Page 22 of It Started With a Scarf

I was at Cooperstown when I met Dominic. He was meeting his brother, and I was interviewing for a job.

It was only a minute later when I got a DM from the assistant which included Dominic's phone number.Did this man have my scarf? How?

I was shaken as I texted him.

Shaken was an understatement. I contemplated going outside so that I could get some fresh air. I knew it was cold, and I thought it might be refreshing to step out there for a moment.

But Joan came out of the dentist office right then, smiling at me like my wait was over.

She needed me. I had her bag, and she gestured for me to go to the counter with her.

I had his phone number.

I had the ability to contact the person who might have my scarf, and I couldn’t do it for the next forty minutes until I finished with Joan and got her home. She had a crown fixed at the dentist, and she felt woozy from the medicine. Forty minutes was the absolute fastest I could get her home and squared away.

I went to my room and texted his phone number right away.

Me:

My name is Marley Matthews. I got your number from your assistant. I'm writing about a scarf I saw in a picture on your social media. Thanks!

I heard back from him right away. I was standing in my room when my phone dinged.

Dominic:

Marley! Finally! I have your scarf!!! It's in Chicago, at my apartment there. I'm in Milwaukee, but I can get my brother or one of my parents to meet you and give it back to you if you need to get it now. They have keys to my apartment.

I felt like crying as I read the text. Dominic just said his dad could possibly meet me at his apartment to give me back my scarf. Eddie Decker—the same guy whose football was in a glass case.

This Dominic Decker person somehow had my scarf. My scarf. My beloved scarf. Unbelievably, I had learned its location out of all the places on this earth, and now it was just a matter of time before it would be making its way back to me.

Unbelievable.

I felt like this was all just a made-up scenario, like I had died and gone to Heaven. I let out a little laugh, grinning big and feeling like a million bucks. I held the phone in my hand, and before I could answer another text came through.

Dominic:

If you can wait a few days, I will be in Chicago soon. I can meet you and hand it to you myself. Maybe over lunch?

I smiled and typed.

Me:

I've waited this long…

I heard back within seconds.

Dominic:

Great. I'll be in Chicago Friday morning. Meet me for lunch?

I felt a rush of adrenaline wash through my body when he suggested that. I was jittery as I typed.

Me:

Sure, I'll be working, but I can take a break and meet you. Just let me know where.

Dominic:

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