I glanced at the dog. “Ready, Max?” “Is Max coming too?” “Does he like to hike?” “Yeah, he loves it.” “And do you want to bring him?” “Well, yeah.” “Then he’s coming.” I didn’t know why she was looking at me all starry-eyed, like I’d just done something surprising or whatever. We were going on a hiking date. Of course her dog could come. Besides, I kind of liked him.