CHAPTER ELEVEN
That evening, David came to her house.
Sugar looked from her to David and then stepped forward as Misty opened the door.
“Hi. I stopped by to see how the two of you are doing together. Gage said there was some leeway if you decided the adoption wasn’t going to work out.” He bent and stroked Sugar’s ears.
“It’s been wonderful having Sugar here. She’s such great company. And she’s going to work out well as a guard dog of sorts. Even now, you saw how cautious she was before welcoming you. She did the same thing with Crystal.”
“Oh, good dog,” said David. He looked up at Misty. “Are you going to Jake’s tonight?”
“Yes,” she answered. “I’ve invited Poppy Browning from the Wild Flower Boutique to join us. Gage will be there, and it’ll be nice for both of them to be introduced to the gang.”
“Do you want to go there together?”
Misty shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m going to stay just long enough to test Sugar being alone in the house. This is new to her, and I need to know she’s comfortable.”
“Okay,” he said. “See you later. I’ve got to go home and clean up from work. I’ll meet you at Jake’s.”
“Thanks for checking on us,” said Misty. “I like having you do that.”
“I know,” he said, and after giving Sugar a last pat on the head, he left.
Misty watched him go, wishing she was in a different place emotionally. She’d felt the sexual attraction between them for months now, but memories of her time with Vince were sending her reeling backward. She couldn’t lose control of her life because of a man again.
Misty looked down at Sugar, whose brown eyes were studying her. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said, stroking Sugar’s curly head.
###
When Misty walked into Jake’s that evening, she was pleased to see that Poppy was already there.
Misty went right over to her. “I’m delighted you made it. Have you met everyone?” At Poppy’s nod, Misty continued. “David is coming with Gage Martens, the new vet in town. I met him this morning, and he seems very nice.”
“Heard you got a dog,” said Brad Collister. “What kind of guard dog is named Sugar?” he teased.
“She’s smart and protective,” said Misty. “I’m lucky to have found her.”
“Brad’s just teasing. You should see Brad with my dog, Pirate,” said Dani. “Talk about a doting dad.”
Everyone laughed at the sheepish expression that crossed Brad’s face.
“Is the new vet single?” asked JoEllen.
“I’m pretty sure he is,” Misty responded.
Just then, David walked in with Gage.
David approached the table and introduced Gage to everyone there.
After they sat down, Gage turned to Aaron Collister, who owned Collister Construction with his half-brother, Brad. “I understand you’re very talented with animals and that people call on you sometimes to help them with behavior problems.”
“He’s like an animal whisperer,” said Crystal, smiling at Aaron.
Aaron studied Gage. “Why do you ask?”
“I have a dog at the Animal Rescue Center who needs some individual work. I’m sure she’s been abused, but I don’t want to give up on her.”
“I’ll stop by,” said Aaron.
Misty listened to the exchange with interest. Aaron had a quiet, calming assurance about him. Aaron’s Native American mother, from the Abenaki tribe, was a healer before she died, and Aaron was left with Brad’s family.
JoEllen beamed at Gage. “I hear a Southern accent. Where are you from?”
“Virginia,” Gage said. “And you?”
“I’m from the Midwest, but I feel like a native of this town after my sister married Brad. I came to visit them often before she died,” said JoEllen.
Gage looked from her to Brad.
“I’ve since married Dani,” said Brad, putting an arm around her.
Misty knew from the tense way Brad spoke that JoEllen had touched a nerve as she often did when conversing with someone in the group.
“How’s the dog?” Gage asked Misty.
She felt a huge smile cross her face. “It’s a perfect match. I’m not staying too much longer. I’m testing to see how Sugar does with being left alone in my house.”
“Even if she misses you, it’s good for her to be there alone, to think of it as her place to protect,” said Gage.
Misty felt herself relax.
Emmett arrived with Crystal. Everyone moved to make room for them at one of the tables.
“How is everyone?” Emmett asked. “It’s my night off, so I can relax.” He spoke to Misty. “I hear you got a dog to protect you.”
“Yes, she’s a sweetie. Very alert, very attentive,” said Misty. She opened her phone and passed a photo of Sugar around.
Amid all the positive comments, Crystal said, “It’s important, everyone, to keep an eye on one another. This town has always been known for that. It’s something we don’t want to lose even as the town continues to grow.”
“Yeah, at first it was annoying, but I get it,” said Cooper, a literary agent married to Taylor. Though they lived most of the year in New York City, they’d grown to love their time in Lilac Lake.
“Where are you living?” Whitney asked Gage.
“Just outside of town. On a piece of property near the Collister’s Farm Stand. The house needs some work, but I have some acreage and a small barn, which is nice for the two horses I have.”
“Oh, I love cowboys,” said JoEllen, and many at the two tables for locals rolled their eyes.
Misty noticed the look of amusement on Gage’s face and realized he already understood what kind of person JoEllen was. He caught her eye and winked.
Sitting across from her, David grinned at them, and she felt its warmth.
Much of the following conversation was learning about Poppy and Gage. Listening to them talk about their reasons for coming to Lilac Lake, Misty realized how important it was to add new people to the mix. It kept relationships from getting stale, and it helped keep a sense of community.
Misty stayed long enough to have a beer and a salad and then excused herself. “Sorry, but I have to get back home to check on Sugar. I don’t want to leave her for too long. Nice to see everyone and to have Poppy and Gage join us.”
David stood. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thanks,” said Misty. Of them all, David was the one person who knew how scared she’d been at the thought of seeing her ex-boyfriend.
Outside the bar, Misty turned to David. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I’m very thankful for Sugar and feel much better about things.”
“Don’t forget. You promised me you would take a couple of karate lessons. I teach at Kung Fu Karate, which is run by the regional high school. I’m an instructor tomorrow night. I think you should come and observe a couple of classes. Then I can arrange to teach you on your own.”
“Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll feel better knowing I can defend myself.”
“It’s important.” David looked down and shuffled his feet. When he lifted his gaze to her, she noted a flicker of sadness and wondered if she’d imagined it.
“I was small for my age and bullied by one kid in school who moved away in the eighth grade,” he said. “But for a year, he made my life miserable. That’s when my parents signed me up for karate lessons. It changed my life. I was never bullied again.”
“You’re very tall now,” said Misty, studying his trim but muscular frame.
He chuckled. “It surprised us all when the growth spurt happened suddenly. I went from being one of the shortest kids in class to one of the tallest.”
She studied him for a moment. “You’re always trying to help me. I appreciate it.”
He put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re a strong woman. You’ve had a horrible experience and are doing your best to rebuild your life…” his voice drifted off.
Misty had the feeling he wanted to say more, but he remained silent.
He leaned down and quickly kissed her cheek, leaving behind a fluttering sensation inside her.
As he walked away, she realized she hadn’t pulled away from him and lifted a hand to touch her cheek.
###
Misty went to the front door of her house to unlock it, curious to see what she’d find inside. She could hear Sugar barking. Smiling at the fierceness of it, Misty opened the door and then laughed as the dog lunged for her with enthusiastic cries of joy.
Misty set down her purse and lifted the dog into her arms, giggling as Sugar covered her cheeks with kisses.
“Aw, sweetie, I missed you too,” Misty murmured, thrilled by the dog’s response to her.
“And good dog for barking. You sounded like a big, ferocious guard dog, not the softie you are.”
Misty set the dog down. Closing the door behind her, she went into her living room, pleased to see everything in order.
“I don’t know what Cassandra Overton did to train you so well, but I can’t wait to thank her in person,” she said to Sugar.
“I’ll call tomorrow morning to make an appointment for us to see her. ”
Sugar looked up at her and wagged her tail as Misty picked up her leash.
Misty got ready for bed after taking Sugar for a walk in the neighborhood, allowing her to sniff a lot and become accustomed to her new surroundings.
She was surprised when Sugar jumped up on her bed, laid her head on one of the pillows, and curled up with contentment.
“So, that’s how it is, huh?” There was no question about where Sugar intended to sleep, and it was all right with Misty.
###
Misty got up and dressed for her usual walk. This morning, she’d show Sugar her normal route. They’d have to change the routine as soon as school started, but until then, she’d stick to her summer one.
As they headed out of the house, Misty observed Sugar’s calm behavior on her leash and was thrilled by the idea of having the dog accompany her. Lilac Lake didn’t have a lot of crime, but the thought of Vince finding her had become a real possibility in her mind.
Walking down the street, Misty waved to a few people who drove by and headed for the park David’s family had created.
When she entered it, she saw David’s mother talking to an elderly gentleman. Unwilling to disturb her, she walked by them and took a seat on a bench in the back corner.
Sugar sat peacefully at Misty’s feet and then lay down.
Misty drew in deep breaths and closed her eyes, feeling her body relax as she breathed in the sweet smell of the flowers.
When she sensed someone nearby, Misty’s eyes flashed open.
“ ’Morning,” said David’s mother. “It’s nice to see you.”
Misty smiled at her. “Hi, Susie. How are you?”
“I’m good. Mind if I sit down? I want to see this lovely dog. David has raved about her.”
“Meet Sugar,” said Misty with a note of possessiveness and pride that surprised her.
Sugar sat by, wagging her tail as Susie stroked her ears. “She’s lovely,” Susie said to Misty. “I heard about the scare you had. I understand you went to David’s cabin, but if you need a place to stay for longer, you’re always welcome at my house.”
“Thanks. David is going to teach me some karate moves, and between that and having Sugar to help protect me, I’m hoping I won’t ever need to take you up on your offer.”
Susie gave her a long look. “Physical and emotional abuse can take a toll on a person. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone about it. I grew up with an abusive father until my mother divorced him. That’s how I got into nursing and social work.”
“Thanks. I talked to Roberta Humphreys after I first returned to town. She’s been helpful,” said Misty. “I’m working on some exercises she suggested, and it might be helpful to talk to you about them.”
“I’d be delighted. Roberta has an excellent reputation,” said Susie, still stroking the dog’s ears. “Time is flying by. You must be anxious to start school.”
“Yes, it’ll be exciting to meet all my students. We’re in school for a couple of days before the Labor Day weekend, and then we resume our full schedule.”
“I don’t mean to sound presumptuous, but I have a few things of Lily’s that I thought you might be able to use. Clothing and other items. You and she are about the same size, and it would make me happy to put them to use.”
“That’s very sweet of you. I’d be glad to look and see if there’s anything I can use,” said Misty, touched by Susie’s thoughtfulness.
Susie beamed at her. “Fine. I’m available anytime tomorrow if you’re able to come to the house. Let me know what time works for you.”
“Tomorrow afternoon is perfect,” said Misty. “Shall we say two o’clock?”
“Yes, thank you.” Susie took hold of Misty’s hand and squeezed it before she stood. “You’re welcome to bring Sugar.”
“Okay, thanks.” Misty studied her as Susie made her way through the park, stopping to pick weeds from a flower bed before going on her way.
Misty treasured their friendship.