Free Chasing Stanley by Deirdre Martin Page A

had a bag of kibble for every time she’d heard that, she’d never have to buy dog food again.
    â€œSo, it’s a go?” Jason pressed.
    â€œSure. Obviously I’ll need a key to your apartment, your game schedule, and a number where I can reach you in case of emergency.”
    â€œNo problem. Thanks so much.” Jason gave her leg an affectionate squeeze, and Delilah nearly rocketed to the ceiling. “I can’t thank you enough. Seriously.”
    Delilah just nodded. Her mind was still back at his touch.
    Jason cocked his head quizzically. “How much money—?”
    â€œWe’ll work that out.”
    Jason checked his watch. “Shoot, I have to run to practice.” He smiled at Delilah. “I’ll call you later, and we can iron out the details, okay?”
    â€œSounds good.”
    â€œCatch you later.” He headed toward the door.
    â€œHave you been practicing with Stanley?” Delilah called after him.
    Jason flashed a grin over his shoulder. “Of course. What do you think I am?”
    He pushed open the door and was gone.
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    â€œWhat a good boy you are!”
    Delilah was praising Stanley, but it was Jason who was feeling the pride. They’d just finished their latest training session, and Stanley had exceeded expectations. Not only had he behaved like a perfect gentleman on his leash all the way over to Central Park, but with the help of Delilah’s ever-present hot dog chunks, he’d also mastered a variety of new commands. Jason had always known Stanley was bright; it was gratifying to see Delilah thought so, too.
    â€œWant to sit down?” Jason asked. Delilah nodded, following him and Stanley to a nearby bench. Jason couldn’t believe how busy the park was, even on a weekday. There were couples strolling, bladers, cyclists, and joggers galore. People were stretched out on the grass reading; others practiced tai chi. Jason loved it; he could sit on the bench all day just people-watching and never get bored.
    â€œHi, Captain Wiggles.”
    Delilah’s voice rang out as she waved to an elderly woman in a blue cape walking a decrepit Dalmation. The woman squinted a moment before waving back at Delilah. Jason turned to Delilah.
    â€œShe named her dog Captain Wiggles ?”
    â€œOh, and Stanley’s a more dignified name?”
    Jason drew himself up indignantly. “Hey, don’t make fun of the name Stanley. It’s sacred!”
    Delilah looked amused as she pushed a stray lock of hair off her face. “Why’s that?”
    â€œHe’s named after the Stanley Cup, the greatest trophy in sports.”
    Delilah scratched behind Stanley’s ear. “No offense, but it’s a total schlemiel name.” She leaned over to kiss the dog’s head. “It’s okay, boy,” she said to him. “It’s not your fault.”
    â€œWhat the hell is a schlemiel ?”
    â€œA loser,” Delilah explained.
    Before Jason could counter, a dumpy middle-aged couple in matching maroon track suits strolled by, walking what looked to him like two bug-eyed rodents.
    â€œHi, Mercutio!” trilled Delilah. “Hi, Macbeth!”
    The couple stopped in front of the bench. “Hello,” they greeted Delilah warmly. “Where’s the three babies today?” the man asked.
    â€œHome. I’m actually winding up a private lesson right now.” Delilah patted Stanley’s head. “This is Stanley.”
    The woman recoiled. “He’s awfully big. And drooly,” she added, staring in disgust at Stan’s moist, sagging jowls.
    Jason scowled. Who the hell was she to be repulsed by Stanley when she had a belly the size of a Butterball turkey and was parading around in public with a rat on a leash? He opened his mouth to protest but then thought better of it, not wanting to embarrass Delilah in front of her “friends.” He settled for a quick glare as he