Page 5 of Chasing Lyric
Chapter Two
LYRIC
Our day’s been hectic.
We ran out of flowers as we knew we would, but nevertheless, we managed to get everyone at the Art Festival their arrangements, and the day’s been a success. Now, I’m on my way home with a goat in the back of my truck.
What in the world am I going to do with said goat? Who knows?
Should I take her to a vet and get her checked out for her little episode earlier in the day?
Or do I try to find her owners right away?
What is the correct goat protocol here?
Pulling up at my uniquely designed home on Ocean Way, I smile. I love how the architect Dad hired to build this place intended it to fit the look of the street. It still has a rock-star vibe, but also has some of me, which is what I want. It’s the most expensive house on the street.
Not that it matters to me, but it does to Dad.
He wants me only to have the best.
So that’s what I got.
The best.
Even though Dad wasn’t happy with me choosing to live here.
Dad wanted me somewhere more protected, like Irvine Cove or Emerald Bay, in some sort of gated community. But Laguna Beach is a class I’m more suited to.
I’m not like the rest of my family. I’m more down-to-earth and love the boho look. My home has floor-to-ceiling windows, including a giant bay window in the living room that lets the morning sunlight in and a view of the ocean, giving my home itswarmth for the day. Fancy moldings decorate every wall, giving it a modern feel. Artistic wall sconces lead the way down the hall in different shapes, colors, and textures, sending various sparkles of light in all directions. I love the effect. It’s unique and so very me. Tiffany lamps fill the spaces in the living room, a tip of the hat to the more affluent side of my life, and a centerpiece of cobblestone runs up the center of the outside façade. But it is still quite different compared to the lavish mansions my family lives in.
The outside sensor light comes on. It’s a security measure my father insisted on having installed, as well as a patrol car driving by each night to check on the house and me.
Sliding out of my truck, I shift my neck from side to side, my body aching from the stress of a full day’s hard work. With quick steps, I walk to the back of the truck where Doughnut’s waiting at the tailgate, and just like before, she’s smiling at me.
I can’t fight back the giddiness as I lower the tailgate and untie Doughnut from her restraint, then hoist her into my arms. “C’mon, littleBilly Goat Gruff, let’s get you inside. Gotta figure out what to do with you, huh?”
I lower Doughnut to the ground. She wobbles a little, but I keep my eyes on her. The last thing I need is to chase after a runaway goat. But she walks beside me smoothly to the front door. Stepping inside, I flick on the lights as we go. Doughnut’s little hoofsclickandclopon the floorboards, making the weirdest sound as she stumbles through the house while bumping into random objects.
“Maybe youarevision impaired,” I mumble to myself as I lead her past the yellow armchair onto the plush carpet of the living room. She lets out what sounds like a humming noise as if she’s pleased to be here, especially when her hoofs hit the soft gray floor covering. She sniffs the air, taking everything in.
Doughnut’s beaming like she’s on the adventure of a lifetime.
This little goat is so adorable.
Maybe I could keep her?
No, that’s bad manners.
I should at least make an effort to find her owners. She’s someone’s pet, I know that for sure, and I also know her owners must be missing her terribly. I need to do the right thing and find her home.
“Well, Miss Doughnut, would you like to meet my housemate?”
Doughnut’s head shifts up.Baa.
“All right then. Follow me.”
She does so with ease while I walk with her through to the back sunroom. Through the windows, the sun is almost set, the last remnants fading behind the amber and dusty pink clouds hanging in the sky.
