Page 131 of You and Me, For Real
“It is. She’s wonderful with animals. She has a true gift of working with them. Might be hard to believe, but just a month ago, I could barely get this dog to stop hiding under my bed.” I scratch behind Roxy’s ears, and she leans into my touch.
“Aw,” Gwen coos. “Poor thing.”
I pet along her back. “This girl’s been through a lot, and we wouldn’t have been able to have the healthy relationship we do if it weren’t for Ashton’s training.” I turn to Gwen. “It’s part of her mission at The Rescue Ranch—rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues and making them fit for homes again.”
“That’s amazing, and as a fellow dog owner, I can appreciate her skill set. I can’t seem to get my dog to stop chewing up all my shoes.” She chuckles.
“You should give Ashton a call. Her blog also has a tremendous amount of tips as well. It’s calledThe Furry Godmother.”
“Oh, I love that. I just might have to do that.” She smiles broadly, like the Cheshire cat. “I just have one more question before we conclude this brief interview.”
For the first time, I stiffen, unsure of what question she has left to ask. All my prompts have been discussed.
“Ashton leftBeing the Blakesyears ago and changed her name. Can you tell us why?”
I clench my jaw to let Gwen know I don’t appreciate her not sticking to her notecards and give the most honest, least revealing answer I can. It’s not my story to tell.
“Because, just like me, she was tired of pretending in her own life.”
39
ASHTON
Iwake the next morning with birds chirping outside my window, the ocean’s waves crashing in the distance, and Teddy’s soft breathing at the foot of the bed. For one blissful second, life feels perfect.
But then I remember last night.
I groan and cover my eyes, not ready to relive last night’s horror show on repeat. My head aches from shedding tears half the night. My pillow is soaked with the evidence. My phone vibrates from the floor where I plugged it in.
I stretch my body off the side of the bed and snatch it. I wipe my bleary eyes. It’s already ten a.m. I feel like I just fell asleep. Maybe I did.
Ms. Judith
Hey honey, saw your texts from the past couple of weeks. Sorry, I’m just now replying. I’ve been sleeping a great deal, but I’m doing fine. Out of the hospital, just recovering at my son’s house. Sleeping in my grandson’s bunk bed. A real treat, I tell ya.
I sit up straight. Judith! She’s okay!
Another text comes in.
Ms. Judith
Saw the pictures of you last night on that trashy TV channel you hate to watch. You looked beautiful. And that Griffin. Wow. What a hunk!
I laugh. Only she would focus on our appearance and not on the taglines.
Ms. Judith
Don’t let those no-good nobodies take your joy. You go out and grab it.
Ms. Judith
And by grab it, I mean that man of yours. Delicious. Way to go, honey. I knew you had it in you.
Ms. Judith
Got to go. Time for my mid-morning snack and nap. Love you, sugar. Call you soon.
I bite my lip, smiling at how much I missed my sassy neighbor. I’ll have to text her later when I know she’s officially out of her napping window.
