Page 45 of You and Me, For Real
“Yes. I got a dog. The other is a friend’s…whom hopefully you’ll get to meet. She’s currently hiding in the bathroom.”
Wren bends to place Churro on the ground. He scampers away, immediately barking and ready to play with the other dogs. “What’d you do to the poor girl?”
I raise my hands. “I didn’t do anything, I swear.”
Luke makes a garbled noise that sounds a lot like “Sure.” He thumbs over his shoulder. “I’m gonna go into the kitchen and prep some breakfast. Coffee for anyone?”
“I’m good, thanks.” Wren smiles at Luke before turning to me, placing her hands on her hips. “What happened? Didn’t your mama ever teach you any manners?”
Unfortunately, my mom wasn’t around for most of my teenage years when girls came into the picture. Wish she had been.
I laugh at Wren’s feistiness coming out in full force despite not even knowing this mystery woman. “I’m just trying to help her. She trains dogs. She’s hoping to start a rescue. All she has right now is a blog. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great, but I wantedto help her get some social media accounts started. You know, get more publicity and funding for her cause.”
Wren clasps her hands at her mouth. “Ooooh, you know I’m a sucker for animals. What’s her rescue about?”
“Well, I only know the basics. She can tell you more about it. The gist is rehabilitating dogs with behavioral issues and retraining them to be fit for family homes again.”
Wren’s eyes practically well with tears. “Oh my gosh, that is so sweet. I wanna help!”
When I first met Wren, she told me how she’d adopted her abused dog from a shelter back in Kansas. To say she has a soft spot for animals is probably an understatement.
Actually, it’s perfect timing she came over now. She gets along great with just about everyone. Maybe she can get Ashton to open up. She has that bubbly personality no one can resist.
“I’m sure Ashton would love that, but she’s pretty shy. It might take her a bit to warm up to you.”
Wren waves me away like I’m a pesky gnat. “Don’t you worry about that. I’ll take care of it.” She stands on her tip-toes, searching for the dogs toward the back of my property. “Aw, look at them. They’re already all best friends.”
Luke’s voice travels from inside the kitchen. “Hey Ashton, care for some breakfast?”
Her voice is too soft for me to make out the reply.
Wren’s eyes bulge with excitement. The girl is like a perky puppy herself, eager to make a new friend.
Ashton emerges from inside. “Hey, sorry about?—”
“Ashton, is it? It’s so nice to meet you! I’m Wren.”
“Uh, hi, gorgeously famous pop singer who may or may not be on my playlist loop on Spotify.”
Wren laughs. She doesn’t wait for permission and goes right in—squeezing Ashton into a hug.
Ashton’s gaze meets mine over Wren’s shoulder, her eyes wide, mouthing “Wren Reynolds! Oh my gosh!”.
I chuckle and shake my head, shrugging. “Sorry,” I mouth back.
I’m not trying to be cruel, laughing at Ashton’s predicament; it’s just that I had a very similar greeting when I first met Wren. Now, I’m used to her particular brand of energy.
“Griffin was telling me about your rescue. I hope you don’t mind.” Wren glances between us, trying to gauge our response. “It sounds wonderful. I’d love to help in any way I can.”
A rose color blooms on Ashton’s cheeks. The color is charming, enhancing her facial features—the delicate bone structure, the soft full lips, that wide, beautiful smile.
My brain snaps out of the haze.
Her. Wide. Smile.
Wren’s been around her less than a minute and has already earned the rare reward. If I weren’t so pleased to see it, I’d be jealous.
“Sure, that’d be great,” Ashton replies.
