Page 96 of The Good Luck Cafe
“I’m sorry,” Moira finally said. She shook her head. “I didn’t mean to invade your privacy. I just, well, I was worried about you after the call. I needed to see for myself that you were okay.”
“You saw me at the adoption fair. But you’re here now, seeing me again.” Beth furrowed her brows. “Why?”
Moira swallowed. “I don’t know. I guess some part of me felt a connection with you and your story.”
Beth gave her a searching look. Then she offered a small smile. “Just so you know, I took your advice and went to a clinic. And then I filed a police report. I’m not sure I would have done those things without your encouragement. So, thank you. I’m okay—kind of. I’m getting there at least.”
Moira didn’t know the full story, but she guessed she didn’t need to. All that mattered was that Beth was taking care of herself. “I’m glad to hear that.” Moira glanced over her shoulder. “Do you want me to leave?”
Beth shook her head. “No way. I need your help with these animals. If you meant what you said about wanting to pitch in, I’ll take you up on it.”
“I meant it,” Moira said, genuinely happy to be there.
Beth looked down for a moment. “And thank you for caring.”
“Probably too much, if you ask my boss.”
“There’s no such thing as too much,” Beth said.
***
Two hours later, Moira was covered in dog hair and slobber, but she felt fantastic.
“Their love is unconditional. That’s why I do this,” Beth said as she ran a brush down the fur of a small beagle mix. “You never have to wonder if they’re going to turn their backs on you or leave one day. It’s good therapy.”
Moira could probably use that kind of therapy in her own life. “So you work with animals during the day and then volunteer with them in your free time?”
Beth looked up from her brushing. “Do what you love, right? What made you decide to be a nine-one-one operator?”
“I wanted to help people, but I’m too much of a chicken to be a cop. I never liked school enough to be a doctor or a nurse. I’m the first line of contact in an emergency. It feels good to help.” Moira reached out for the cocker spaniel and ran her hand along his silky-smooth back. “Not that there are a lot of emergencies in Somerset Lake. The dispatch isn’t too active.”
“You can do a lot of good as mayor,” Beth said. “Maybe you can spread the word about these lonely dogs.”
“I will. Mayor or not, I’ll definitely spread the word. Everyone should bring one of these adorable little guys home.”
“You’re sure you don’t see any lovable pups here that you want to bring home with you?” Beth asked hopefully.
Moira shook her head. “I’m not ready for that just yet. But I’ll be back another time to volunteer.”
Beth looked pleased. “Good. We’ll take all the help we can get around here.”
By the time Moira left, she felt energized and exhausted at the same time. She needed to get home and take a nice, long bath and maybe have a glass of wine. She and Gil hadn’t made plans for tonight. He’d mentioned wanting to spend some time with his brother, which Moira admired about him. Doug was lucky to have Gil, and vice versa. Moira wished she had a sibling some days. Some part of her—maybe a bigger part than she’d realized—also wanted a dog.
Moira got into her car and pulled out her phone to check any messages she might have missed while she was inside with Beth. There were three. One from Tess.
Tess:Anything I can do for you?
Moira assumed she was talking about the campaign. She tapped out a quick reply.
Moira:Not right now. But thank you!
The second text was from Lucy.
Lucy:The nerve! Are you okay? Do you need me to come over and bring ice cream?
Moira furrowed her brow and reread that text before tapping out a response.
Moira:Why do I need ice cream therapy?
