One Perfect Day
Page 20
She heard Gordon mutter something and leave the room.
“Hey, kid, you ready?”
The two of them clumped down the stairs and seconds later she heard the front door slam.
Messed up again. Left alone again. Self-pity brought the tears this time. But instead of pulling the covers back up over her head, Nora forced herself to her feet and into the shower. If she hurried, she could catch up with them. Gordon would start at Olson’s. That’s where he bought all their cars.
An hour later, she parked behind his SUV and strolled into the showroom. After greeting Carl Olson, their long-time friend and owner of Olson and Olson, she asked, “You know where my two are?”
“Test-driving the perfect car for Christi. A mini SUV—safe, dependable and good on the gas—and only twenty thou on it. She even liked the color, lime green.”
Nora made a face. “Lime green?”
“Hey, I just sell ’em, I don’t paint them.” He motioned to the door. “Here they come now.”
Nora watched as Gordon and Christi laughed about something as he held the door open for her. The sporty lime green SUV glinted under the lot lights.
“Cute car,” she said as they walked up to her.
“You like it?” Christi looked over her shoulder, her smile tentative.
“The question is, do you?”
“Uh-huh. It drives nice. Dad says it’s a good buy.”
“And you like lime green.” Nora kept a smile on her face and in her voice.
“I know. Like it was waiting here for me.”
“Well, let’s get the paperwork taken care of.” Carl ushered them into his office. “I went ahead and got it together, just in case.”
Nora motioned for Christi to take the chair next to her dad and she leaned against the wall, shaking her head when Carl offered to bring in another chair. Gordon had taken Charlie car shopping too. Even though she’d been against buying cars for their kids, he’d been adamant. He wanted his son in a safe car, not something that would break down and eat them up in repairs. She jerked her mind away from that train of thought and focused on Christi. For a change, the frown was gone and she smiled at something Gordon said. Even her shoulders were straighter.
“Well, you can pick the car up tomorrow afternoon.” Carl straightened the papers and paper-clipped the check in the upper left-hand corner. He leaned across the desk with a hand toward Christi. “Congratulations, and happy eighteenth birthday.”
She shook his hand and nodded. “Thank you.” She turned to her mother. “You want to see it?”
Nora nodded. If it took a car to be a peace offering, so be it. “And where are we going to supper?” If we can get along through an entire meal, it will be a miracle.
Chapter Twenty-six
Jenna
Jenna woke in the morning with the kiss still warm on her mouth. Brief as it had been, her lips felt seared. She could hear whistling in the kitchen, surely not Heather. Heather never whistled. When she put her ear to the monitor, nothing came through. But when she heard laughter, both female and male, she knew who was whistling.
She ignored the impulse to leap out of bed and, instead, closed her eyes for ease of remembering. She’d dated a guy for a while, and he’d kissed her once. That was what, at least five years ago. It had been like kissing a fish; not that she was into kissing fish—alive or dead—but she’d never gone out with him again. But last night… suffice it to say, it was not a brother-in-law–like peck on the cheek.
Her lips warmed at the thought. He either felt the same as she did, or he was a good actor, or had lots of practice kissing.
She used to have that. Letting her gaze roam to the picture on her chest of drawers, she silently asked the man with his arm around her if he minded. Arlen, it’s been so long. Is it time to let love come back into my life?
“Mom?”
“I’m awake.”
“Good, we want waffles.”
“And not out of the freezer.” Randy’s deep voice sent shivers up and down her arms.
“Sheesh, just because you two are up and going, can’t you let anyone else sleep?” While she tried to sound grumbly, it was hard with a smile stretching the skin on her face. She hit the bathroom for a fast prep, the closet for jeans and a cable-knit sweater in a grayish blue. She knew he liked it, he’d told her so. After pulling on fluffy socks, she slid her feet into loafers. Tucking her still-damp hair behind her ears, she headed for the kitchen. All the ingredients for waffles, including the waffle maker, were lined up on the counter.
Randy handed her a cup of coffee, the smile in his eyes making her toes curl. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“The pound opens at ten.” Heather turned from setting the silverware on the napkins on the table. “I heated up the syrup too.”
Jenna took an apron off the pantry hook; with the bib loop around her neck, she tied the strings in back. “I get the feeling you two might be hungry.”
“Starved.” Heather checked the microwave, which emitted bacon smells when she opened the door.
Jenna separated the egg yolks into one bowl and the whites into the small bowl of the mixer and set it on high speed. As she measured and stirred, she listened to the banter between Randy and Heather. Had her daughter’s now-growing quick wit been hidden by the effort needed to pump oxygen into feeble lungs and heart? And Heather being starved? After all these years of nearly forcing her to eat, of making high-protein shakes and snacks—anything to keep life in a frail body. Joy and rejoicings rose from her heart and tap-danced on the ceiling. She’d been cultivating gratitude for years, but now it gushed forth.
“What are you smiling at over your mixing bowls?” Randy leaned against the counter next to her.
“How can I keep from smiling?” She motioned to Heather dangling a catnip mouse in front of Elmer’s nose so he would bat at it. The cat rose on his haunches and grasped the mouse with both front feet, making Heather giggle.
“An amazing change for sure.”
Randy was the picture of male relaxation, arms crossed, ankles crossed, his coffee mug in his right hand, a smile creasing his handsome face and dancing in his eyes. When he shifted his gaze to her, she almost poured the bottle of oil into the bowl, instead of the cup she used to measure it. She set the bottle down instantly, chiding herself to pay attention.
“Have I mentioned that I want either a yellow Lab or a golden retriever—you know, for when we go to the pound?”
“Only about a gazillion times. Like every time I suggest a small dog. I think Yorkies are so cute.”
“So why can’t you have two dogs?” Randy drained his coffee mug and crossed to the maker for a refill.
“We’re not supposed to have even one in this apartment, but Mom got special permission. I think it’s because Mr. Dean wants me to get better and a dog might help. He says dogs are better for people than cats.”
“So, buy a house.”
“Randy, I can’t afford to just go out and buy a house.” She didn’t tell him how close to flat her finances had become.
“Houses are cheap here.”
“That all depends on your point of view.”
“I could help you.”
Shaking her head, Jenna finished folding the stiff egg whites into the waffle batter and poured the correct amount into the waffle maker. “No.”
“Don’t be so stiff-necked. That’s what money is for, to make people happy. And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather make happy than you two.”
“No.”
“Call it a loan.”
“No.”
“Hey, Uncle Randy, come here and play with Elmer while I get my camera.”
“The waffle is nearly ready,” Jenna warned.
“I’ll hurry.” Heather darted out of the room and returned almost immediately, camera on and ready. Randy dangled the toy and Elmer performed as if he’d been trained. Heather kept snapping, shifting angles and moving around for different shots.
“Nope.” He sat down and ogled the round waffle. “You could go into the breakfast business and make a mint on your waffles.”
“Thanks, but no thanks.” Jenna refilled the waffle maker and fetched the bottle of syrup from its hot-water bath.
By the time they’d finished eating, the clock had reached ten, and Heather hurried them out the door, promising to clean the kitchen later. She had the picture of a yellow Lab up for adoption, cut from the newspaper clutched in her hand.
But when they stood in the receiving area of the local pound, the woman behind the desk shook her head. “A family adopted her yesterday, sorry.”
“I should have called,” Heather moaned.
“We have plenty of other dogs.” She hadn’t needed to say anything, as the cacophony of barking hadn’t let up since they walked in the door. “Let me show you around.”
“This is going to be awful,” Jenna whispered to Randy as they followed the woman to a closed door. “I’ll want to take them all home.”
“You don’t just need a house, you need one with acreage. Has Heather mentioned to you she wants a horse?”
“Or two or three. She’s never had animals other than the cat, so she wants to make up for lost time.” They stepped into a concrete room lined with pens down both sides. Between the smell and the noise, the pitiful looks on the dogs begging to be adopted made her blink to fight back the tears.
Their guide told them the history of each of the dogs, or at least what they knew. “If the dog you choose has not been altered, you have to agree to have that done within a month.”
Jenna watched Heather squat down to pet a litter of half-grown puppies that looked to have some black Lab and who-knew-what-else in them.
“Aren’t they the cutest?” Two pink tongues were licking Heather’s fingers as they curved through the chain-link fencing.
“We agreed, no puppy. We’re looking for an adult dog.”
“I know, but…” Heather stood with a sigh.
“What’s the history on that one?” Jenna pointed to a gray-muzzled mix.
“The family brought him in because he got too old.” The tone of voice clearly indicated what the woman thought.
Oh, to be able to help a dog like that. “I’m afraid if I weren’t working full-time, I’d take that one and several others home with me.”
Heather reached the end of the cages and turned around. “How come I have my heart set on a yellow Lab or golden? Most of these would be good dogs.”
“Your choice.” Jenna glanced around to see a bedraggled floor mop, with four feet badly in need of a pedicure. “Oh, look.” She squatted down and wiggled her fingers through the wire. The little dog, chin whiskers dragging on the floor, tail low and barely wagging, inched his way to sniff her hand.
“Would you like me to bring him out?” the guide asked.
With a deep sigh, Jenna shook her head. “No, we want a dog for Heather.” She didn’t add the “now.”
“I have a Lab/golden cross that we have fostered out. She is two years, had a litter of pups and been spayed. If you’d like to go look at her—”
“Really?” Heather’s face lit up.
The guide led the way out. “I’ll get you the instructions as soon as I call to see if they are home. You do want to go out right now?”
“If we can.” Jenna glanced up to see Randy grinning at Heather’s excitement.
“I always wanted a dog, but Arlen was allergic and so is Jessica,” he said.
“Good, I’ll share. What is the dog’s name?”
The guide held up one finger as she spoke into the phone. In a moment, she grinned at Heather. “They are home and delighted to have you come. She said they’ve been foster failures before and just couldn’t do that again.”
“Foster failures?” Jenna answered her question before the woman could. “You mean they adopted a dog they’d fostered.”
“Put that as in ‘dogs’ and you got it right.” The woman wrote instructions on a pad and handed it to Heather. “If you decide to keep Goldie, you need to bring her in to be chipped and fill out the paperwork. Oh, and pay the fees.”
“Goldie? Chipped?”
“You can change her name. She learns quickly. And chipped means microchipped with your name and address in case she gets lost.”
Heather danced ahead of them out to Randy’s rental SUV. “I’m going to see my dog.”
“She might not be the right one,” Jenna cautioned.
“I know. Just think, we don’t even have a dog collar.”
“I’m sure we can find pet supplies somewhere in North Platte.” Randy shut the doors behind the others and climbed in. “Okay, Miss Navigator, tell me where to go.”
Jenna rolled her eyes at him and delighted in Heather’s laughter.
They drove out into the country and up a long driveway, greeted by three barking dogs.
“Oh, she’s beautiful.” Heather leaped from the car as soon as it stopped. “Hey, Goldie.” While the other two hung back, the golden dog sniffed her way forward, her rear wiggling in delight. She sat in front of Heather and sniffed the offered hand. The two stared at each other; then Heather knelt and the dog walked right into her arms, as if they were long-lost friends just reunited.
“I think we found the right dog.” Randy put an arm around Jenna’s shoulders and hugged her into his side.
A woman came out the front door, stuffing her arms into the sleeves of her jacket. “Ah, I see you found each other.” The other two dogs, one black and one brown shepherd mix, ran over to her, leaping and yipping until she said “enough” very softly. They both trotted by her side out to the visitors.
Jenna looked up at Randy, in awe at the display of training. She stepped forward. “I’m Jenna and this is my daughter, Heather. My brother-in-law, Randy.”
“Thank you for coming and saving me from myself. Goldie is such a special dog, I just wanted the right home for her.” She smiled at Heather. “I think she found it.”
“Can you tell us any more about her?”
“Other than she’s smart as a whip, has a heart big as all outdoors, and only the fact that I already have three dogs, did I not declare foster failure—again.” She motioned to the two sitting by her side. “The other is in the house, a dachshund mix who is really top dog here.”
“Can we take her now?” Heather asked.
“How fast can you load her in the car?”
“We don’t have a leash or collar or anything.”
“She has a collar, you can leave the leash off at the pound and I’ll pick it up. She eats Purina dry kibble I buy at the feed store. If you want to change to another brand, I’d suggest you mix the two for a while. She’s a good eater, we free-feed here, meaning an automatic feeder. She’s been wormed and I got her up to date on her shots. The vet gave her a clean bill of health. I’ve had her for more than a month. We wanted to get her built back up after weaning the puppies.”
“How many did she have?”
“Six, she lost two. Poor girl was kept outside, and while they didn’t abuse her, they didn’t take care of her either.” She stroked Goldie’s ears. “You have a fenced yard for her?”
“No, we live in an apartment, so she’ll be out on a leash.”
“But we’re going to be looking for a house,” Heather chimed in.
Jenna rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, this dog will get good care.” She extended her hand. “Thank you.”
The woman dug a nylon leash out of her pocket. “Here you go.” She patted Goldie again. “You be good, girl.”
They said their good-byes and climbed back in the SUV. Jenna glanced in the backseat to see Goldie sitting next to Heather on the seat. So much for dogs on the floor and other myths.
> Sometime later, after taking care of things at the pound, shopping for dog supplies at the feed store, and stopping for hamburgers, they hauled all the supplies upstairs to the apartment. Randy carried a sack of dog food under one arm and a cedar-chip-filled dog bed under the other. Jenna carried a sack with chews, brush, food and water dishes, leash, dog shampoo and a couple of toys they couldn’t resist.
“For a free dog, this has been rather expensive,” Jenna said, plunking the bags on the counter.
“I told you I’d pay for it all.”
“Randy, you can’t pay for everything.”
“Why not? What and who else can I spend money on?”
“You have other nieces and nephews.” She hung up her coat and surveyed the messy kitchen.
“You think I don’t spoil them rotten? Just ask Jessica.” He hung up his coat and pushed up the sleeves of his navy cashmere sweater. “I’ll load the dishwasher if Heather will…” He glanced around to see Heather already brushing her dog. “If you want to fix the coffee, I’ll clean up.”
“We can do it together.”
“I like the sound of that. ‘Together.’ ”
Jenna nodded. “Me too.” Her whisper made his smile grow wider.
They could hear Heather talking to Goldie and saw the brief camera flash. Goldie would soon be flying through cyberspace to Heather’s chat room buddies. With the kitchen cleaned up, a pot roast on simmer and coffee cups in hand, they retired to the living room to find Heather on the sofa, laptop plugged into the phone line and dog snoring softly beside her.
“I think we need some ground rules here. Dogs belong on the floor.”
“M-o-m. She’s all clean now. Besides, her fur isn’t too long and I brushed her good.”
“Softie,” Randy whispered from right behind her. She could feel the heat of him through her sweater. She’d lost that round.
“You in the chat room?”
Heather shook her head. “I’ve started the search.”
“The search?”