Page 100 of Will Bark for Pizza
“I brought margaritas!” Dylann Jenkins announced, as half a dozen elderly women flocked inside behind her.
Husker slipped by me before I could grab his collar, but Beckett caught him.
“I got him,” he said, reaching for the leash I left on the counter.
“You know I don’t drink,” Carol Ann Collins said to Dylann.
“That’s whyIbrought virgin daiquiris,” Lotti Daniels said.
“I smell coffee,” Carlos Jeffries said approvingly, adjusting his purple, thick-rimmed glasses as he inhaled deeply.
“Wait. Is thatKiraI see?” Thelma Anderson stood taller than anyone in the group, aside from Beckett. A slow, approving smile spread across her lips. “You’re a redhead. I fucking love it!”
I was attacked with heartfelt hugs, some gentle, some borderline violent, all given with the utmost love. Tears I could no longer hold back trickled down my face as the women—and Carlos—chattered on top of one another.
“I love the new hair!”
“I’m so glad you ditched The Ass Weasel.”
“It’s so fitting you’re here for our last Nook meeting.”
“We’ve missed having you.”
“I heard you fell into the lake and were rescued by that new hunky handyman.”
“He’s right there, Lotti.”
“Oh, hey, hunky handyman.”
“Your mom would love this.”
“You look hot!”
“When are you moving home?”
“You should marry this hunky handyman and have his babies.”
“Down, Lotti.”
“I’ll babysit.”
“We’ve missed you!”
“Welcome home, sweetie.”
Husker soaked up all the enthusiastic pets, and gobbled up what I sincerely hoped were dog treats, but highly suspected were not. As long as no one was sneaking himspecialtreats, all would be well. If they got him high, well, I’d cross that bridge only if it was necessary.
“What are you drinking, honey?” Thelma asked me as she pulled out a chair to set her heavy tote on.
“The virgin daiquiri sounds right up my alley. If it’s actually virgin.”
“It’s the only thing virgin about the meeting today,” Dylann tossed in, an eruption of giggles following from several members. It was now that I noticed her #TeamDarius T-shirt.Coincidence, Kira. It’s just a coincidence.Plenty of book heroes were named Darius.
Beckett nodded my way, assuring me he would watch Husker so I didn’t have to worry about him sneaking out the front door after a chipmunk as everyone else filtered in. I focused on attending to the coffee pot, pulling out cups, cream, sugar, and stirring spoons as everyone settled in.
The bells chimed overhead a few times, welcomingthe last few members, and Aspen with the rest of the cupcake delivery.
“I hope you don’t mind if I join you,” she said to everyone.
