Page 56 of The Shell Collector
“Methuselahis a weird name,” Hailey said.
“I’m going to call him Lala.” Jesse had a way of making things work to his liking with no apologies. “Come on, Lala.” He walked up and down the balcony, and the dog followed. “Sit. Stay.”
“I see your children are quite the dog trainers.”
“We got Denali when he was eight weeks old.”
“He took forever to train,” Hailey said.
Methuselah got up and lapped from the big ceramic bowl next to Maeve’s chair, then wiped his chin on her skirt as he turned. “He likes to pretend that’s an accident. I know better.” Maeve flipped her hand in the air as if it were nothing. “You look very pretty today, Hailey.”
Hailey half curtsied, pulling her sundress up on one side as she did. “We went to church today. I made another friend.”
Maeve tilted her head back to Amanda. “The church up the street here?”
Amanda nodded.
“I went there when I was Hailey’s age. It’s a beautiful church.” Maeve reached over and squeezed Amanda’s hand. “That’s great. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I don’t know how it all fell into place, but I’m pretty sure I have you to thank for it.”
“Me?” She shook her head. “No.”
“Yes. There’s something special about you. I’m very thankful for whatever it is.”
“I’m just an old lady living my life the best way I know how.”
“Well, you’ve touched mine.”
“Well…” Maeve took in a breath. “Then I suppose it’s what you needed. That’s how life works. The right things at the right time.”
“I thought we’d do a ride by the Paws Town Square you were talking about. Would you like to come with us?”
Maeve’s shoulders drooped. “As much as I’ve wanted to go, I’m feeling tired this afternoon. The man who owns the place is an absolute doll. Please let me have a rain check.”
“Absolutely. Anytime. We love field trips, don’t we, kids?”
“Yep.” They both nodded.
“I’m hungry. It’s time for spaghetti,” Jesse announced.
“No, Jesse, we’ll eat when we get home. That was for Maeve.” She chuckled. “Jesse was born hungry, but I guess it’s time I get these two home and feed them.”
“You won’t stay and join me?”
“Can we, Mom?” Hailey rose on her toes.
Amanda hadn’t even considered that more than the meal, the company might be better appreciated.Where are my manners?She hadn’t meant to impose themselves on the old lady. “Are you sure? I didn’t bring this over to take up your entire day.”
Maeve got up and gestured toward the house. “Don’t be silly. It’ll be nice. Hailey, you can help me dish it up.” Hailey raced to catch up with Maeve in the kitchen.
So it was decided. Amanda stood there for an awkward moment, unsure of how to help or stay out of the way, when Hailey came back with napkins and utensils in her hands.
“Miss Maeve said we can eat out here on the patio.”
“That will be nice.” Amanda held the door open for Hailey, then went in the kitchen to gather plates.
“I thought we could use these heavy-duty plastic plates. Nothing to clean up.”
