“I was just thinking the same thing,” Courtney said. “Have you had a busy day?”
“Not exactly, I must admit,” Olive grinned. “I’ve been retired for a long time, as you can probably tell from my ancient form.”
Courtney laughed. “You rushed over here pretty quickly in pursuit of your little dog, so I wouldn’t exactly call you ancient. You’re faster on your feet than I am. Although, having said that, I am carrying an entire other person around inside me.”
“In that case, you have a very good excuse.” Olive’s gaze dropped to where Courtney’s hands rested on her stomach. “When is your baby due, dear?”
“Six weeks. I’m having a little girl.”
Olive’s expression filled with joy. “That’s wonderful. You must be very excited.”
“I am. Excited and terrified and everything in between.”
“That’s quite natural, I assure you. But once your baby arrives, all the scary thoughts will disappear to make way for the love.”
Touched by this sweet thought, Courtney smiled. “That’s a lovely way to put it.”
“In the meantime, enjoy these moments of peace and quiet while you can. Once your baby is here, you’ll forget you ever had a minute to yourself.” Olive laughed and patted Courtney’s hand. “Although I’m sure I’m not the first person to tell you that.”
“My Aunt Lorraine said exactly the same thing last night when we were all eating dinner.”
“There you go. So, you’re visiting your aunt and uncle for a few days before your baby comes?”
Courtney shifted in her seat and thought about how to answer. “Something like that. They’ve been very kind to me while I’ve been, uh, going through a bit of a rough patch.”
“That’s what family is for. It’s important to be there for each other when times are tough.” Olive looked thoughtful again, as if she was about to say something more, but the little dog appeared between the two of them just then, popping its front paws up onto the bench and wagging its tail.
“Elsa, you are a cheeky scamp, through and through,” Olive said. “If you think you’re getting a gravy bone after that stunt you pulled with the discarded sandwich, you can think again.”
The little dog let out a woof in response, making Courtney laugh.
“I think she understood every word,” Courtney said.
“I think so, too. Although her comprehension is typically selective, as she demonstrated when she scampered off a few minutes ago, despite me shouting at her not to run off.”
“She’s a lovely dog. Have you had her since she was a puppy?”
Olive shook her head. “Elsa isn’t my dog. She belongs to my neighbour, Angela, and her daughter, Lindsey. I help out with walking duties during the week when Angela is at work.”
“That’s a nice thing to do. You’re very kind.”
“I get as much out of the arrangement as Angela does. Walking Elsa gives me a good reason to get out and stretch my legs. When I first began helping with daily walks about a year ago, it was only supposed to be temporary while my neighbour adjusted to a new work schedule and dealt with a few upheavals in her life. In all honesty, my help is no longer strictly required, and when Angela got a promotion at work recently, she suggested employing a paid dog walker to exercise Elsawhen needed. However, I love this little scruff bucket and I love getting out and about, too. So, we continue as we are. I’d miss walking Elsa if I wasn’t doing it any longer.”
Elsa let out another yap.
“It sounds like she’d miss you, too,” Courtney grinned.
“Don’t let her deceive you. She simply wants one of these.”
Olive reached into her pocket and produced a gravy bone. Instantly, Elsa planted herself on the ground and lifted a paw, making Courtney laugh.
“You have her well-trained.”
“No, I thinkshehasmewell-trained.”
They watched the dog munch the treat and then look up hopefully for more. When Olive just flicked her wrist at the creature, Elsa snorted and began sniffing around on the ground instead.
“She’s a character,” Courtney said.
