Page 82 of Love at First Ink

“We do have some room in the middle for that. I think it’s smart to show off the pets people could adopt. It’s the perfect opportunity,” Marisol agreed. She made an X on the picture where she thought it could go. “How do you all feel about putting it here? It’s pretty much dead center.”

“I think that’s wonderful,” Stella said, her voice heavy with…emotion? When Stella met Marisol’s gaze, she could see the tears filling her eyes. “Nothing like this has ever been done here before. This is going to help out the shelter so much. I—we—can’t thank you enough. This is amazing.”

Marisol had done a lot of crying over the last few days, and apparently that was her new normal. Her own eyes grew misty, and before she knew it, she was crying alongside Stella.

“Come here.” Stella got off the chair and came over to embrace Marisol tightly.

Another set of arms wrapped around them, and Marisollooked up to see Izzy joining in on the hug, soon followed by Antonio. “This is so cute, I could throw up.” He smiled.

“And now it’s ruined,” Izzy said, playfully shoving Antonio off.

Stella hugged Marisol for another few seconds before finally letting her go. She wiped her eyes as she headed back over to perch on her husband’s lap. “I guess we should discuss who will be willing to help guide us on setup.”

“I’m in,” Blaine said immediately.

“I’ll most likely be working a shift, but I think Paul can help,” Antonio said. Paul nodded in agreement.

“I can also help. It would be nice to have more manpower though,” Izzy said, pausing. Then, as if the thought just occurred to her, she turned to Marisol. “Do you think Cisco could help? And if anyone else knows any other muscles, that will be helpful.”

“I can ask.” Marisol didn’t know his schedule but definitely would find out.

“My sister could also help,” Antonio said. “She’s usually free.”

“Good. I think that’s all we’ll need. Marisol, you’ll be there to lead the setup?” Stella asked.

“Of course. I planned on being there all day,” she said.

“If this is a success, which I think it will be, we will definitely ask you to do it every year.” Izzy giggled. “Is it weird that I’m so excited for this?”

“Not at all! I’m pumped. It’s going to be so fun.” Antonio beamed. “This will be so good for the shelter, and if this goes well, we can make it an even bigger ordeal next year.”

“I say we celebrate,” Paul pushed himself forward on the couch to reach for the wine, “and toast to this.” He began to pour glasses of wine, handing them out to everyone.

“To us, but specifically Marisol, for putting this all together,” Stella said, raising her glass.

“Oh, you don’t have to?—”

She was immediately cut off by everyone clinking glasses and toasting. “To Marisol!” they said in unison.

It was a beautiful and humbling experience to watch friendships blossom for her. The very first friendships she cultivated herself.

She never thought she’d experience these feelings. Pride. Friendship. Love. It all made her feel like every hard decision she made over the past few years was worth it.

Thatshewas worth it.

CHAPTER 37

Marisol

“Marisol, you seem winded. Is everything alright?” Alice paused, her face scrunching up as she moved closer to the camera, giving Marisol a close-up of her forehead. “Are you in your car? Is this a bad time?”

“It’s…fine…” Marisol said between pants. She used the back of her hand to wipe the sweat off her brow. She could only imagine how wild her windswept hair looked and how out of character her forest-green jumpsuit with a stained white top underneath were. Her disheveled appearance and gasping breath did little to quell her therapist’s curiosity.

“Are you safe, Marisol?” Alice’s frown only deepened, looking down her glasses at her.

“Yes, sorry, I’m fine.” She silently cursed herself for never picking up running. If she did, she wouldn’t be struggling for her breath right now and looking like she was running away from a serial killer.

When she finally caught her breath, Marisol balanced her phone precariously on her steering wheel. “Sorry,” she said atlast. “I’ve been working at the animal shelter to prepare for tomorrow’s fundraiser and completely lost track of time. I sprinted back to my car to make this meeting.”

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