CHAPTER TEN
Shelby
Shelby—
“Here you go.” The mailman drops the small stack of mail on the glass counter.
I set aside the spray bottle of glass cleaner. “Thanks, Hal.”
“No problem, Shelby. Have a good day.”
Flipping through the envelopes, I scan the return addresses and stop on one from the Cloudcroft City Council. I check the mailing address to make sure it’s for us.
Blue Orchid Jewelry.
“What would the city council want to contact us about?” I murmur, and Patty peers over my shoulder.
“Open it and find out.”
I’m not the owner of the shop, just the manager, but I suppose I qualify to open it. Tearing into the flap, I take out the two-page letter and read it.
“ We wish to inform you of upcoming road improvements. Second Street will be closed for two weeks next month, beginning on the first .” I lower the letter. “Oh, my God, Pam. This is going to kill our business.”
“Well, at least we’re on the corner. We still have the business off Main Street.”
“But parking will be impossible. There are barely enough spots as it is.”
The bell over the door tinkles, and Mrs. Tinsley walks in. She’s in her early thirties and owns one of the resorts near here. Her perfectly styled outfit speaks to her status. She’s one of our best customers.
“Mrs. Tinsley. How nice to see you.” I give her a broad smile.
“I had to come in and thank you again, Shelby. That puppy you trained for my Ashley is the sweetest, most well-behaved little thing, and it’s done wonders to bring Ashley out of her… well, you know.”
“I’m so happy little Luna is working out so well for Ashley. I knew they’d be the perfect match for each other.”
She sets her designer bag on the counter. “Honey, you worked a miracle. I was talking to one of Ashley’s teachers, and she said the difference has been night and day. Ashley’s so much more engaged. Well, of course I had to brag on you, and she told me she has several other autistic children who might benefit from a therapy dog.”
“I’m just getting started. I really can’t afford to do it full time right now. It takes a lot of money to take care of these dogs while I’m training them, so it’s something I can only do with one dog at a time.”
“I’ve heard you’ve got a whole menagerie of animals you’ve taken in.”
“It all started with this dog I rescued. Then a couple of feral cats showed up.”
“Well, you live out in the country, don’t you?”
“Yes, I rent the old Henderson’s place.”
“Right. I know the place.”
“Anyway, after the cats, someone dumped two other dogs along my road.”
“That’s so cruel, to dump an animal off like that.”
“I couldn’t help but take them in.”
“So, now you have three dogs and two cats? My word, that is a lot.”
“Yes, and when I train a therapy dog, it brings the total to six. It’s more than a lot. I don’t mind though; I’ve always wanted to start a rescue. And when I find a rescue dog that’s perfect for therapy work, it’s the cherry on top,” I admit.
Mrs. Tinsley tilts her head. “You seem so animated when you talk about it.”
“It’s a true passion of mine. I wish I had the funds to do more.”
“Perhaps I could do a fundraiser for your rescue. I could throw a gala. My friends in Taos love an excuse to get dressed up, and they’re all dog lovers.”
“Are you serious?” My mouth drops open.
“Absolutely. We’ll have to get together soon and talk about it, darling.” She gathers up her bag. “I must run now. I’ll call you.” She makes a kissing sound and leaves with the same whirlwind she entered.
Pam sidles up to my side. “Wow. Deedee Tinsley just offered to do a charity event for you. I think you need to get your charity organization ducks in a row.”
“I don’t even know how to go about that. It’s been more a dream than anything close to happening.”
“Yeah, maybe you should wait until you know if she’s going to come through for you. You know how these rich people can be. You may never see her again.”
“I suppose you’re right. Better not to get too excited about something that may be just another pipe dream.”
Hours later, I close up shop and head home to the little single wide trailer under a grove of Aspen trees. When I walk in the door, Fannie is making cookies with Bella.
I thank God for Jenny’s aunt Fannie. If it wasn’t for her help all these years, I don’t know what I would have done.
“Mommy,” Bella calls out and scampers to me, Hurley the pit bull I rescued at her heels, followed by Sugar and Honeybear, the two beagles that were dumped off last year.
Sir Lancelot and King Arthur, the two cats, barely look up from their spot on the couch.
I squat to hug my four-year-old. “How’s my girl?”
“Good. Aunt Fannie is showing me how to make her chocolate chip cookies. I got to add the chocolate chips,” she says proudly.
“Well, I’m sure they’re going to taste amazing.” I smile at Fannie. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Oh, no problem, dear. Bella and I have been having a wonderful time.” She slides the last pan of cookies into the oven, then wipes her hands on her apron. “Those should be ready in about eighteen minutes.”
“I’ll keep an eye on them.”
Fannie unties her apron, her eyes on me. “How was your day, Shelby?”
“Fine. Mrs. Tinsley said Luna and Ashley are getting along really well, and that it’s done wonders to bring her out of her shell.”
“That’s fantastic. So, why do you look sad?”
I shrug. “Just a long day, I guess.”
“Oh, that reminds me. Your realtor called and said she’d like to meet with you tomorrow at 11am.”
My shoulders drop. “I can’t.”
Fannie tilts her head to the side. “If it’s about Bella, she can help me in my garden. She loves watering the flowers and picking bouquets.”
I bite my lip. “I don’t know.”
“Is it work?”
“I’m sure Pam can cover for me. Wendy knows my father recently passed and I have to deal with the estate.”
“Then what is it?”
“I hate going back there, even for a short time.”
“Well, if you get the paperwork signed and get the place on the market, you can put Las Cruces behind you for good.”
“I suppose.” I meet her eyes. “You’re sure it’s no trouble to watch Bella tomorrow?”
“Positive. She’s an angel, and she keeps me company.”
“All right. I’ll drop her off at 9am, if that works for you.”
“Of course, dear. Now there’s a pan of lasagna warming on top of the stove. You have a nice night, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thank you, Fannie.” I turn to see Bella scratching Hurley’s belly. “Bella, say goodbye to Fannie.”
She stands and runs over, hugging Fannie’s waist. “Goodbye Fannie. Thanks for making cookies with me.”
“You’re welcome, love. Good night.”
After we eat and I put Bella to bed, I curl up on the couch and text Jenny.
Me: Your aunt agreed to watch Bella while I make the trip to Las Cruces tomorrow to meet with the realtor.
Jenny: Why not bring her with?
Me: You know I can’t do that, and you know why. It’s too risky.
Jenny: I suppose you’re right. What about you?
Me: I’ll take precautions.
Jenny: What time is your appointment? We’ll have to meet at the Stardust Café when you’re through. You can tell me all about it. Say 1pm?
Me: I can’t do that, either.
Jenny: Oh, right. Okay, how about I pick up an order and meet you at your father’s tire store?
Me: I suppose.
When I disconnect and toss the phone aside, I stare at the wall. I haven’t been to Las Cruces in years, and I dread going now. But I have to suck it up and get it done. Fannie is right. I just need to get my father’s estate taken care of, and I’ll be done with that town once and for all.