“Will you call me if you need me?”
“Absolutely,” she assured him before getting up and reaching for Ice’s harness. Finding her way back to her room, she dialed Rayne’s number.
“Hello, Scarlett,” Rayne answered.
“Hey, you. I’m moving into a cabin this week. When you visit, we can bunk together. You’ll get to meet my new partner, Ice.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m thrilled for you. Congratulations. How do you feel?” Rayne asked.
“I’m glad I came. People are friendly here. I worked with three women, Edie, Barb and Debbie. They’re real gems. Debbie’s such a sweetheart and checks on me all the time. She doesn’t treat me like I’m blind. It’s refreshing,” Scarlett said. “Plus, I met a guy. He’s sweet and owns the restaurant beside the community center. He brought me dessert after I faceplanted in front of his building.”
“I sense a story there,” Rayne teased. “I’ll fly in on Friday and stay until Tuesday. I have plenty of things to keep me occupied while you have PT. Don’t worry about trying to entertain me the entire time.”
“We’ll figure it out when you get here. Kassie invited me to a bonfire.”
“I’m happy for you, Scarlett. It sounds like you found a place to get your bearings. I can’t wait to catch up,” Rayne said proudly.
“I gotta go. Ice needs a potty break and we’re headed to town. I’ll see you soon,” Scarlett exclaimed.
“Goodbye,” Rayne said before hanging up.
Scarlett reached for Ice and directed him to her door. They stepped into the hallway, but he stopped and whined beside her next-door neighbor’s room.
“What’s the matter, boy?” she asked, giving him a pet and wondering if she gave him a wrong command. He whimpered again.
“It’s not our room, buddy. We’ll only be here a couple of nights, and then we’re heading to a cabin. Maybe it won’t confuse you as much,” she said to him. “Forward.” Ice did as she commanded, and she met Candy outside. She waited beside the van while Scarlett gave Ice his potty break and got in.
“How did your first night go?” Candy asked.
“Ice knows what he’s doing. We didn’t have any problems,” she reported.
“Good. Today, we’re going into the land of the unknown. I want you to pretend I’m not with you. Do things you might do when Rayne comes to visit you,” Candy instructed.
“I did have one question. Before we met you, I brought Ice out into the hall and he stopped beside the room to my left. He cried and didn’t move right away. I thought he might be confused,” Scarlett added.
“Oh. He stopped by Hannah’s room. Animals have a sixth sense. They seem to know when someone’s hurting.”
“Can I do anything for her?” Scarlett asked, concerned about her neighbor.
“I doubt it,” she said sadly. “Sometimes it takes time for people to find their way. You found yours quicker than others. Hopefully, Hannah will feel better soon.”
Scarlett rubbed Ice behind the ears,grateful for everything yet feeling bad one of her fellow sisters might be hurting. Candy parked the car.
“I’m following behind you. Ignore me, and let’s see what you can do without me. If you need me, raise your hand,” she instructed.
Scarlett gripped her cane and nervously licked her lips. She started down the sidewalk, recalling Ty’s restaurant was on the left side of the community center. She decided to drop by her job and show Debbie, her new friend. It took a couple of tries before she found the door handle and made her way inside.
“Oh my heavens, Scarlett,” Debbie gushed. “He’s beautiful. You two were meant for one another. I see why they gave him to you. It’s like you’re fire and he’s Ice. How perfect.”
“I came in by myself. I mean, Candy’s following me, but I did it alone,” she said, feeling excited.
“Of course, you did. You have a good head on those shoulders. I’m not a bit surprised,” Debbie said, sounding confident.
“I haven’t seen Allie pair anyone up this quickly. You must be doing awesome,” Barb interjected.
“I heard you’re moving into a cabin,” Edie said, patting her arm. I made you a little something to celebrate. She handed her a bag with a box containing a fresh pecan pie.
“Thank you, Edie,” Scarlett said, hugging her. “Ice and I must be going.” She turned Ice around and fixed the bag on the crook of her arm while she used her cane, thinking she might invest in a backpack. She led Ice to Ty’s, hoping he might be there.
