Fast steps echoed, and her grandmother reappeared. “We’re all set.”
“Set for what?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Elizabeth grabbed her keys off the hook. “I’ll drive.”
“Can Chester tag along?”
“I don’t see why not.”
Out on the sidewalk, Morgan waited while Elizabeth locked up. They hopped into Burnie, her grandmother’s burnt orange Ford LTD Crown Victoria and backed out of the parking spot.
Morgan braced herself, waiting for her grandmother to hit the gas. Her head snapped back, and off they went, roaring down the street. “The speed limit is twenty-five,” she reminded her.
“You’re right.” Elizabeth took her foot off the gas. “I need to learn to slow down.”
Zipping down a side street, they reached the main thoroughfare, but from the opposite direction of the diagonal parking spaces.
“Maybe we should…”
It was too late. Elizabeth swung Burnie around in a wide loop and careened into an empty parking spot. Morgan squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the “crunch” of metal on metal.
“Whatever are you doing?”
Her eyes flew open. “Waiting for you to swipe the bumper of the car next to you.”
“I wasn’t even close. I had plenty of room.”
Despite her grandmother’s insistence, Morgan cautiously eased the passenger side door open. “C’mon Chester.”
Her pup wiggled out of the narrow opening. He hit the ground, ducked down and scampered to the sidewalk.
Sucking in her gut, Morgan shuffled sideways between the vehicles, only able to let out the breath she was holding when she cleared the curb. “Where are we going?”
“Here.” Elizabeth grasped the handle of her purse and gazed up at the newly opened café. “I’ve heard the food is delicious.”
The Harbor Café was busy but not packed, and they easily found a table for two near the front window.
A server promptly arrived and placed a bowl of water on the floor for Chester. “What a cute doggie.”
“Thanks. He’s spoiled rotten.”
“Then I guess you won’t mind if I bring him a doggie treat.”
“Chester will be your new best friend.”
The woman rattled off the daily specials.
“The chicken fajita wrap with seasoned rice sounds perfect,” Morgan said.
“I’ll take the same.” Elizabeth waited for her to jot down their order and walk away. “I’m glad you stopped by today. Tristan seems to be settling in.”
Morgan told her he had mentioned being nervous about starting school. “Brett is meeting with his teacher tomorrow morning and asked if I would go with him.”
“I suggested he call Tristan’s teacher. I see he took my comment to heart and is being proactive.” Elizabeth sipped her water. “I’m proud of how Brett is handling the situation. He seems to genuinely care for his son.”
“He does, although I’m sure there will be a few hiccups along the way.” Morgan crossed her fingers. “So far, so good.”
“Actually, I believe a hiccup has already popped up.”
