they set off with a new spring in Newton’s step. Maybe Bridgwater wouldn’t be so bad after all, maybe Newton could like it here. He had his Katie after all, and Grandma Mary and his Eddie and maybe there would even be ice cream in summer.
They stepped out of the shop, his tail wagging as they set off down the street, and newton looked around with a fresh outlook, there were flowers across the street there, and a Great Dane further on that might make a good friend if it was-
“Kate!”
Katie stopped dead, pulling Newton up just short of the flowers he’d wanted to sniff. He let out a huff, sitting on his haunches as Katie let out a surprised, “Mrs Bridgerton! Hello!”
The Lady, a little older than Grandma Mary approached them, kissing Katie gently on the cheek. “Your Mum told me you were coming back. An antique book store, lovely.”
“Yeah, I’m… excited about it.” Katie nodded, Newton’s attention already waning.
“And who’s this handsome little boy?”
Well, that caught Newton’s attention, he turned back towards this Mrs Bridgerton, wagging his tail, smiling up at her.
“This is Newton.” Katie hummed, scratching between his ears. “He certainly thinks he’s very handsome.”
I know I am Katie, come on, don’t be like that. Newton huffed, nudging the woman’s hand as she reached to out towards him, sniffing it gently. She smelled clean. Too clean. Like when Katie would take him to the doctors and they poked at him with sharp sticks. Newton huffed, turning back towards the flowers.
“He’s sweet, you’ll have to take him to see Anthony.”
“Anthony?”
There was something strange in Katie’s voice, something that Newton didn’t recognise. But he didn’t dwell on it long. Whatever an Anthony was, Newton didn’t care at all. He tugged on his leash towards the flowers, following the smell forward taking advantage of Katie’s inattention.
He nosed at the dirt and amongst the leaves wagging his tail, ignoring the odd little buzzing around his ear, feeling happier than he had done since he-
Ow! Newton let out a yelp of pain as the tiny buzzing creature stung the end of his nose. He reeled backwards, nearly tripping over his leash as his nose ached.
“Newton!” Katie’s voice was shocked as she bundled him up in her arms, looking him over for signs of harm. “What happened?”
He pressed his nose into her neck, whining as he shook. It hurt me. My nose hurts, Katie.
“It’s okay,” Her voice was soothing against his ears, her lips on her forehead. “It’s okay, did the bee get you?”
Yes. Newton whined, nestling further into her arms. It hurt my nose.
“Take him right over to the surgery, Kate.” Mrs Bridgerton said gently, “Anthony’ll take a look at him. I’ll let them know you’re on your way.”
Well, whatever an Anthony was, Newton was apparently going to find out.
It was undignified, was what it was, Newton decided as he stared at himself in the reflection of the glass. Sat on Katie’s lap in the doctor’s waiting room with his nose aching and swollen, Newton couldn’t help but whine at the smell, clean and awful, stinging his nose almost as much as the bee-sting.
There was a lady, who sat behind the counter, smiling gently as she tapped away at the keyboard, audacious in Newton’s opinion seeing as she’d just announced his weight to the entire waiting room. So he was carrying a bit of condition. Mind your own business, Lucy.
“Newton?”
A man had appeared, standing in the doorway, with one of those cold things that always got pressed against his chest hanging around his neck, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked down at them.
Well, what did you think I’d be? A horse. Newton scoffed, tapping his paw on Katie’s leg. Katie, I don’t think this man’s ever been to medical school, I think we should go. I’ll be fine.
“Kate?!”
Kate cleared her throat awkwardly, standing and scooping Newton back up in her arms as she moved forward. “Hey, Anthony, it’s been a long time.”
So this was an Anthony. Newton mused, narrowing his eyes as best he could though, admittedly, the swelling was doing a good job of that alone.
“Shit, yeah.” Anthony ruffled his hair stupidly, still staring at Kate. “I didn’t know you were back.”
“I didn’t know you were back either.”
Well, this is just, unprofessional. Newton huffed. Can you look at my bee-sting, please?!
Dr Anthony seemed to startle at the noise and stopped staring at Katie with his mouth hanging open like an ugly fish and stepped back, “Well, let’s take a look at this little guy hey?”
Only if you’ve got time, Dr Anthony if that even is your real name. I’d hate to inconvenience you by asking you to do your job!
Katie set Newton down gently on the cold table, kissing him between the ears as he whined, moving closer to her.
Dr Anthony slid a pair of glasses on the end of his nose, putting on some gloves as he turned towards him. “So, what happened here?”
I was minding my own business, trying to have a good time in this awful town, and I got stung! And it hurts!
“We were walking to get lunch, and he nosed around some flowers and got stung by a bee.” Katie looked worried, the emotion rolling off her in waves as she twisted her fingers gently in his fur.
I’ll be okay, Katie. Newton wagged his tail at her, As long as this doofus doesn’t try and chop my snoot off.
“Ooof, rough go buddy.” Dr Anthony hummed, “Obviously there’s some swelling, but let’s check everything else out.”
Obviously, there’s swelling, yes! Newton bit back a scoff. Do you think my nose looks like this all the time?! Can I see some credentials, please?
Newton resisted the urge to nibble on Dr Anthony’s hair as it dipped too close to his nose.
“So, what’s brought you back here?” Dr Anthony said as he cleared his throat when he was supposed to be listening to Newton’s heartbeat.
So we’ve moved on from me again, have we? Right!
Newton’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Dr Anthony, who wasn’t even pretending to look at Newton anymore. He had his eyes fixed instead, on Katie. He was looking up at her through his eyelashes, his cheeks a little flushed as he smiled at her, and Newton didn’t like it one bit.
“I actually, just… bought the vacant shop on the main street. I’m setting up an antique bookstore.” Katie replied, something funny in her voice and the way she was standing, her fingers still moving through Newton’s fur.
Dr Anthony smiled a little awkwardly, “Well, we’re glad to have you back in town.”
Oh, stop right there you harlot! Newton yipped. Don’t you look at my mama like that! It’s a good thing she won’t be paying you any attention!
“Well, he looks good. I’ll give him a cortisone shot and some antihistamines for the next few days.” Dr Anthony hummed.
Please don’t poke my nose like that, can you not see it’s sore?
“But I think he could also stand to lose a little weight.”
I beg your pardon! Newton looked up at Dr Anthony, horrified resisting the urge to growl before turning back to Katie. Mum! Did you hear that?
Katie bit her lip, “Well, he does like his chicken nuggets.”
“Chicken-? Kate!” Dr Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. “You cannot feed a dog chicken nuggets.”
She can and she does! stay the hell out of this, Dr Anthony! Katie, we’re leaving.
Kate shrugged, “He’s my little guy though.”
“Can he be your little guy and eat mince instead? It’s much better for him.”
Oh, what would you know?!
They seemed to stare into one another’s eyes for a long moment, something happening that Newton obviously didn’t understand before Katie sighed, ”We’ll see.”
Newton scoffed, I understand you’re obviously having some sort of crisis Katie, but this man is an absolute Charlatan. I don’t care how he smiles at you!
“Well, that’s about all I can ask for.” Dr Anthony grinned, bending down to the fridge. “All right, do you mind holding him?”
Holding me- What are you-? OW!
Well, thanks, you absolute quack! Newton said begrudgingly as he trotted out of the exam room, No offence to you, Lucy, you were delightful, despite the fact you told everyone here how much I weigh. But we won’t be back. Isn’t that right, Katie? Katie?!
Dr Anthony was leaning across the counter, smiling at Katie, running his fingers through his hair, and Katie was leaning a little towards him, tucking her hair behind her ear, fidgeting a little. “It was um- it was really good to see you, today. Despite the circumstances.”
Katie cleared her throat, “Um- yeah, it was really good to see you as well. I um- Newton needs his regular vaccines in a week or so so I’ll be back in.”
Dr Anthony nodded, his eyes widening as though he’d only just remembered where they were.
Yes, we’re in your place of business. And you’re bandying yourself around like an absolute hussy.
“And if not, maybe I’ll see you around anyway.” Dr Anthony said quickly, “Maybe I’ll… need a new book or something.”
“Well, it’d be an old book.” Katie chuckled.
That wasn’t funny, Katie. Why are you laughing? Newton huffed, nosing instead at Lucy’s feet and the treats she’d left out for him. Well, at least I have these.
“Anthony, Mrs Richards asked you to return her call,” Lucy said gently, cutting into whatever Dr Anthony had been about to say.
Lucy, you’re my new favourite person. I might be in love with you.
But that didn’t deter Dr Anthony, no. Instead, he jerked his head at Lucy “Guess whose girlfriend she is?”
Katie looked blankly at Lucy, waiting for the other woman to respond which she did with a roll of her eyes. “I’m dating Gregory.”
Katie’s mouth dropped open, “Greggy’s that old? But he’s your baby brother.”
Newton spat out the treats Lucy had given him. Lucy, his brother? You’re better than that.
“He is.” Dr Anthony sighed, “Like you said it’s been a while.”
Katie sighed, bending down to scratch Newton behind the ears again. “Yeah, but it won’t be that long again, right? You’ll come in and buy an old book from me right?”
“I definitely will.”
I won’t let you in. Newton growled, tugging on his leash as he made for the door, Come on Katie, we don’t need to see this guy again.
And he hoped it was true
________________
“So…” Edwina’s voice was curious, tickling Newton’s ears as he lay belly up between them, his legs in the air, tail wagging as Katie scratched his belly.
This was his favourite time of day, always. When he and Katie came home from the shop that was open now, she would make his dinner and hers and then they’d sit together, on their sofa, Newton’s head nestled against her chest as she spoke to him about her day. It made his heart feel three times bigger than it normally did when they sat together like this. Just Katie and him. And sometimes Eddie, he supposed. She was his second favourite person, after all.
“You always use that tone when you think you’re about to catch me out.” Katie sighed, smiling down at Newton, waving his paw back at him.
“I am about to catch you out,” Eddie smirked, poking at Katie’s ribs. “I saw you yesterday.”
Katie looked slightly confused, her eyebrows furrowing, “Is that your big reveal, Poirot?”
Eddie rolled her eyes, flicking Katie’s ear. “ I saw you yesterday in the cafe with Anthony Bridgerton.”
Newton rolled his eyes, huffing at Eddie. You saw him stalking me and Katie is what you saw! I ought to file a complaint!
It had been a good day, yesterday, maybe the best since they’d moved here. He’d gone to work with Katie, just like he did every day now, and the sun had been out, which was amazing. It had warmed his fur and the pavement had felt nice under his paw as they’d walked to the shop. He’d moseyed around the shop behind Katie, as she’d talked to the people that wandered in, and a little boy had dropped one of his little sweeties and Newton had been able to gobble it up before anyone noticed. Katie sighed, as he sat on her knee behind the counter, her chin resting on his head.
“Should we go get a Pup cup, baby boy?”
Newton had yipped excitedly, nearly knocking Katie over as he’d leapt down, waiting by the hook that held his harness and leash with excitement bubbling in his chest as Katie laughed down at him. Newton waited patiently, tied to the table by the door while Katie got his treats, nosing excitedly at the ground, enjoying all the sweet smells.
Yes! Love you, Katie! Newton yipped as she came back to the table, her bitter-smelling drink and a slice of cake in one hand and his drink and a little shortbread bikkie on a paper saucer for him.
“Oh you’re excited aren’t you?” Katie had cooed as she knelt in front of him and he rested his paws on her leg, nosing at her cheek.
Yes, I love pup cups!
“Well, let me put it down for you, Buddy.”
Newton dived right into the warm milk, his tail wagging helplessly beside him as he lapped it up. Lovely, now where did that-?
“Please tell me that’s not a shortbread biscuit you’re giving that dog.”
Newton had looked up, squinting into the sun as a shadow appeared above him, and his heart sank.
Dr Anthony was smiling down at Katie, still reeking of his so-called surgery, his hair falling stupidly in his eyes and Newton’s scruff stung from where he’d been poked those few weeks ago.
What are you doing here? Newton huffed, turning back to his bikkie. This doesn’t concern you.
“Well he’s worked hard this morning,” Katie sighed standing up and leaning far too close to Dr Anthony for Newton’s liking. “I thought he deserved a little treat.”
Dr Anthony chuckled, ruffling his hair like a ridiculous peacock, “You know they actually make dog treats. You know, biscuits made specifically for dogs that aren’t full of butter and sugar?”
Katie rolled her eyes in time with Newton. “Yeah, they do make those, but he likes these.”
You tell him, Katie, now send him packing.
“You were always such a stickler.” Katie sighed, sitting down at the table.
Move it along Dr Anthony. Newton thought a little smugly, munching happily on his bikkie before turning back to his pup cup. The gates of hell must be desolate without you.
“Well, one of us had to be.” Dr Anthony didn’t move, he stayed leering down at Katie with his paws leaning on the table, harassing Katie.
Newton fought the growl rising in his throat eying Dr Anthony’s shoelaces petulantly. I could just chew those off, that’d make me feel better.
“Are you not working today? No kittens to cuddle?
Why are we still indulging this Katie, he’s absolutely not a suitable mate for you!
“Cuddled all my kittens this morning,” Dr Anthony sighed, “I’m on lunch after surgeries and my consults start again at 3.”
Ugh, he has a cat, I can smell it. Best hop too then! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
Katie’s eyes were doing that funny thing again as she stared up at Dr Anthony and he stared back at her, her breathing sounding a bit funny. “Do you… want to join us then?”
No! Katie?! What?! Newton had nearly knocked over his drink as he’d barked indignantly. He better not-
“Yeah, that sounds great.” Dr Anthony had rushed to say, “I’ll just-I’ll just go order!”
Newton had grumbled through the entire thing, not listening to a thing Dr Anthony said out of pure spite, staring at Katie in horror as she blushed and laughed but at least he’d been able to take savage delight in the fact that Dr Anthony had walked away with the shoelaces of one foot destroyed and his shoe had fallen off as he’d walked away from the table. And he’d looked like a stupid giraffe tripping over the rough path.
“Anthony and I were just catching up.” Katie sighed, but Newton noticed how her cheeks flushed and her lip caught in her teeth, just as it always did when she wasn’t telling the whole story.
Newton could have groaned. Oh, Katie, it’s not your fault. You’re perfect and kind, and Dr Anthony seems like a seasoned seducer. He’s tall and wily. But we need to get away from him.
Eddie chuckled, “Oh, catching up? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”
Katie rolled her eyes, sighing as she settled back against the sofa, tugging Newton closer towards her. “Okay so… you know we were friends but…maybe Anthony and I… hooked up a few times in high school?”
Newton didn’t know what the hell hooking up was, but maybe Katie had done it before Dr Anthony had been the incarnation of the devil. Unlikely though that was.
Eddie didn’t look surprised. “You don’t say.”
Katie rolled her eyes, “But we agreed when we went to uni it wasn’t the right time for us so… we kind of just… drifted” She trailed off shrugging.
Katie, don’t be sad. Not about Dr Anthony. He has cold hands, I can assure you.
Eddie nudged her, “Okay, but neither of you is going away any time soon. Maybe there’s still something there.”
Edwina, I am ashamed to call you my auntie. Grandma Mary must be so disappointed in you, I don’t know how Josie puts up with you. He’s the devil! Newton huffed, turning his back on Eddie completely, that’d show her.
“I saw him the other week and… I don’t know.” Katie shrugged, “It kind of felt the same. Like he was cute and kind of prim and stupid but I don’t know, I had a nice time with him.”
Newton felt a little bit of guilt in his chest, that Katie had been enjoying herself, even if it was with Dr Anthony, Satan’s concubine, and he’d ruined it by chewing his shoelaces off. But his guilt was short-lived.
“So why are we not going for it?”
Katie sighed, at Eddie nudging Newton off her lap as she stood, running her fingers through her hair. “I don’t know, just- I’m letting things work their own way out. If it’s meant to be it’ll… be, I guess.”
It’s not meant to be. Newton thought certainly. You deserve the best mate in the entire world. Dr Anthony is a fraud.
Eddie nudged Newton, scratching behind his ear and he fought hard not to let his leg bang against the sofa as she did it. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking Newtie-boy?”
Probably not.
“We need to matchmake here.”
And all Newton could do was sigh dejectedly. Edwina is an enemy now as well is she? What else will this place take from me?
________________
This had been the busiest few weeks of Newton’s entire life. He’d been working absolutely nonstop. If he wasn’t careful, this was going to become his full-time job and he’d have no time for napping at all. He hardly had these days as it was. No, all he had time for these days, was keeping his Katie, from falling into Dr Anthony’s evil clutches. It was every day with this man. He was relentless. Every morning he ran past their house with his shirt off, obscenely, his muscles flexing and Newton was forced to run up and down the fence line while Dr Anthony waved at Katie shamelessly.
Newton had to bark until his throat hurt. Stay away from my Mama! She’s too good for you!
He had been forced to herd Katie away from the surgery, nipping at her heels and tugging on his leash in an embarrassing display that had lost him a lot of respect in the dog community he was sure.
Sorry, just saving her from herself! He’d called out to a Dalmatian as they’d passed.
No problems, Bruv. The Dalmatian had replied rolling its eyes at its owner, I gotta do that with him all the time!
Dr Anthony had shameless darkened the doorstep of Katie’s shop even, and Newton had sighed to himself as he’d brushed past several books letting them fall to the floor, but that had only forced Katie and Satan closer together, as she’d knelt to pick them up and so had Dr Anthony and they’d been so close and been staring at each other just like people did in all of those movies he and Katie had watched together. Newton had been forced to leap between them until he landed on top of Dr Anthony. The entire affair had been disgusting but needs must.
Now, However, Newton wasn’t sure how he was going to keep them apart.
“We’re going to see Dr Anthony today.” Katie hummed as they left home this morning and Newton had dragged his feet the entire way, even shooting at some flowers hadn’t made him feel much better.
He’d been dreading it all day. Maybe he could run away? Hide in Grandma Mary’s house until Dr Anthony’s hell-house closed. But that would upset Katie, he realised with a sigh. She’d be worried about him if he ran away, and Eddie couldn’t be trusted these days either.
He didn’t have a choice. He thought to himself as he let himself be strapped into his harness, he’d just have to hope that Katie was strong enough to resist Dr Anthony’s attempts at trickery.
He tried to walk bravely into the surgery, nosing around Lucy’s feet hoping for a treat, a little regretful that he’d rejected her last offering.
“Newton, hey buddy,” Lucy said gently, passing him a liver treat. “How are you, sweet boy?”
Lucy, it’s been rough, I’ll not lie. Newton sighed, scoffing down the treat as Katie lifted him onto the scales.
“15 kilos,” Lucy said when they beeped. “Lovely.”
Yes, Lucy. Newton sighed, taking his seat on Katie’s lap, looking down dejectedly at his paws. I’ve been stress eating. Your boss is a sex pest.
Newton waited, nosing at Katie’s cheek his heart sinking to his tummy when he heard Dr Anthony’s voice. “Newton! Come on through.”
Newton didn’t dignify the man with a response, trotting right past him with his chin held high as Katie stopped in the doorway, Dr Anthony leaning in close to her, smiling as well, as his stupid hair tickled Katie’s forehead.
“Hey, Kate.”
“Anthony, Hey.”
Newton groaned, This is what I was afraid of. Should I just get myself on that huge table shall I?
Katie jolted at the sound of his bark, lifting him onto the exam table for Dr Anthony to butcher.
The human embodiment of annoyance made his way around the table, snapping his gloves into place.
Not washing our hands, I see. Newton huffed, Sure, just give me some kind of infection, that’s fine. My tail’ll probably fall off or something.
“Good day for you two?”
Yes, I found a sweetie on the carpet this morning. Newton huffed begrudgingly, It was great actually until I had to come here.
“We had a nice day.” Katie hummed, kissing Newton’s forehead. “We went for a walk, sold some books, you know. The usual. You?”
Ooof there are those cold hands, Newton sighed as Dr Anthony pawed at his tummy. Do you mind?
“I had a great day.” Anthony agreed, nodding, “Did some routine ops, lots of cool pets and now, well, my favourite person’s here.”
Oh, I’m going to be sick.
“Is Natalie Portman in the waiting room?” Katie said a little sarcastically, causing Newton to snicker. “I didn’t see her.”
Thank you, whore, we’re not interested in your charms here.
“Aww, are you remembering all my favourites, Katie?”
Excuse me, you goat, I’m the only person allowed to call her Katie! Newton huffed and was startled as Dr Anthony checked his paws. Can you unhand me with those mits, please?
Katie looked away, her lower lip caught between her teeth. “Maybe I remember a lot of things about you.”
Dr Anthony’s head shot off, not even pretending to look at Newton now, his attention fixed solely on Katie, his lips parted, gaping like a ludicrous fish and Newton couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable. “I remember everything about you.”
No one moved, not even Newton who desperately wanted to leap between them but he was still upsettingly close to being held in Dr Anthony’s arms, and the moment seemed to stretch on forever.
“I know this sounds stupid to say but I’ve really missed you, and I don’t think I realised how much I just… missed you being my friend until you walked through that door the other week.” Dr Anthony’s voice was soft, and Newton heard Katie’s intake of breath behind him, her eyes wide as she stared at him, her voice all funny. “Yeah, I’ve really missed you too.”
Oh Katie, Katie, No. Don’t be taken in by him-
Dr Anthony’s eyes fluttered closed, and he took a deep breath before he spoke again, his eyes staring at Katie. “Do you want to go to dinner with me tomorrow? Not as friends. Because I’m pretty sure I’ve been in love with you since I was about sixteen.”
No, She doesn’t! Newton huffed, wondering in a panic if he could jump off the table and make a run for it, but he’d probably break his neck and then where would Katie be? She’d be helpless to resist Dr Anthony throwing himself at her. Katie, I think we should go!
“I’d really like that,” Katie said gently, “Yeah, um- Yeah, I’d love to go to dinner with you.”
Oh god. Newton sighed, sitting back on his haunches and giving up completely. Well, I suppose I’m just going to have to live with Satan for the rest of my life am I? Fab. And what’s worse, I’m never going to bloody get my check-up! My paw could fall off and nobody would even notice!
Dr Anthony cleared his throat, smiling down at Newton. “Right, Um- yeah, great, I’ll- I better- do my job.”
Yeah, you better.
And while he hopped off the table, feeling more defeated than he had in a long time, When Katie got outside and picked him up in a tight hug, squealing excitedly Newton’s heart still felt glad.
And he decided to try to like Dr Anthony. For Katie’s sake.
________________
He did not like Dr Anthony.
This had been without a doubt, the worst week of Newton’s life. Absolutely the worst. Worse than the time Eddie took him on a three-mile walk up a hill as though she’d forgotten he only had little stumps for legs. This was worse than that. Because Kate, his Katie, had chosen a mate.
He’d been watching them for weeks. The way he leaned closer into Katie’s space when they met outside the coffee shop, the man tutting while Katie gave him a shortbread Bikkie. He has watched Kate get flustered when the man ran by their house shaking his head while Newton barked at him to stay the hell away from his Mama! But apparently, Katie didn’t care about Newton and his feelings. No, she didn’t, because he, was currently having to suffer through the indignity of Dr Anthony, his Dr Anthony, sitting at the kitchen table in his boxer shorts. Mortifying.
Anthony grinned at Kate as she passed, tugging on the front of the shirt Anthony had been wearing last night when they’d stumbled through the front door like animals until their lips pressed together. Newton huffed, turning away from the indecent display, nudging his bowl forward with his paw towards the fridge.
Katie hummed as she crouched in front of Newton, his tail wagging at the sight of her despite himself. “Oh, there’s my little boy.”
Newton smiled smugly at Dr Anthony, nosing at Katie’s cheek. Take that, Dr Anthony Anthony.
Kate went about chopping the banana that would be put in his bowl soon, and Newton scooted closer, his paw on her foot.
“What are you doing?”
Newton eyed Dr Anthony’s paw on Katie’s waist with a little disgust. The audacity of this man was staggering. After stabbing him with the sharp stick just last week he was going to try and be his Mama’s mate? Not bloody likely.
“I’m making his breakfast.”
“That’s a banana.”
Kate rolled her eyes. “He gets banana and some of this doggy yoghurt with his biscuits.”
Yeah, back off Dr Anthony. Stay in your lane! What are you even doing out of the surgery?
Anthony looked baffled, “Okay well, I guess I can get on board with that, as long as there are no more chicken nuggets.”
I’m sorry, Katie, he has to go. I don’t care. It’s me or him. He’s been here two seconds and he’s taking away my nuggies?! No.
Katie nodded, kissing Dr Anthony’s cheek and waiting for him to turn away before she squatted in front of Newton, scratching him between the ears as she put his bowl down.
“Don’t worry, baby boy. I’ll still give you nuggies when he’s not looking.”
Take that, Dr Anthony.