Silently she stood up and threw the half-empty bottle down and rummaged through the medicine cabinet tossing things on the floor. “Blood pressure medicine. That’ll do the trick. Not.”
“Mom.” I stepped out of the way of the onslaught until I hit the wall. Her anger and sadness a heavy blanket over the room until I could barely breathe. She turned a smile on me that was everything, but happy.
“You’d think two people in there 60s would have more medicine in their cabinet than just blood pressure pills and icy hot. What am I supposed to do now? He’s up there scared and alone, in a new place, and he doesn’t know that I love and miss him. That I’m even trying to get to him.”
“You have had a lifetime with him”—-I grabbed both her hands and glimpsed something like hurt in her eyes—- “you can’t really believe that he didn’t know you loved him and would miss him terribly if he left. And heaven is not a place to be fearful of, and as sure as I am standing in front of you now I am sure that he is there.”
“But I’m not,” she said, settling back down on top of the toilet as if every bone in her body ached. “How can he truly be happy when I’m not with him. How can I? Why couldn’t we have—-”
“Died together.” A look of maligned sadness crept over her features, a look of devastation. “The best thing for you to do for yourself and your children waiting downstairs for you. Is to think of Eli, dad, as sleep, and he wants you to stay up so that you can finish everything that you need to get finished, and when you’re done and God will know when you are done. You can join him in bed, sleep.”
She huffed. “The great eternal sleep.”
I swayed my head. “Yes, you could say that. I’m afraid that God needs you here a while longer. After all whose going to keep Mailer from losing his mind. If not you.”
“I heard him mention something about sky diving yesterday. He won’t be buried next to his father if I have anything to say about it,” she said, shaking her fist as she got up and hurried downstairs. “At least not yet.”
I laughed to myself, looking down at Naomi to make sure that I didn’t wake her. What a self-fulfilling prophecy that was. Kohen was sick then, but we wouldn’t know about it for another three years. At least we all got another ten beautiful years with them.
Looks like Naomi and I had more in common than even she wanted to admit. We both had married our soul mates and lost them. We would never get married again or fall in love. Why would we when we had already met the one whom our soul loves. I’ll never get a second chance at that.
“Attention passengers we will be arriving in Columbus, Ohio in ten minutes and it is 12:04 in the afternoon on July 20, 2019. Please enjoy your stay.”
The fasten your seat belt sign flashed on. As the flight attendants walked the aisle making sure no one needed anything. I shook Naomi awake. “Mom, we’re almost home.”
6
Boaz
I had just finished picking up my mother when we approached the crowd forming outside my new business venture, Bark Village Dog Walking. I waved at everyone, “Thank you all for coming its been a long six months.” Looking back at my storefront surprised to see the huge red bow out in front. Which could only mean one thing?
My mother confirmed my suspicions a few moments later. “You know I could have driven myself,” she said straightaway, a huge grin on her face. “But councilman Brinkley, a huge animal lover, and client of yours thought you could use a nice surprise. So it was my job to lure you away for a little while.”
Pretending as if I was mock angry, I shook the man’s hand. I had a cordial relationship with him. His salt and pepper hair and short stature made his experience was underestimated by his opponent as he generally came off as trustworthy. From what I could tell he worked five days a week and even made it a point to listen to his constituents. He’d been on the German Village Council for at least fifteen years now. He had earned his spot as a pillar of this community. “Thank you for this and thank Ari, your golden retriever.”
“It was my duty.” Brinkley’s eyes shone with friendliness. “After all you are creating jobs for teenagers and adults who need extra cash.”
“That is the plan.”
We took a few promotional photos that I knew would end up in the newspaper as an example of Brinkley’s outreach in the community. None of which I mind, as long as it gave my business more publicity and my service would get into the hands of more people who need it. He handed me these huge scissors to cut the ribbon off on my new place. My only regret was that I wasn’t able to purchase a place right next to my veterinary hospital. And in hindsight that wasn’t much of a regret at all.
I cut the bow in one big flourish, standing in front of my place with my hands up in the air. “Welcome to Bark Village Dog Walking.”
“Yay, son,” my mother clapped smiling. Almost drowned out by the howling of the dogs in attendance.
The door opened behind me, revealing Jenni Kaplan. She was one of the first employee’s I hired and had been the first to volunteer to coordinate the grand opening. Felicity and my mom had put together small gift bags the night before, for my pet owners that now sat atop high top cocktail tables in little bags shaped like a dog bone. With dog bowls situated at the base of each table with treats for my four-legged customers. I spotted the councilman as he went table to table greeting his constituents.
Surprised that he wasn’t handing out reelection brochures.
I forced the negativity from my thoughts and made sure that I acknowledged everyone who came in. Jenni rushed off to distribute the homemade cookies that Mrs. McCarthy donated to the opening. She was unable to make it to the opening for obvious reasons, but I made sure Jenni knew to stop by her house so that she would be the first pick up. Having such great support like Mrs. McCarthy what more could I ask for?
“I can’t tell you all how much you’re being here means to me.” My smile widened. “I know some of you have already signed up for the service, but those still on the fence I’m going to be walking around answering questions. Most of which were probably answered already in that pretty little flyer in the middle of everyone’s table.”
My new receptionist rushed over with a copy in her hand and handed it to me. She could be a tad bit of an overachiever. But the way I saw it she couldn’t have been working at a better place. “Oh thank you.” I pointed to her. “Miss. Gordon everyone, the voice behind the phones.”
The crowd clapped and she waved her hand. Her smile highlighting two cute dimples.
“She’s also responsible for creating this colorful informational leaflet,” I began. “We included the price and there are three packages available taking into account how often you want the service and for how long. We do take all dogs no matter the breed.” I looked around and noticed that I had the attention of everyone involved.
“But we don’t want to bore you to death with the details. There will be plenty of time for that later. Right now feel free to mingle here and enjoy some of the snacks. Then whenever you’re ready, take your dog around to the different stations and get to know our new facility.”
I lifted a brow and smiled at how seamlessly my mother made that transition. Gesturing to Miss Gordon to resume what she was doing as well. It was easy for me to sometimes fall back into doctor mode or business mode, but none of it mattered more than just being present and relating to people. I walked over to my mom and pulled her to the side. “Thank you for that. My savior as always.”
“What did I do that any prospective wife couldn’t have?” she whispered, linking her arms with mine. Uttering the words, “thank you for coming,” to a few customers that walked past. “Are you ready to consider letting your mother set you up with someone? A couple very nice someones. You deserve to settle down with someone with your same sense of drive and kindheartedness. And despite what you may think that person is out there and you’re only getting older. Tracy would want you to move on, Boaz.”
“Unfortunately, I know all the women that you’r
e talking about,” I stopped by the reception desk and turned to face her. Rubbing the back of my neck as another tension headache set in. “I went to school with most of them. Most of them were at my wedding with Tracy. There married themselves, and happily so, and the ones that aren’t. There my sister’s, friends, but not love interests.”
“How are you expected to find someone with that attitude? You don’t have to turn into an old senior like you’re mom.”
“I’m already old. You have a 40-year-old son, and considering that I’d rather die than be the guy in the room with a 20 something on his arm. A walking billboard for a midlife crisis. I’m going to pass.” Irritation narrowed my eyes, but I reached out and took her hand. “But I will honor your wishes and agree to go on one date. Just one. Do I get lonely sometimes, yeah, but when God wants me to find love again he will remove all obstacles.”
She nodded. “That’s great to finally hear, and don’t look so pessimistic who knows the girl I set you up with might be the one.” She cleared her throat. “Now I’m going to go mingle with our clients and try to get you some more sign-ups.”
“I do appreciate you.”
“I know,” she called back over her shoulder.
A client of mine approached me and extended his hand. “Hi, Richler with the Dachshund. I brought him in one day to get him chipped.”
I shook his offered hand. “I do remember and its one of those procedures that I recommend all my clients to get to cut back on the number of runaway strays.”
Mr. Richler nodded. “So I was just curious as to how many dog walkers you have employed?”
“Sure. Three right now. Although I am looking to hire more as well as a manager.” Two of which Jenni had recommended and they were working out great. This place was just in bad need of a manager. Right now Jerry was traveling between both locations. I regretted that I wasn’t able to be here as often as I could, but I now had Felicity scheduling time for me away from my appointments. So that I don’t neglect my responsibilities here.
“While I don’t think I could help you with the dog walkers position, I am looking for something managerial.”
“Well, obviously you like dogs. I guess the only other thing to discuss would be your managerial experience. Veterinary experience is my preference, but it’s not a requirement.” I leaned over the counter and picked up one of my business cards. Before handing it to him. “I could probably set up a meeting as early as tomorrow. Just give the number on the card a call and my receptionist, Felicity, will already know to be expecting you.”
He smiled. “Sure, I’ll get right on that.”
Of course, I really wasn’t looking for a manager for the dog walking business. Jerry had put in many years with me and I thought it was about time the man had a promotion of sorts. I’d certainly enjoyed the man’s company, but he deserved a cushier, easier job. I didn’t tell him this, but I had hoped to find someone that could help me in the Veterinary hospital so that Jerry could manage the dog walking business.
For a moment I thought about going around to everyone mining the stations and seeing if there was anything they needed. But before I could even get to Giovanni Wilkerson, who was doing a small workshop on teaching your dog to sit.
Loud barking and screaming could be heard coming from the indoor dog park, that was made entirely of glass to give the dogs a chance to look out even in the winter time. Four chairs lined the South wall for owners to sit and five dog homes rested against the North windows for dogs who may have needed a time out from the excitement. I rushed into the room to see two dogs going at it. There owners beside themselves as they tried to yank the dogs away from each other by the collar.
I frowned. This was not how I wanted my opening day to go. Pet owners had to be able to trust me enough to keep there dogs safe, even from each other. “Okay, everyone remain calm. Don’t pull on there collars it’s only making things worse.” Gesturing to the owner that was practically straddling his Rhodesian Ridgeback. “Theresa safety mode 1, please.”
She understood immediately reaching behind her on the table for two clean metal dog bowls. Banging them together and yelling, “Hey, stop that right now.” It seemed to disorient them enough but didn’t immediately stop the fight.
I moved to get behind the Ridgeback and picked up his hind legs. “Grab your dog’s hind legs and on three pull them apart. 1, 2, 3.” Theresa was upon me in seconds hooking the dog’s leash back around his neck and pulling him out the door, his owner in tow. The room erupted into applause, I waved my hand and said, “Please go back to enjoying yourselves.”
I walked over to the Boston Terrier and began to check her out. A few scratched that didn’t appear to be too deep lined her neck and a few on her belly. I petted the dog in amused wonder. “Doesn’t seem like she’s really hurt just some minor scratches.”
“That dog is obviously unruly and poorly trained. Pokey is a lovable dog and would never attack another.” Leaning down next to Pokey as it licked her face.
“I’m going to instruct Miss. Gordon to give you a coupon for half off, all medical services if you chose to take him to Bark Veterinary Hospital, and you can use it whenever. There’s someone there now if you’d like to take him in.”
She gave me a lopsided smile and nodded. Running a hand through her pink colored hair. For the first time since I approached her, I realized that her dog’s leash matched the polka dots on her skirt.
I got up and went to see about the other dog. Every client is important to me and it mustn’t seem like I was playing favorites because of the breed. My business would certainly be over before it even officially got off the ground.
I approached the gentleman standing by the reception desk talking to Miss. Gordon, my disposition as cheerful as I could manage. “How is Jacobi doing?” The man’s name escaping me as I bent down to check out his dog.
“I already checked him out. He seems to have a deep gash just behind his neck,” he said, his voice dropping to a low tone that I assumed was because he didn’t want the other pet owners to hear him. But they had already returned their attention to there workstations.
“Miss. Gordon here can give you a coupon for half off medical services if you choose to get him checked out at Bark Veterinary Hospital.”
“Half off,” he huffed, “what about the rest of the payment?”
I stood up and addressed him head-on. “Well I’m not a lawyer, but I imagine the rest will be worked out in court. If you two can’t come to some sort of consensus on your own.”
His tongue ran across his lips and he looked annoyed. “No this is your event. You had a responsibility to keep every dog here safe. The only thing you should be approaching me with is free—-”
I lifted an interrupting hand. “I don’t think it would be particularly fair to get involved in passing judgment on who was right or wrong in this instance. Especially since I wasn’t even there for the start of it. I can say for certain that my employees and myself don’t promote dog fights so whatever transpired was outside of our realm of control. But we’re willing to mediate the situation by giving you both half off.”
He seemed to be making an effort to control his temper, but against what, me. “I wouldn’t dare trust you with Jacobi and you and that eccentric witch will be hearing from me again.”
Miss. Gordon looked at me solemnly rubbing my arm reassuringly. We had insurance just in case either owner decided that this incident was our fault. Unfortunately, I can’t be sure what if any damage this incident had irreparably done to my companies reputation? I looked around at all the eyes that turned on me as a disgruntled pet owner stomped away. I cleared my throat nervously.
7
Ruthie
My jet-lag threatened to send me to the hospital. Counting the layover, getting on and then off and then on again, and my restless tearful attempt at sleep last night; I was practically sleepwalking and was threatening to walk myself right into traffic. Surprisingly Naomi was quite the trooper, it probably helps
that she was able to sleep on the plane.
The bed and breakfast, a semi-detached home, reminded me of the expensive dollhouse I had begged my mother to buy me when I was a child. Although much larger than Naomi’s cape cod style home, the garden area was smaller resting on only ½ an acre. But beautifully maintained and I would think I’d like to sit out there with a cup of tea under the pergola.
Once our cab had left, I settled in the living room of the bed and breakfast next to Naomi on a couch straight out of my grannies floral garden. Leaving me to wonder if bed and breakfast’s had bellhops because I didn’t know how this luggage was going to get up the stairs. It was weird that no one was there to greet us when we arrived. I couldn’t just go up to a room without a key anyway. Naomi kept recommending that we stop somewhere for coffee, but caffeine never did give me the buzz I needed. No, I needed sleep, I just hated that I was going to be a killjoy today for Naomi who was probably excited to see her relatives.
Suddenly a woman came down the lengthy hallway carrying a tray, all smiles. As she got closer I realized that she was carrying three cups of coffee and some sort of snack cake. “Hi, best friend. I saw your cab pull into the parking lot. I’m happy you made it safe. There was no way I was going to greet one of my oldest friends without sustenance.” She placed the tray down on the table and leaned over to give Naomi the hug of her life. “Please, eat is this your daughter-in-law?” She leaned across Naomi, not bothering to let her get a word out edgewise. “It is so nice to meet you. Were you the one that I talked to over the phone?”
I took her offered and hand before reaching for the saucer of pound cake. “No, that was my sister-in-law and at the last minute we found out she couldn’t make it.”
“Well, that’s all you had to say.” She rushed behind the desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “I normally don’t refund cancellations the day of, but for a friend anything.”
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