Page 69 of Love's Bloom
Misty decided that instead of going to town, she’d take Sugar to visit Ms. Overton. At the same time, she’d say hello to GG.
###
As they approached The Woodlands, Sugar straightened as if she knew who they were going to visit. After getting out of the car, Sugar tugged on the leash, anxious to get inside.
Misty went up to the reception desk and asked to see Ms. Overton.
The woman behind the desk shook her head. “I’m very sorry to tell you that she’s no longer here. She died a few days ago.”
Misty was so surprised she gasped. “Oh, I should’ve come earlier. I have her dog …” She stopped talking and blinked back tears.
The woman gave her a sympathetic look. “It was very sweet of you to visit Ms. Overton earlier. I know how much she and the others here appreciated it. Would you be willing to have your dog visit with the people in the living room? They love it when dogs like yours stop in.”
“Yes,” said Misty. “And then I’d like to see Genie Wittner.”
“Of course,” the woman said. She took Misty’s arm and led her into the living room.
“’ Afternoon, everyone. We have special guests who’d like to say hello to you. This is Misty and her dog, Sugar.”
Misty noticed the smiles in the room and unhooked Sugar from her leash. The dog seemed to know who needed her most and trotted to a woman who suddenly straightened in her chair and was reaching for the dog.
Sugar went to each person in the room, allowing them to pet her, and then she returned to Misty, her tongue hanging out.
Misty picked her up. “Good girl. Now, let’s say a quick hello to GG.”
A few minutes later, with Sugar still in her arms, Misty knocked on GG’s door.
“Come in,” called GG.
Misty entered GG’s apartment and set Sugar down on the floor. “Hi. We’ve come from visiting in the living room, and Sugar is exhausted. Do you mind if I get a drink of water for her?”
“Not at all.” GG smiled as Sugar came over to her. “Such a sweet girl,” GG crooned. She looked up. “How’s the Maid of Honor doing? The wedding was lovely despite Everett Chamberlain making a complete ass of himself.”
“I’m fine,” said Misty, setting a bowl of water on the kitchen floor. “Can I get you anything?”
GG shook her head. “No, thanks. Dinner will be served shortly. How’s school going?”
Misty sighed and took a seat in a chair next to the couch where GG was sitting. “The principal spoke to me today about a student whose father wants him out of my class. He’s the same student I’m concerned is having issues at home.”
GG shook her head. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s just the way it was handled,” said Misty. “I’m struggling with the feeling of being threatened. It’s something I need to work on.”
“Oh, sweetie, I understand. It’ll all work out the way it’s meant to be. Have you heard from Crystal? I’m thrilled for her that Emmett chose to take her to Paris for their honeymoon.”
“Me, too. Thank you for welcoming Natalie. It made things pleasant for her.”
GG waved away Misty’s gratitude. “I’m happy I had the opportunity to get to know her better. She’s not a bad sort, just controlled by her husband. I suspect that as Natalie becomes stronger, her life may change. She might even get the courage to walk away from him.”
Misty was amused by GG’s vehemence. No one had ever taken advantage of GG’s being female. She’d always encouraged the young women in her life to be strong, to be self-reliant.
GG checked her watch. “I’m sorry, but they’ll be announcing dinner soon, and I want to get my regular seat in the dining room. Do you mind walking there with me?”
“Not at all. I need to get home and grab dinner for Sugar and me.”
Sugar heard her name and got to her feet, and the three of them took off.
###
