Andrew stood at the zebra crossing, watching Fred stop on the other side. A heavy sigh escaped him. He knew the moment had finally arrived a serious talk with his old mate, but he had no clue how to begin. What the hell am I supposed to say? Sorry, Fred, I cant give you the dog because I need it myself. And what will he think? Maybe hell laugh it off, a terrible joke. Or worse, hell think Ive lost my mind.
Andrew glanced at the shaggy terrier snuggled beside him and whispered, almost inaudibly, Can you play along? Pretend you dont want to head home, yeah? The dog lifted his bewildered eyes at Andrew, as if to say, Why would I not want to go home? Ive been waiting three days for this! Within a heartbeat his tail was wagging wildly.
Hey, Andy! Fred called out, dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms around the dogs neck. Ive missed you, you mangy mutt. Im never giving you away again.
Andrew frowned; things were looking worse than hed imagined. After such a promise, Fred was unlikely to cooperate.
Tell me, Fred, you not planning any trips soon? Andrew asked from a short distance.
I just got back, Fred smiled. Why would I go anywhere?
Andrew tightened his grip on the leash attached to Bennys collar. You never know maybe a relatives birthday is coming up.
Thank heavens, no. We spent a fortune on a present for my motherinlaws jubilee were practically broke. Those birthdays can ruin you. Whats up with you? Need something?
Yes, I need Listen, Fred, I could really use your dog. Just for a few days, at most a week.
What? Fred snapped.
Just for a short stint. Help me out. Andrew stared at his friend with such pleading eyes that Fred was momentarily speechless. When he finally recovered, he asked, Andy, are you alright? You look pale. Why do you want my dog? You always said you hated dogs.
Right, I did, but Ive changed my mind.
No kidding. Spill it, man. Are you planning a heist? Want the dog for a bank robbery?
Forget the bank, Andrew waved his hand. Its far more complicated than you think.
So Andrew had no choice but to lay everything bare. Fred listened, smiling, as Andrew continued.
So, can you lend me Benny? I need him, I swear my whole future hinges on it.
The story began earlier, when Fred first came to Andrew with a desperate request.
Andy, my motherinlaws jubilee is coming up. Sophie and I need to be away for about a week. We cant take Benny the place wont allow pets, and shes terrified of him, saying he looks like a bear. Hes just a dog, though. Could you look after him? Hes wellbehaved, no trouble.
Fred, I get it, the motherinlaw is sacred, but leaving a dog with me? Ive never been good with them. Theyre not for me.
Benny will digest you if he has to, Fred laughed. Just kidding. Ive got nowhere else to turn. Please, help.
Andrew didnt want the responsibility of another persons dog, but could he refuse a friend?
Alright, Fred. Ill watch Benny first and last time, agreed?
Agreed. Thanks.
Benny proved calm at home. But when Andrew took him for a walk in HydePark, confident the terrier would stay close, he let go of the leash. Benny bolted and vanished.
Andrew combed the entire park, peering into every shrub, but Benny was nowhere.
Great, just great! Andrew cursed. How could I lose a dog on the very first day?
Freds phone rang at that moment. Andrew answered, irritated.
Hey, Andy, hows the walk going?
Fine, Fred. Were out for some fresh air.
Good. Just make sure you dont let Benny off the leash he loves to run.
Will do, Andrew muttered, scanning the grass for any sign of the missing terrier.
Suddenly, a runner darted past him. In that instant, Benny faded into the background. The runner was strikingly beautiful a vision that stopped Andrews breath.
She paused, spotting the leash in his hand, and with a warm smile asked, Excuse me, have you lost a large blackandwhite dog with reddish patches?
No Andrew stammered, then, after a beat, nodded, Yes, thats my uh, my friends dog. Its run off and Im looking for it. Have you seen it?
Yes, I saw it near the benches, chasing sparrows. I can show you where.
Andrew could barely keep his eyes off her. Just minutes earlier he hadnt even considered romance; his bachelor life suited him fine. Now, however, he felt a sudden longing for something more.
Whats the matter, young man? the gorgeous stranger asked, noticing he was rooted to the spot. Come on, follow me. I dont have much time.
Andrew nodded, heart pounding, and took off after her. As he sprinted, he realized he would run anywhere for this woman even to the North Pole. Yet his legs soon burned, his breath grew shallow, and he collapsed on the path, gasping.
She knelt beside him, concern flickering in her voice. Are you okay?
Yeah, just not used to this, Andrew forced a smile.
Do you smoke?
Trying to quit.
Thats good. When you finally quit, take up morning runs. Theyre brilliant for health. Speed can be useful in life.
Like running from the police after a bank robbery? Andrew chuckled.
No, but if you could run fast, your dog wouldnt get away. Youd catch him in two steps.
My dog isnt mine. Im just looking after it for a friend.
Did you agree to that? How noble.
Andrew wanted to argue, but the spark in her eyes made him nod. Since Ive loved dogs since childhood, I guess I do.
She laughed, then asked, Then why dont you have one of your own?
He was taken aback, unable to answer. As if on cue, Benny trotted back, a stick clenched in his jaws.
Andrew grabbed the leash, and while she examined the dog, he suggested, Would you like to go for a walk? He didnt expect much, but she agreed. She seemed genuinely charmed by both him and the terrier.
Andrew never scolded Benny for running off; without that incident hed never met Emily.
The next day, Andrew and Benny returned to the park, and Emily was there again, running beside the dog. He watched her from a distance, then joined her on a bench.
What do you do? Emily asked, tossing a ball for Benny.
I run a small repair workshop computers and phones.
Nice! My mum and I run a family bakery. She smiled, vague about the specifics. He didnt press; he was more interested in her.
A week later, Andrew invited Emily on a date. He stopped by the market to buy flowers, but Benny, tugging the leash, dragged him toward a different stall.
Stop! Where are you taking me, you naughty dog? Andrew shouted, but when he finally reached the flower stand, his breath caught. Behind the counter stood Emily, flanked by her mother, Lydia.
Hello, Andrew stammered.
So this is the meeting, Emily giggled. How did you find me?
I wasnt really looking I just needed flowers for a girl. He blushed.
Lydia, is this the lad you were telling me about? she asked, eyes twinkling.
Yes, thats him.
Come closer, young man. Show us the dog. She patted Benny, who wagged proudly.
Thus, thanks to Benny, Andrew not only met Emily but also her mother, a warm, lively woman who reminded him of a future motherinlaw.
Will we see each other tomorrow? Emily asked as he walked her home.
Absolutely. And dont forget Benny.
Benny? Hell be back with his owner tomorrow. Andrew hesitated.
Really? Im sad I always wanted a big dog but was scared. Weve only ever had cats theyre easier. She sighed.
Andrew saw the disappointment in her eyes and felt a pang of dread. If he gave Benny back, his budding romance might end.
I dont want to lose her, he whispered, staring at the terrier. What should I do?
In the end, he asked Fred to hold onto Benny a little longer, buying himself time to sort his life out. Fred was surprised but thought it over, clapped Andrew on the shoulder and said, Go on, enjoy your love life. I cant give you Benny back just yet.
The following day, Andrew returned to the park with Benny. Emily beamed, then asked, Arent you supposed to return the dog to its owner? Did you steal it?
Steal? No, his owner couldnt make it, so Bennys staying with me for now.
When the week ended, Andrew was a bundle of nerves, fearing Emily would be upset again. Yet Benny, ever the hero, brought a surprise a stray puppy, scruffy but cute, trotting over.
Oh, what a cutie! Emily cooed. Did Benny find a replacement?
Seems so. Andrew replied thoughtfully.
Shall we keep it?
Of course.
Benny went back to Fred, while Andrew and Emily adopted the little pup, naming him Charlie. Andrew took full responsibility for the new dog, moving the pup into his modest flat. A few months later, Emily moved in, and they eventually married, inviting Fred and his wife along with a nowwellbehaved Benny to the reception.
And that, dear viewer, is how a lost terrier sparked a love story in the heart of London.
