Page 29 of Love's Bloom
“Yes. I’m anxious to get back to my cabin to take a shower.”
“And I need to get to work. I’ve told the crew I’ll be late. They’ll go ahead and begin their routines. They know what to do. I’m not worried about them.”
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When they arrived at the café, Nettie hurried over to them. “Misty, I had no idea you had such a difficult experience with your ex-boyfriend. I want you to know I’ll post a photo of Vince Tucci by the check-in clock. If my staff see him here, they’ll notify the police.”
“Thank you,” said Misty. “Anything to keep him away from me will help.”
“Now, what can I get you two for breakfast? We’re trying a new sausage omelet you might like,” said Nettie, looking at David.
“Great,” said David. “How about you, Misty?”
“I’d like to try a veggie omelet,” she said.
“Coming right up,” said Nettie, disappearing into the kitchen.
It seemed odd not to see Crystal at the café. She’d been such a part of it for so long. Misty glanced around. The walls had been painted a deeper green, giving it a different feel, but one that would be elegant for the gourmet dinners Crystal and Melissa hoped to put on together occasionally in the café.
While they waited to be served, Misty observed several of her crowd arrive. Dirk came into the café for his usual coffee before heading to his dental office. Taylor came in to work on her book, and Whitney came with her son in a stroller.
Misty was grateful the café remained a favorite hangout with Nettie and Jason running it. She knew how relieved Crystal was to sell it so she and Emmett could marry and create a family.
Their food arrived, and they ate in privacy.
David’s cell rang, and he answered the call. “Hi, Gage. Did you get my message? Okay, Misty and I will be there in a while. Thanks.” He ended the call and turned to her. “Gage Martens, who acts as a vet for the Animal Rescue Center, thinks he might have the ideal dog for you.”
“How exciting! I can’t wait to see it. No matter what, the dog and I must have a special connection, or it won’t work.”
“Absolutely,” said David.
They each paid as soon as they finished, and then the two of them left.
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The Animal Rescue Center was in aone-story brick building outside of town. Tucked under the shade of a large maple tree, the building had a large fenced-in area beside it where a few dogs were sitting, lying down, or playing. Seeing David and Misty, a few of them began to bark.
Inside, a young manwith straight brown hair and butterscotch eyes looked up from behind the desk where he was signing papers. “ ’Morning, David. And this must be Misty.”
“Hello,” said Misty.
David introduced him to Misty. “This is Gage Martens, the new vet here.”
“I’m a recent addition to the area and haven’t met many people socially yet. David and I are planning to join up at Jake’s tonight so I can meet y’all,” Gage said with a southern twang.
“Are you from the south?” she asked. “A new friend living here is from outside New Orleans.”
“I’m from Virginia,” said Gage. He stood, and Misty realized he was taller than she’d thought. “Now, what can we do for you? I understand you’re interested in a dog that would serve as a guard dog. I have a couple in mind.”
“Before you show me, can I just look at all the available ones?” Misty asked.
“Certainly. Follow me,” said Gage.
He led them into a room lined with built-in cages on two of the walls.
“We have cats in a separate section. Every dog here is available for adoption,” Gage explained. “If you see one you’re interested in, we’ll take the dog out of its cage so you can interact with it.”
Misty noticed the carpet in the middle of the room where several toys lay and realized the purpose of the play area.
