Page 66 of Unexpectedly Falling
ELLISON: No you don’t count either
CAL: You just ran out of friends
NESSA: That leaves...
ELLISON: Oh it’s not you either
ELLISON: I’m just sayin’ if I did accidentally make a friend it would be terrible
CAL: I love when you’re dramatic
ELLISON: Bless your heart
CAL: I haven’t been here long enough to be offended by that
ELLISON: Such a shame, it’s such a good one
BEA: I have to go finish packaging soaps but let me know the date!
The other twochime in with similar sentiments, and once again, I’m hit with the notion that I’ve stumbled into something wonderful in this town.
And every day, it’s getting harder to think about leaving.
31
JENSEN
Nessa had practically floated into the house after meeting with Coach Turner. She’d had a lightness about her that I hadn’t seen since she’d come to Blackstone Falls.
After changing into clothes to coach and practice in, she’d run back out the door, promising to meet me at theMerry Pawmas Adoptathonat Vetted Paws after she showered. She’d been so excited about coaching that she hadn’t asked too many details on the event—only to text her the address.
She was in for a real treat, and I couldn’t wait to see her face when she walked into the chaos that would undoubtedly ensue.
Vetted Paws had been the brainchild of Sorren Mackay and Tanner Holiday, Marine Corps and Air Force veterans respectively. The dog rescue worked tirelessly to take overflow dogs from kill shelters and pair them, with the appropriate training, with veterans.
Even though they’d only been up and running a few years, several articles had been written about their passion, dedication, and overall success rate. The most recent had been picked up by a national news outlet resulting in several citations and awards for service.
But more than all of that—they’re making a difference in our community, and that’s definitely something I can get behind.
My phone buzzes as I buckle my seatbelt, and since I’m already running late, I snatch it up from the cupholder.
MASON:Are you coming?
JENSEN: Yes
JENSEN: But I had to turn around because I forgot the diaper bag
MONTANA: You need to get here before Ellison adopts another dog
ARCHER: Another?
MONTANA: Cullen Andrews is here dressed up as Santa and if you adopt a dog you can get the dog’s picture with Santa
ARCHER: And?
MONTANA: And obviously my fiancée adopted a dog because she wanted to have a picture with Santa
ARCHER: You’re serious aren’t you
