Monica smiles. “That’s Jessie. He’s a comedian. Loves to goof around.”
“That sounds perfect.” I smile raggedly. “I’ll take him. Can I pick him up on Christmas Eve?”
“Sure. I’ll take care of him til then.”
“Great.” I reach into my pocket and pull out my checkbook. “Is a check alright?”
“Of course.” We walk away to discuss the puppy’s needs and what else I’ll need to get and just as I hit the doorway, I turn back to see Aspen leaning over the little walls, a single tear trickling down her cheek.
I don’t know what I did but if just being around me now hurts her like this, I’ll have to let her go.
I can’t bear to hurt her anymore than I already have.
Closing my eyes in pain, I open them and smile at the curious woman in front of me.
“Thank you so much for letting me interrupt your day.”
“Sure.” She smiles. “I’d do anything for Aspen. She’s a wonderful person.”
“Yeah. Yeah she is.”
Turning away, I write out the check and then hand it to her. “Thank you. I’ll come out here at seven on Christmas Eve if that’s alright.”
“It’s perfect. He’ll just have eaten and he’ll be nice and quiet.”
Smiling grimly, I nod my head. “Sounds perfect.”
“Thank you for giving him a good home. I hope your daughter loves him.”
“She will.” I shake her hand and then turn back to the living room.
I reach the doorway and there’s Aspen, staring off into space while she cuddles a wriggling puppy.
“Thank you for coming with me to do this.”
“Sure.” She shrugs her shoulder. “I think she’s going to love him.” She sets him down inside and then drags her feet to the door.
“I better get you home. I’m sure that you’re busy. I’m sorry I messed up your day.”
“You didn’t mess anything up. I am happy that I could help you get this set up for Charlie. She’s gonna love Jessie.”
And then she climbs up into my car and that’s the last thing she says to me the whole way home.
CHAPTER 9
Aspen
It’s been days since I saw Charlie and Sebastian and it feels like a million years.
I crave his touch like a physical pain.
Every time I try and sculpt a new vase for an online order, they turn into his gorgeous face with high cheekbones and that glorious smile that makes my belly flutter like there’s a million butterflies in there.
I glance out the window and see Charlie staring at my house. I lift my hand and then let it fall.
I’m sure she’s busy too. Tis the season after all.
I tried to call my mom on the ship but there was no answer and then she sent me a text that said she’s having so much fun.
