Page 31 of The Love Shack

Berkley quickly gave her attention to the volunteers, who were finishing up.

“I didn’t mean physically, though that’s true, as well.”

“I should probably help the volunteers get the dogs squared away.”

Betty caught her arm. “You’ve been working all day. They can handle it.” When she relented by sinking back into her seat, Betty said, “Don’t try to tell me you haven’t noticed how handsome Lawson is.”

She’d noticed all right, but tried to play it off. “He was always attractive like that. Always stood out, too, because he didn’t bully anyone, and he wasn’t intimidated by those who tried to bully him.” To Berkley, his character had meant more than his physique and handsome face.

“What is it the young people say? That he’s the whole package?”

She grinned. “Sounds legit.” Especially when applied to Lawson.

“It’s not every day that you meet someone who looks like him, but is also a hard worker, pleasant to customers and generous, too. You know he volunteered to build the well, and the money is already adding up.”

“It’s a clever idea, Betty. Thank you.”

“I couldn’t have done it without Lawson’s help. His only issue is how often people pose Kathleen there.”

“He has a problem with the mannequin?” Kathleen was like a town mascot. Everyone loved Kathleen.

“It’s his only flaw,” Betty said, giving her a sly side-eye. “Obviously he’s a keeper.”

That outrageous comment made her forget all about Kathleen. “Planning to make him a pet?”

After another un-Betty-like laugh, the older woman turned stern. “Not me,you.”

Shaking her head, Berkley said, “I already have Hero and Cheese.”

Betty stared her in the eyes. “Not a pet. A companion.”

“They are companions.”

Her brows drew together. “A human companion. Aman.”

Betty saidmanwith a lot of innuendo. “No way. I told you, I’ve sworn off men.”

“Yes, yes, and it made sense when you said it.” Betty waved it off dismissively. “But that was before Lawson.”

The last thing she needed was Betty playing matchmaker. “It’s forever.”

“Because one loser treated you poorly? That’s on him, not you.”

She was about to debate it further with Betty when the volunteers finished and started toward them. Using it as the perfect excuse to end the discussion, Berkley stood and called out “All done?” She excused herself to Betty. “Sorry, but I need to go over a few things with them. And we should probably get Gladys back to her bed.” The older dog was sound asleep, mouth open, tongue lolling out, her head against Betty’s hip.

Actually, Betty looked tired as well and it filled Berkley with concern. She had less than a fifteen-minute drive, but at her age, she’d probably prefer to be at home with her feet up. Not that Berkley would say that to her. She’d never met anyone with more pride and backbone than Betty Cemetery.

Stifling a yawn, Betty stood, which prompted Gladys to rise, as well. The dog had less trouble hopping down from the bench.

Together, they thanked the volunteers, who both promised to return at the same time next week. Nearly every day someone came out to help walk the dogs, to play with them in the yard, exercise them and give them attention. In so many ways, the town and the people in it were magical.

She, Gladys and Hero walked with Betty to her car. Berkley opened the door for her and watched as Betty took a moment to get seated, start the air-conditioning and then adjust her seat belt.

In such a short time, this woman had become so precious to her. A friend, a confidant, but also family. On impulse, Berkley leaned down and put a kiss to her cheek. “Drive safely, okay?”

For a second, Betty looked flustered, then she smiled, patted Berkley’s arm and said, “Take good care of my Gladys.”

HerGladys? Smiling, Berkley said, “I’ll give her an extra treat tonight.”

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