Celeste was silent.

  I glanced uneasily back toward where I could smell JayB. What if he left without me?

  “What do you say, Celeste? There’s never been anyone else but you, not since the day we danced at someone else’s wedding. Whatever we do, wherever we live, let’s go together.”

  Dear Diary:

  There are many human emotions a dog must be attuned to. Anger, fear, joy—these are all vital to a dog’s survival. But the most important feeling is love. When people love dogs, dogs know it like a strong scent, coming to us in warm waves.

  Love is as simple from a human to a dog as it is from a dog to a human. There are no complications or conditions. Behaviors can upset the peace—a bad dog can hear “Get down!” for forgetting that a couch is off limits, or “No!” for digging into the bin of delicious food left open for us to sniff and drool over. But no matter how sharp the word or strong the temper, we love our people, and nothing can change that. Usually, even behind the sting of an angry voice, dogs feel our people loving us back just as strongly.

  The way humans love each other, however, is far more complex. Messy clouds of doubt and ambiguity disturb any sense of clarity. I sense that Walter and Celeste love each other, but it doesn’t come without confusion for both of them. I feel sadness and regret and frustration radiating off them, interfering with the otherwise lucid connection.

  This has been true of all my people: Maddy and Rodney and Alana and JayB have completely disrupted the currents of love flowing from each of them. This new, odd way of loving was already growing among my humans before Celeste’s arrival, but by joining our pack, she clearly provoked disturbed emotions in Walter.

  Maddy, Rodney, Alana, JayB, Celeste, Walter—they are all good people, but in my opinion, they’d be much better off if they stopped worrying about so many things and just lived their lives like dogs.

  Love,

  Clancy

  Thirty-five

  Celeste’s expression was one of kindly amusement. She regarded Walter fondly. “Paris … There’s my romantic. I’ve never been to Paris. But it was never really about the money, Walter. I’m glad you’re rich. And yes, when we were struggling, it would have been nice to be able to buy things. But that’s not why our marriage failed. It was the chaos. It was about how you just kept changing what you wanted to do and where you wanted to live. And I eventually realized I wasn’t meant to exist like that. Especially when Jago came along. He was my responsibility.”

  “Mine, too.”

  “Yes, but I used that word very deliberately. ‘Responsibility.’ If you had stayed with one thing for more than a few months, if you had managed to hold down a steady job…”

  Walter groaned. “Come on, Celeste. Is that what you want? A nine-to-fiver? Somebody who punches a clock? Does the same boring thing over and over again? Isn’t it better to have vision? Isn’t it better to have joy?”

  Celeste nodded. “Those are certainly good things, Walter. Fine things. But when you have a baby, your focus is on a reliable situation, a place to live that doesn’t keep changing.”

  “Okay, well, Jago’s grown up now,” Walter pointed out.

  “He is. But I’m content where I am, Walter. I’m going to keep the home that Twain’s giving to me as part of the divorce.”

  Walter snorted. “Twain.”

  “Please listen to what I’m saying. I like my garden and my tennis club and my friends. You’re exciting and surprising—I would be the first to admit that. But I don’t want surprises. My life has washed up on very comfortable shores now. Everything you’ve got going on here is wonderful, I’m sure. But it’s not for me.” Celeste glanced away. “Oh, Walter, you still look at me with those same eyes. I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m tempted. That’s why I’ve decided to leave here as soon as possible.”

  Walter jerked. “What? No!”

  Celeste stood. “You’ve given me many wonderful moments to remember. I’ve always been grateful for that, and I’m thankful for the new memories we made these past few days.”

  Walter also stood, then reached out and took her hand. “Celeste. Please sit back down. Jago was right; he said not to press you. I’m sorry. Let’s take things slow … but please don’t leave me now.”

  Celeste raised her eyebrows. “Jago said that? He’s grown to be such a smart man. We can be proud.”

  “I’ll do anything, Celeste.”

  She put a hand to his face. “I know you would. But what I learned by coming here is how different I am from that giddy girl on the dance floor at a stranger’s wedding. Okay? You deserve romance, Walter. But with someone else. The real reason I came was to tell you not to send flowers or leave me any more messages. But then you did what you do, and the next thing I knew…” She shook her head, her eyes wet. “Being with you is like trying to live on a diet of desserts.” She pulled out her phone. “Let’s go say goodbye to the others. My Lyft will be here soon.”

  I was beyond relieved when Walter opened the door and I was able to dart back inside. Thankfully, JayB was still there. Spartan too, but I didn’t mind as long as I could keep my eyes on my person.

  JayB did not seem any happier than when I’d left, and now Walter was sad. These people had one very good dog and one pretty deficient dog in the room, but it didn’t seem to be making much of a difference. I wished Phoebe and Odin were there.

  “Everyone,” Celeste proclaimed, “it has been so nice to see you, and I’m so glad to have met all of you. I’m sorry that Alana isn’t here for me to tell her goodbye.”

  “You’re leaving, Mom?”

  Celeste nodded. “I’ve already called for the car. We’ll swing by the Raphael. The doorman has my bags ready to go.”

  “I love you, Celeste,” Walter grated hoarsely.

  Celeste’s eyes started getting wet again. “I love you too, Walter,” she replied softly.

  They embraced, but I didn’t wag. What I felt from them now was grief.

  Celeste broke away from the hug and turned to JayB.

  “All right,” he stated with finality and hugged her as well. He didn’t seem sad, only wistful.

  She glared at him, pointing a finger. “You need to call me more often, and you need to come visit again soon.” She smiled.

  “Maybe this winter,” JayB agreed.

  “All right. Good, good. Bye, everybody.” Celeste waved.

  Walter didn’t say anything. Everyone else said goodbye, and I watched as she glided out of the room. I had no idea what was going on. I only knew it was stirring up powerful emotions.

  “Is there any of that champagne to drink?” Rodney finally asked.

  We sat around, the people not talking much while DesMoines came in with more food.

  “Aren’t we a cheerful group,” DesMoines noted. She looked to Walter. “I saw Celeste leave.”

  Walter nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Stop by the bar later, why don’t you,” DesMoines suggested. “I’ll buy you a drink.” She smiled at JayB and left the room.

  The food perked me up, but my people weren’t in a dog-feeding mood. Spartan either knew this or he didn’t. When it comes to treats, he waits for them to be handed to him. He’s not willing to work for it like I am.

  Rodney wiped his mouth, glanced at Maddy, and nodded. “Right, okay. This is now. Walter, since the business case didn’t work, I’m going to have to appeal straight to your sense of decency.”

  “This is going to make me cry,” Maddy declared fiercely. She pulled out a tissue and crushed it in her hand, glaring.

  “I know you have a heart, Walter, a good one,” Rodney lectured. “So here’s the deal: I don’t have a place to live.”

  “Well, except you’re moving in with me,” Maddy objected.

  “Maddy, let me tell it,” Rodney complained.

  “Well, sorry, but you make it sound like you’re living on the streets or something.”

  “With rats and firecrackers,” JayB agreed.

  “The point is, the people I was working for kicked me out.” Rodney shook his head in disgust. “They expected their kitchen to be done like magic or something. What I do is way more complex than anybody understands.”

  “Of course it is, honey,” Maddy soothed. “And don’t worry. I’ve supported a lot of men before in my life. After all, I am a waitress. Speaking of which, I think we all feel disappointed about this party so far. Clearly this restaurant isn’t going to run itself into the ground.”

  “Uh, Maddy, we’re not doing business talk anymore,” Rodney corrected her impatiently. “Now we’re trying to make him feel sympathy.”

  “Well, women can multitask,” Maddy informed him archly. “Sorry if I interrupted your monorail.”

  “I don’t know why Alana’s so late. She hasn’t responded to my texts,” JayB interjected.

  “Hey!” Rodney snapped. “We need to focus on what Walter’s doing to me, here, and you guys keep changing the subject.”

  Walter was gazing at the table as if there were something in front of him. He finally lifted his red eyes and narrowed them. “You know what, Rodney? You—and you, Maddy—can drink my booze and eat my food, but I’d appreciate it if you both kept your yaps shut about the restaurant. And everything else, for that matter.”

  Rodney sat back. “Well, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but if that’s the way you want to play it, okay. I’ll just leave here tonight and go sleep in a ditch somewhere.”

  “Nicer at my place, I’ll bet,” Maddy wagered.

  “What’s gotten into my father is, he just proposed marriage to a woman who said no and left to go to the airport,” JayB told the pair. “Perhaps we should give Walter a bit of a break here.”

  “Your dad,” Rodney sneered. “Like I can’t see nepotism when I see it.”

  Maddy nodded. “Exactly. I’m not sure what that is, but I can smell it, too.”

  We all turned when Odin came in the room, followed by Alana. She carried that bag in her hand, and yes, there was still a cat inside. She put the bag down on the table and held out her hands to me.

  I wagged my tail and licked her fingers.

  “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she apologized. “The closing took longer than it was supposed to.”

  “That’s okay. You missed all the excitement,” JayB informed her. “Dad applied a fresh coat of champagne to the wall. Maddy and Rodney filed an emergency appeal. Celeste left.”

  “Oh.” Alana looked at Walter. “Are you okay?”

  “I don’t know,” he responded in a small voice.

  Alana sat next to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I know that must’ve been very tough for you.”

  Walter looked down in his lap.

  “About Celeste,” Maddy interjected, “I don’t think she gets what she’s missing. There are plenty of women my age willing to date a rich, older man.” She was talking to Walter, but he did not react.

  “So, what time are you leaving?” JayB asked Alana.

  “I really appreciate this party and everything,” she said. “But I want to get on the road, put some Kansas miles under the tires.”

  “Well,” Rodney said dismissively, “good luck.”

  “I won’t text you back until you apologize,” Maddy threatened.

  “Pass those chicken nuggets,” Rodney added.

  “You mean … you’re leaving now?” JayB asked.

  Alana nodded solemnly. “I think so.”

  Alana was still looking at JayB, but now she turned to Walter, touching his shoulder again. “Goodbye, Walter. You’re a good man. Please believe that.”

  Walter still looked miserable, but he nodded.

  Alana stood. So did JayB. “Clancy and I will walk you to the car,” he offered stiffly.

  “Bye, all,” Alana said, a bit haltingly.

  JayB and I walked with Odin and Alana out the door.

  Alana forgot to leave the cat.

  We walked across the parking lot to the car that I recognized as belonging to Helen. The air of the night had turned a little cool, and Odin and I both lifted our noses to it. Mostly, I smelled cat.

  Alana opened the passenger door and put Rhiannon inside. Then she opened the rear door and JayB reached down and picked Odin up and placed him gently on the back seat. Then he turned to Alana.

  “I guess this is it,” he observed solemnly. “I really hate that you’re doing this drive alone, you know.”

  Alana nodded. “I’ll stay safe. And honestly, it’s alone time that I think I need right now. I want to make sure I’m making smart decisions.”

  JayB took a deep breath and let it out. “That’s what I want for you, too.”

  “Okay, then.”

  They embraced. I did not wag. Though I sensed the love between my humans, an inner frustration was blocking it from coming out into the open.

  Alana walked around and slipped in behind the wheel, and JayB leaned into the back seat. He put his face to Odin’s. “Odin, you are a good dog. A good, good dog. I’m going to miss you so much. Take care of Alana.”

  Alana, watching, wiped her eyes.

  JayB looked back at me. “Clancy? Say goodbye to Odin.”

  I could tell by JayB’s tone and motions that I was supposed to go and sniff Odin, and that it would be the last time I ever did so. I put my front paws in the car and Odin and I touched noses. We both knew what was happening. We gazed into one another’s eyes, each smelling the sadness in the other.

  I dropped back down on all fours and JayB stepped forward again, leaning over my dog friend. “And, Odin, I know you’ll be leaving us soon. That’s okay. That’s what dogs do. But you’ve brought us so much joy by being in our lives. We will never forget you. Okay, Odin? Good dog.” JayB pressed his lips tenderly to Odin’s head.

  Odin gave a single tail thump, but otherwise didn’t react.

  “I’m never going to see you again, buddy,” JayB murmured. “Goodbye.”

  Dear Diary:

  Goodbye is what people say when some of them are leaving and some of them are staying. Whenever JayB and I leave the house together and I see Kelsey in the window, I think, Goodbye, Kelsey. I don’t want you here when we get back.

  When dogs do Goodbye, we never know if we will see the other dog again. Humans always seem to know, though, and it can be heard in their voices. There is a big difference between when they say “Goodbye” while knowing there’ll be another “Hello” tomorrow, versus the “Goodbye” that means we won’t be saying “Hello” again soon.

  Or ever.

  Love,

  Clancy

  Thirty-six

  When my person stood and closed the door, Odin’s smell diminished and I felt a lonely sadness settle over me. We were doing Goodbye.

  JayB approached Alana’s open window. “Please let me know how it’s going. I want to know you’re safe.”

  Alana nodded, swallowing, her eyes shining.

  “Like, text me every thirty seconds.”

  Alana laughed, but there was so much sadness in the sound, my ears drooped and I lowered my head, as if being scolded.

  “Goodbye, Alana.”

  “Goodbye, JayB.”

  We watched as the car pulled away. It honked once, a forlorn little wail as it left the parking lot. JayB didn’t react.

  We turned and trudged back into the big building and found our way to where Walter was sitting alone. The smell of Spartan lingered, but Maddy and Rodney and Spartan had left.

  “Hey, Dad. How are you holding up?”

  Walter gave him a surly look. “How are you holding up?”

  JayB sat down. “Not so good, to tell the truth.” They sat in heavy silence for a long time. “Sort of parallel circumstances for the two of us, don’t you think?”

  Walter stared at him for a moment, then vehemently shook his head. “Not the same at all. Celeste is leaving me for her ‘comfortable life.’ For her flower club. Alana’s leaving you for nothing.”

  “Gee, thanks, Dad.”

  “I mean it. Celeste just told me what she wants.” Walter’s face twisted and he made his voice mocking. “Her house. Her garden. Her friends. And she also told me what she doesn’t want: me. Did Alana say that to you? Did she say anything to you?”

  “Something about not liking my shampoo.”

  Walter scowled. “You make a snide comment about everything, like nothing matters to you, you know that? Do you never feel any anger?”

  “It’s one of the eight simple rules, I’ve heard.”

  Walter sighed, shaking his head. Then he leaned forward. “Jago. Stop evading your feelings. Stop pretending like nothing matters to you!”

  I cringed because Walter was shouting.

  “It does matter,” JayB protested mildly. “The truth is, I don’t know why she’s leaving. She says she always makes the same mistake every time, getting together with someone immediately after some guy dumps her. ‘On the bounce.’ She said she has to change her pattern.”

  “Can you see how stupid that is? You didn’t try to argue?” Walter made his tone urgent. “The worst mistake I ever made was letting Celeste walk out on me. Not this time, the first time. I have forever regretted that I didn’t go after her. I was hurt, and I let my hurt make my decision for me. I think this is one of those moments that is a pivot point in life, and I think you should go after the person you love. Don’t be like me. Stand up for yourself.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “I’m saying you should get in your car and go after her. You can’t let her just leave. What’s wrong with you? Have you got no spine at all?”

  JayB sat silently for a moment, then exploded to his feet. “You’re right.” He snapped his fingers at me and we hurried for the door.

  “JayB!” Walter called.

  My person stopped and turned.

  “Take the Ferrari. It’s faster.” Walter flipped his wrist and JayB caught something. Then we were out in the parking lot and hopping into Walter’s car. I was panting with agitation because I didn’t know what we were doing, but it sure seemed like it was going to be exciting. We drove in a way that was unusual for JayB: every time we stopped, I was thrown a little forward, and every time we sped up again, I was thrown a little back.