“So, how was Orientation for you yesterday? You already know about my Monday.”
“It was fine. I just want to know who came up with the bright idea that PsyCouncil members should be the ones doing Orientation? Or lead the Welcome New Residents thing on Sunday. Do you think the old Council was just waiting to dump this in our lap? Our transition meeting was a month ago, the day after their last council meeting. It wasn’t until then that they told us about what’s expected of us for the new residents, right? Like, I didn’t miss them warning us about it on Election night?
“Nope, I don’t remember receiving any advance notice about what the councilmembers were expected to undertake with the new residents. Hey, since you’re at the ABQ-AC meeting next month, maybe you can discreetly find out when the PsyCouncil volunteered or was asked to handle the new resident stuff. Should be interesting.”
Maybe it was something ABQ mentioned at one point, but our council dropped the ball. Or ABQ assumed we would handle it and waited until the last minute to confirm our participation. However, I have my suspicions about the matter. I think Tracy Fischer had something to do with it. Perhaps, representing our council, she agreed to undertake processing the new residents but when she wasn’t elected, she vindictively assigned this to the new council with barely a month’s notice. Interesting indeed.
“Gray, it’s been several weeks since we last met for dinner. I know that we have a bunch to talk about between my return trip to Pennsylvania and the stuff we’re doing this week. However, before we get into all that, I need to bring something up. Girl, were you trying to set me up with Tiko last month? If you were, no need. I am a fine-ass woman of means and any man would be lucky if I were interested. I don’t need friends trying to set me up. Especially with Tiko, a friend that I’ve known as long as I’ve known you.”
Okay, I deserve this. I was trying to set Tiko and Wendy up. But I feel even guiltier for the reason. Wendy might think I’m acting with her best interest in mind. However, it’s more I am trying to find a wonderful girlfriend for Tiko rather than a fantastic boyfriend for Wendy. Whatever my intentions, I’ll stop. I am obviously no Cupid and my clumsy attempts must have made them uncomfortable.
“I hear you, Wendy, and I understand. I will not try to set you or Tiko up with any possible romantic partners. Let’s say no more on the subject.”
“Good, glad that’s cleared up. Now, about Pennsylvania. Did you know that Weather Guides can channel sunlight? Have I got some stories for you…”
CHAPTER TEN
Thursday morning arrived too early. Wendy and I were at the restaurant almost two hours last night, chatting and laughing the night away. We left a big tip as apology for taking up a table for so long, but it was worth it to catch up. It was also Shotzie’s second night sleeping at the house and I was woken up a few times to comfort her. Tuesday night, she was fine. I guess it was too good to last.
The sunroom is their space, where their food, water, and beds are located, along with a few chew toys. I have couple of small gliding rockers and a table in one corner where I occasionally sit, drink lemonade, and watch sunrise or sunset. But otherwise it’s their room with doggie doors at both access points, either outside to the dog run or internally to the rest of the house. During the day while we’re at home, the outside doggie door will be available for their use, but the internal doggie door will be locked so they stay in the sunroom. At night, the outside doggie door is locked down, but they can come inside the house if they want.
Normally I don’t leave my bedroom door open when I sleep, I don’t like the feeling of space an open door creates. But, at least this first week, I want to hear them in case anything happens overnight. The open door allowed Echo to come and get me every time he felt I should go soothe Shotzie. I may not be a fauna PsySapient, but I can take a hint. This led to a less than stellar night’s sleep, but what are you going to do?
Nevertheless, we make it to work at the normal time. I used the battery on my electric bicycle for a few miles because I’m dragging ass, but that’s our secret. Unfortunately, with volunteering two Sundays in a row, I have ten more days before I can sleep in. Let this be a lesson to not accept too many projects at once. No consultations today, just working on projects in between meetings about projects. Sounds about right. First up is a recap of how the first week of Psycept Police retraining went to include everyone involved.
“Gray, you’re looking very tired. Wendy was exhausted this morning too; I was a good brother and let her sleep in. Tie one on last night?”
“Hilarious, Sully. Nope, I experienced the new puppy, new house syndrome. So, forgive me if I lack my usual pep.”
“And how are we supposed to tell?”
“Keep it up, Chuckles, and your jokes are going meet my fists.” Sully and I banter back and forth as the remaining attendees trickle into the police conference. Finally, everyone’s in place
