Page 18 of Always Another Sunset

“You’re amazing. I hope you know that,” Bella said. “Going after that poor animal and then willing to take responsibility for it at the vet...” She shook her head, and JC saw the glimmer of tears. “Well, you’re special. Thank you.”

Without thinking, JC leaned down to brush her lips against Bella’s. “So are you,” she murmured, giving Bella’s hand a soft squeeze. “I’ll be right back.” As she went to get in line to order, JC reflected over the last week.My life has made such a radical change in such a short time,she thought.And has become so wonderful.Even though she wanted to appreciate all the goodness, she could not stop wondering what the future held.I can’t go on ignoring what has to happen at some point.Even the thought of Bella leaving made her chest tighten. Luckily, before she could sink into the worrisome thoughts, it was her turn at the counter. Happy to distract herself, she ordered their green teas, took a number on a metal sign, and returned to the table.

Bella was looking out the window, clearly lost in her own world as JC approached. “Penny for your thoughts,” JC asked, joining her.

Turning from the view, Bella gave her a small smile. “Lots of things,” she said. “But mostly about that poor dog. Do you think it is a stray?”

Glancing through the big window, JC focused on the horizon for a second and thought about the question, picturing the skinny animal with matted fur and how it had acted since they found it. “I don’t know,” she said. “There isn’t any collar, so no tags to identify an owner.” She pursed her lips. “But there weren’t any signs of aggression, and I’m not sure a stray would be so trusting.”

When Bella didn’t comment, JC shifted her gaze and caught the woman looking intensely at her. “You don’t see it, do you,” Bella said, but it didn’t sound like a question. “Of course, the animal was trusting.”

A little confused, JC raised her eyebrows. “I don’t understand.”

“How you are,” she answered. “So confident, at the same time warm and friendly. Anyone and anything would trust you in a second. I did.”

JC felt a blush rising on her cheeks at the unexpected compliments. “Well, I am not sure—”

Bella shook her head. “I’m not kidding,” she said. “It’s why your business is such a success. Everyone knows from the second they meet you that, even though they are going on an adventure, things will go okay. Including that poor dog.” She laughed. “And me, as nervous as I was with those scary waves. Deep down, I stayed calm because I trusted you entirely.” Not sure what to say, JC reached for Bella’s hand and held it for a moment. JC didn’t know how things would turn out with the dog, with Bella, with any of it, but she did know three things for certain—Bella could trust her with anything, that she would never hurt her, and most of all, she loved her.

Squeezing Bella’s hand tighter, JC prepared to tell her exactly that when the woman from behind the counter approached the table. “Two iced green teas?” she asked, making JC pause.

“Yes,” Bella answered, taking her drink. “Thank you.” As JC took hers too, she was unsure if she was glad or disappointed about the interruption.Maybe this isn’t the time or place,she thought.But once we settle things with the dog and get home, I think it’s time I tell her how I really feel.

18

After waiting anxiously in the coffee shop for what felt like forever, Bella’s phone finally rattled on the tabletop. “It’s the vet clinic,” Bella said when she looked at the screen, with a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She picked up before it buzzed again. “Hello?”

It was Teresa with news about the dog. Luckily, the prognosis was good. Tests showed two broken ribs, but no damage to the lungs. Still, she needed to speak with them as soon as they could get back. “Unless you want to handle things over the phone,” Teresa said, making Bella frown.

“What? No,” she said. “We are on our way.”

Hanging up, Bella explained everything to JC. “Finish your drink and let’s go,” the woman said. Ten minutes later, Bella led JC into the waiting room and went straight to the counter.

“Hi,” Bella said, her stomach fluttering with nervousness. Even though the woman had sounded upbeat on the call, Bella sensed an urgency in her voice when she asked them to come back soon. “We’re back about the black and white dog.”

“Of course,” Teresa said with a smile. “Thank you for coming back.”

Bella furrowed her brow. “Why wouldn’t we?”

“Well, since she is a stray and not yours, you could have settled the bill over the phone,” the receptionist explained. “Or even worse, skipped out altogether. Unfortunately, we have a protocol for that.”Is she kidding?Bella thought, feeling strangely irritated by the comment.And does she really think we would abandon the dog here?Then she realized how crazy she was thinking. In many ways, releasing the animal to the vet clinic made sense.But what exactly is that protocol?

As if reading her mind, JC took Bella’s hand before focusing on the receptionist. “What does that mean?” she asked, and Teresa reached for a form on her desk. She had partially completed it, and Bella guessed the woman had started it, expecting them to leave the dog behind.

She slid it across the counter. “When an animal is brought in with no collar and unfortunately no microchip to identify them, we have an arrangement with the county humane society,” she explained. “After we fix them up the best we can, a volunteer from the agency picks up the dog or cat.”

Not liking that plan at all, Bella started shaking her head. “That must be so scary for them,” she said. “To have been hurt and then put in a cage.” When she pictured it, tears came to her eyes—the sweet dog who had licked her hand and been so good all the way in the car.No way,she thought, looking at JC, who was already looking at her. “JC, I know this is asking a lot, but…”

Her voice trailed off as she watched JC study her face. “Bella, are you sure about this?” JC finally asked. “I don’t want to leave her behind either, but we have to be realistic. I have a full schedule with tours for the next two days. It would fall to you to take care of her during the day.”

A hint of panic threatened at the idea she would be alone with a strange animal, but Bella pushed it down. “I can do it,” she said. “We can make a bed for her next to the table where I’ll be writing.” Teresa had stayed silent throughout the exchange, but when Bella and JC turned to her at the same time and said “we want the dog,” she laughed.

Taking the form back, there was a twinkle in her eyes. “I had a good feeling about you two,” she said. “You have made this sweet dog a very lucky girl today.” She turned to her computer. “First things first, you’ll need to give her a name. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but I must have something in my records.”

Again, Bella looked at JC, already having a name in mind. It came from their days in college and too many nights at the karaoke bar a little off campus.But I’ve already pushed for a lot,she thought. “What do you think?” she asked, and JC gave her a wide smile.

“You’re the creative one, and I think you have something in mind,” she said. “I can see it in your eyes.”

Bella laughed. “I love how you always seem able to read me,” she said. “But I was thinking of a name you will remember too. From college and karaoke.”

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