“How did her grandmother react after Eloise died?” Becket asked, even though he had a feeling he knew the answer.
“She was gutted. Eloise was like a daughter to her. Other than her dog, Eloise was basically her only family. Eloise was with her grandmother when she got the call asking her to go in for that shift. I think she struggled with the fact that Eloise wasn’t even supposed to work that day.”
Becket’s chest began to burn. “What was her name?”
“Rosemary…Rosemary Symes.”
* * *
Sky smiledas Bella licked her face. A lot of people were so critical of Chinese Cresteds. Dolly had even laughed when she’d learned Bella’s name, which was Italian for beautiful. And Mr. Bruno had walked in that first time and gasped at the sight of her.
“People are just mean,” Sky said, giving Bella another liver strip. “You’re beautiful in your own Bella way.”
The dog made a little sound, almost like she understood Sky’s words and was in agreement.
The playroom was quiet since every other dog had been picked up. Which was unusual. Rosemary never ran late. Dolly had offered to stay, but Sky knew she played bridge on Wednesdays, so she’d refused to let her miss it. Besides, Becket would still be at work, so all she had waiting for her was an empty house.
Maybe she’d get Thai on the way home. Today had been tiring, with a lot of high-energy dogs, and she did not feel like cooking.
The bell for the front door rang through the daycare.
“There’s your mama,” Sky said as she rose.
She attached Bella’s lead to her collar and made her way to the front. Rosemary stood on the other side of the glass, waving.
Another perk of working here—everyone was always happy to pick up their dog at the end of the day. No grumpy interactions.
Sky unlatched the lock and opened the door. “Hey.”
“Hello.” Bella jumped on the older woman, and Rosemary laughed and crouched. “And hello to you, my darling. Have you missed me?”
Bella yapped before licking Rosemary’s face.
Sky grinned. “I’d say that’s a yes.”
Rosemary rose and took the lead from Sky. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I ran a bit behind delivering meals.”
Rosemary cooked meals and sold them to locals, particularly the elderly.
“You are absolutely fine. Although I’m sorry to tell you that Bella might not be too hungry for dinner after all the liver treats she ate.”
The older woman chuckled. “That’s why she loves coming here. One of the many reasons.”
“Well, I hope you—”
“Oh, I actually made a meal for you too. I went a bit crazy on the tuna mornay, so I’d love to give you some.”
“Oh, thank you. That’s so nice of you.”
“Not at all! Unfortunately, my legs are so sore from getting in and out of the delivery van all day. I was wondering if you could get it out?”
Sky didn’t even know she had a delivery van. “Of course I can get it.”
Her cell rang from where she’d left it next to her bag on the front desk. Assuming it was her mother, she’d return the call when she got back inside.
“Are you sure you don’t want to keep the meal for yourself?” she asked. “Save it for later?”
“No, I have enough.”
