Faith: 6
Rose: 6
Could I spend all this volunteering time with Adam?
I decided for now I would not answer the email; I needed time and space to see it better.
I pulledup at the multipurpose B & B, which served as a community center and events center as well as law office, and shut the door on my car. Looks like they finished painting it over Thanksgiving. I know they were rushing to finish before the hard freeze. The B&B was a Victorian-style house that held charm and history. It had dark purple shuttersand a fresh-wood railing around the porch. They had been working hard to get it fixed up, but because of the historical funding and guidelines, they had run into a few logistical bumps.
I was in my usual after-school attire, leggings and a loose sweater. I love my pencil skirts and heels, but there was something amazing about taking off the professional layer and being all about comfort. My mother would be horrified that I was in public like this.
The sign at the door said DOORBELL BROKEN YELL DING DONG. They had fixed the doorbell, but Marissa would never take down the sign; she laughed every time she saw it.
I knocked softly.
“Come in!” Marissa hollered from somewhere inside.
I opened the old wooden door and was met by London, their golden retriever. She wagged her tail in excitement as I rubbed behind her ears. “Hey girl!”
She eagerly licked my extended hand, hoping for a secret treat.
I squatted down as I reached for the treat in my pocket. Her brown eyes shone as her tail picked up speed. I held out the little cookie bone. “Here you go.” I was never allowed pets growing up, and I couldn’t wait until I had my own place. I would have to be careful, or I would eagerly take in every animal I saw.
London took the cookie and rushed into the kitchen.
I walked through the foyer into a small kitchen with mismatched cupboards and faded yellow wallpaper. Marissa was in her usual 80’s band T-shirt and jeans; her jean jacket was hanging on the hook behind her. It was threadbare and sported a few patches now. Her cellphone was pressed against her ear and a planner was in her hand.
Scott really had changed her. Maybe changed was the wrong word.
He made her feel safe and able to explore who she was. She used to run from anything that resembled planning, and now look at her.
I walked to the freezer and grabbed the three little cartons of ice cream.
Marissa nodded and took down a few notes. “Yes, that weekend is available for both a wedding ceremony and reception.”
I set down the ice cream and grabbed spoons.
“Yep, I put you on the calendar. Thanks so much for thinking of us.”
London came back over to me and barked.
“Shhh, London.” I had brought only one treat, and she was obviously ready for another.
“All right. Yep. We will be in touch.” Marissa hung up and smiled at me. “That’s going to be our third wedding next year.”
“That’s great!”
She sighed and plopped down in the chair next to me as I passed her the Chunky Monkey ice cream.
Rose threw open the door. “Don’t start without me!”
Rose’s heeled boots clicked against the aged wooden floors as she made her way to the kitchen. London greeted her with kisses and a wagging tail. Rose hated animals, and I think London could sense it and was determined to change her mind. She raised up and put her paws on her black shirt.
“London! Down,” Marissa called.
London dropped to the ground but licked Rose’s hand on the way.
“Ugh! Sick!” She wiped her hands off on her pants. “Go away, London.” She threw her hands out. London doubled her loving efforts, jumping up on Rose again.
