They cleaned up and then Mrs. C took off her apron, which was the last thing she did every day. Buddy saw her do it and was instantly alert. Bandit never even twitched.
“You naughty boy, you know what comes now, don’t you?”
“Are you going to feed him again? Because he’ll get fat.”
“No, he’s still lean, and I don’t give him too much.” Taking down a jar Lani hadn’t seen until now, she poured out a handful of dog biscuits and held them out for Buddy.
“I’m going to take him for a walk,” Lani said. “I’ll put Bandit outside until I return.”
“You go on. He’s fine in here, just remember to take your keys.”
“I will, and thanks, Mrs. C, for everything.”
“You’re a blessing, is what you are, Lani, so don’t think I’m doing you a favor.”
“But you are.”
Mrs. C rested her hip on the counter and looked at Lani. “You ever want someone to talk to, you know I’m here for you, don’t you?”
Of course she’d known Mrs. C was sharp and not much got by her, but she hadn’t said anything before now, so Lani thought maybe she wouldn’t. Turned out she was wrong. Like a few of the people in this town, Mrs. C had noticed something with Lani was off.
“Thank you, but I’m all right.” Lani used her standard response, although it was getting harder to stop at that lately.
Mrs. C simply nodded, then waved her out the door.
With Buddy on her heels, she headed down the street, waving to people who acknowledged her as she walked.
“Hello, Lani, I just heard from Buster you made a cake and decorated it for the charity auction.”
Walt and Lizzie Heath stopped to talk to her. To her surprise, Hope had told her they had both once been professional dancers.
“I have. I hope it raises money for the preschool.”
“I’m sure it will. We’re doing a dancing exhibition. Do you dance, Lani?” Lizzie asked her.
“I don’t. I was a cheerleader.”
“You need to be strong and skilled for that. Maybe you could do some tumbles at the Potato Festival.”
“Ah… it’s been a while.”
“You never forget, dear,” Walt said. “Hello, Buddy.”
The dog sat quietly while they scratched his head.
“Well see you at the festival, Lani.”
Waving, Lani walked down the road and then onto the trail that wound through the trees.
When she let down her guard, Lani had to admit that Lake Howling suited her. She felt like this place could be a good fit. Could she have friends and a home?Could she take a chance on that?
It was likely she wouldn’t be found here—it had been four years—but there was also Noah. He didn’t want anything more than sex from her, but if she stayed, would that be enough? The burning in her chest when he was close told her that more than just her body wanted him, but she wasn’t about to acknowledge any more than that.
She had once given herself unconditionally to a man, and because of him she was where she was today. Broke and running.
She walked and thought about her future, but a sound stopped her. Like someone was being ill, or coughing. Whoever was making those noises was in distress. Lani walked off the track in the direction it came from.
She rounded a large trunk and found a form huddled on the ground before her.
