Adopting Jenny Read Online Free

would now be known as Mr. Ice Cream. He cocked his scruffy little head and gazed up at me with runny, soulful eyes.
    â€œWell, I don’t care what we call him,” I said. “I like him.”
    The moment the words left my mouth I wished that I could stuff them back in. Mom gave me a pitying stare . I shook my head at her. I just didn’t want to hear her say the words: “Dad won’t let us have another dog.”
    â€œCan I take him for a walk?” I asked , hoping to deter Mom from having the same old conversation with me.
    When Mom simply nodded, I grabbed the leash that the rescue people had left on the table . With a quick click I snapped the leash onto Mr. Ice Cream’s collar and bolted for the door. The little dog trotted after me, his little nails cl ick-clicking on the tile floor.
    The cool fall air shook me out of my negativity. Sure I felt like it was unfair that Dad wouldn’t let us have another dog even though Mom had started this whole fostering thing. I didn’t like the cats as much as the dogs. And this dog was so sweet and small. He could totally sleep at the end of my bed and not even make a dent on the comforter.
    â€œWhat do you think, Mr. Ice Cream?” I cooed. “Would you like to sleep on my bed? You’re a good dog, aren’t you Mr. Ice Cream? I’m sorry Kaye gave you such a stupid name, but you’re still a cute dog.”
    Mr. Ice Cream responded to my questions by peeing on a nearby tree. We walked to the end of the block. Then he saw a bird. Within seconds , Mr. Ice Cream bark ed a yippy, high - pitched bark and pulled on the leash as he tried to chase the bird. I sighed as I held onto the leash and waited for him to stop.
    The bird flew away and the dog lost interest. We headed for home as a brisk wind started to blow. I could picture how cozy it would be to have the dog curled up at my feet tonight. When we entered the house, the first thing I saw was Dad sitting at the kitchen table taking off his work boots. Mr. Ice Cream saw him too and started to growl. I was so surprised by the sound that I laughed. The growl sounded like a little motor revving up.
    Dad looked up from unlacing his boot. I could tell from the expression on his face that he was less than pleased to meet Mr. Ice Cream. And when he turned his gaze on me, I knew he was less than less than pleased with my reaction. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to defend myself, but I knew that wouldn’t go over well with Dad , so I kept my mouth shut, gave the dog an affectionate scratch behind the ears, and let him off the leash.
    â€œJoanie.”
    â€œYes, Dad?” I didn’t turn around, but I made sure to look busy so as not to be disrespectful. That leash took a long time to hang up.
    Dad let his boot fall with a heavy thump to the floor. I didn’t turn around then either. Instead , I started fixing the other leashes that hung on the wall. Anything to avoid looking at Dad. I had a tight, tense feeling in my stomach. Like something wasn’t going to be good when I did .
    â€œJoanie,” Dad said in his most serious tone.
    â€œYes?”
    Dad kept the same level expression on his face the entire time. “Mom told me that you like this dog.”
    â€œWe all do,” I said with a shrug. I dropped my gaze to my feet so Dad wouldn’t see the tears gathering in my eyes.
    Dad sighed. “Joanie girl, we can’t have another dog. It’s too expensive.”
    â€œBut Mr. Ice Cream is so sweet, and he’s so little. He probably doesn’t eat much,” I said in a burst of frustration.
    â€œMr. Ice Cream?” Dad asked. There was a smile lurking behind his eyes. I could see it. Maybe that dumb name would soften him up.
    â€œSee? He’s so funny too. I think Duke and Pepper will love him. And he’s smaller than Sugar. How can you argue that, Dad?” The ghost of a smile fled and a hard - edged frown replaced it on