Page 62 of Grown-Up Second Chance

“Edsel,” she said.

“Like the car?” I asked.

“Yep.”

“Well, Edsel,” I said. “You are certainly adorable.”

Hearing his name, the dog dropped down and turned his attention to me. As he stretched up, I fondled his ears and chin, just as I’d seen Joe do. He was soft and responsive, a surging mass of love on four paws.

Joe leaned forward and scratched the dog’s back. He was so close I could feel the heat from his body. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t—or didn’t want to—read.

Conversation flowed easily.

“Your painting is really lovely,” Naomi said to Liz. “I caught a glimpse when I walked by the other day. Your door was ajar.”

“What’s it like?” Kathleen asked eagerly.

“You don’t know?”

“She won’t show us,” Kathleen replied.

Naomi glanced over at Liz who shook her head.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to honor the artist’s wishes,” Naomi replied.

Liz’s shoulders relaxed.

“Not even a hint?” Kathleen pushed.

“I’m afraid not.” Naomi tugged on the dog’s leash. “C’mon pup. Dad and I still have to finish our rounds.” The dog ran to her, and she scooped him up. “After bending over those pots for hours, I need to move.”

Mason took her hand once again, and the couple walked back out to the pathway.

They’d barely left when our new neighbor ventured over. Several people had come and gone since Henry left. We’d been friendly to them all, but none had made a significant impression.

“Stuart Reeves,” he said as he shook hands all around, his grip intended to dominate.

“You must be the lady in charge,” he said to Kathleen, leaning on the picnic table.

“What makes you say that?” Kathleen asked.

“You have an aura about you that says leadership.”

“You must be from California,” Liz said. “No one else says ‘aura.’”

“Guilty,” Stuart said. “What’s your occupation?” he asked Kathleen. “I mean, before you decided to take some time off and travel. You’re far too young to have retired.”

Joe and I glanced at each other, then leaned back to enjoy the show.

Kathleen leaned forward. “That’s so nice of you to say. You asked my occupation?”

“I did.”

“Shoveling shit and inseminating cows.” Kathleen didn’t even blink.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

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