Chapter Seven
Tiffany didn’t understand what was happening.
Her brain told her to be suspicious of Connor’s kindness, but her gut said to trust him. So, she went with that. She’d told her story many times in the five years since she’d been clean, but this was different.
Those times were to help ladies who were in situations similar to what she’d gone through, or to people wanting to help her, like Rachel and the other staff at Hope House.
Not an ex-boyfriend. One with whom she’d discussed marriage. One with whom she was the cause of the breakup.
She glanced down at the clothes she wore, an obscure attempt to use them to comfort her emotions as they did her tired body. It didn’t work. Her day had been long, fraught with sadness and upheaval.
Connor watched her, waiting for her to make the move on if she continued the conversation. He wouldn’t push her. That had never been his style.
The doorbell rang, the arrival of their food temporarily granting her reprieve. She rushed to her feet and then the door. Lilly followed at her heels, yelping at the ring of the bell and intrusion into her serenity.
Tiffany grabbed money from her purse to tip the driver. He waved it away, saying the tip already was more than generous.
She held it out again. “It’s rainy and nasty out. You deserve extra.”
This time, he accepted the cash. “Thank you. Enjoy your meal.”
Turning around, she saw Connor standing behind her. A smile crossed his face. “Straight from the containers like old times?”
Unbidden, her own lips turned upward. “I despise doing dishes.”
“Some things never change.” He took the bag from her. “Table or sofa?”
“Sofa’s fine. What do you want to drink? I have cans of coke, instant tea, or bottled water.”
“A can of coke’s good, thanks.”
She grabbed two cans from the refrigerator, and a straw for her. If she had to guess, Connor still drank his straight from the can, no straw needed. “Well, Lilly, here’s your test on not begging. Think you’ll pass?”
Lilly tilted her black and tan head, and gave such an innocent expression, Tiffany laughed. “I have a feeling you won’t, but maybe I’ll be surprised.”
“Would you like me to kennel her?” Connor asked.
“No, I’ll give her a chance. She’s done semi-okay on the meals I’ve had so far since she’s come.”
He raised a doubtful brow. “Semi?”
“Not at all, but she has to learn, right?” She handed him a can then sat down on the opposite end of the sofa.
“If you point at her and give a firm no, she’ll listen, but you can’t smile while doing it. Ask me how I know.”
“But it’s so hard not to smile at her.”
“You’re preaching to the choir.” He smiled at Lilly, then looked at Tiffany. “Try it if she begs.”
It only took the length of time for the to-go trays to be opened before Lilly was at their feet, staring up and barking for a bite.
Tiffany tried what Connor had told her to do, but she couldn’t stop her smile. “No, Lilly.”
The dog didn’t listen.
“I told you it wouldn’t work if you smiled.”
“But look how cute she is,” Tiffany protested. “How can I resist those big brown eyes.”
