Page 178 of Will Bark for Pizza
I watched him slip out the back, and nearly forgotwhat today was all about. Until Grandma Connie asked, “You ready to do this, sweetie?”
I scanned the bookstore slowly, as though taking in all the recent changes for the first time. The new bookshelves filled to the brim with colorful books, the dog beds and comfy chairs scattered throughout, the reading nook restored, the twinkle lights overhead all in working condition. It was a dream come true. Mom’s bookstore brought back to life with my own flair added to it.
“I’m ready.”
“Okay, I’m letting them in!” Thelma announced.
The click of the deadbolt releasing echoed in the large space.
That was the last moment of quiet I had for hours.
Fans poured in one after another, all smiling, all excited. I signed hundreds of books, took dozens of photos, and answered countless questions about the Veltori world and my upcoming plans.
It lit up my soul in ways I never expected.
I lost track of time. Had it been minutes, hours, days?
My cheeks ached from smiling, and my hand was cramping. But the atmosphere inside the store was warm, inviting, exhilarating. Just the way Mom would have wanted it to be.
FIFTY-NINE
HUSKER
Sniff, sniff, sniff.
Zig-zag, zig-zag, zig-zag.
Sniff, sniff, sniff.
All these people.
They smell funny.
Oh, that lady smells good.
I think she has a treat in her pocket.
“Husker, c’mon, buddy.”
New Best Friend, where are we going?
“Going to grab coffee?”
Uncle Luke!
“Figured Kira could use a refill.”
“I’ll join you.”
Sniff, sniff, sniff.
Zig-zag, zig-zag, zig-zag.
“Turned out pretty great, huh?”
“Did you really doubt your sister?”
“Notanymore.”
