Page 10 of Happily Ever After

“I know it,” Essie said. “Frank loves their brisket. They’re okay with dogs?”

“They are on the patio. They even put water bowls out. I understand the menu hasn’t changed in years,” Maude said.

Essie smiled. “That does sound good.”

“We can easily take the golf carts,” Maude added. “I’m sure Milo thinks he should be fed again anyway.”

Milo chose that second to wander over and sit at Maude’s feet and look up at her happily, as if the very mention of food had gotten his attention.

“See?” Maude said.

Essie watched Maple sniff a dandelion, then glance around as if checking to see where Milo was. “I wasn’t planning on doing much else today,” she said with a little shrug.

“Great.” Maude nodded. That was what she’d thought.

They stood together as the dogs made another pass around the park. As soon as Milo returned, Maude clipped his leash back on, then waited while Essie did the same with Maple, who cooperated after a brief pause and a look that suggested she had opinions about leaving already.

“First dog park visit went well,” Maude said.

“I think so,” Essie replied. “She seems calm in a good way, which is what I was hoping for.”

Maude smiled. “I hear that.”

They headed back toward the carts, the sun higher now, the park still busy behind them.

At the carts, Essie settled Maple onto the seat beside her, making sure the leash was secure. Milo hopped up into Maude’s golf cart without instruction, curling at her feet like he’d done this a hundred times before.

She kind of wondered if he wasn’t showing off for Maple.

“Thanks,” Essie said, glancing over with a smile. “I’m looking forward to lunch. It was a good suggestion and now I don’t have to mess up my kitchen.”

Maude grinned, starting her cart. “That’s always a win.”

“It is.” Essie nodded. “Go on, I’ll follow you.”

Maude pulled out of the dog park lot and headed toward the gate, the breeze picking up as Essie drove behind her. Maude kept her eyes on the path ahead. She felt better knowing Essie wasn’t going straight home.

Sometimes lunch was just lunch. But sometimes it was exactly what was needed. And time with a friend was never a bad idea.

The Smokehouse was busy when they pulled up, the patio half full despite the increasing warmth. Ceiling fans turned energetically overhead, keeping the air moving at a good pace. The tantalizing aroma of smoked meat drifted out toward the parking area, making Maude’s mouth water.

They both found spots for their carts, then walked to the covered patio with the dogs’ leashes kept short. Milo strutted in like everyone there had been waiting for him, standard golden retriever energy. Maple followed more cautiously, staying close to Essie’s leg as they stood looking for an available table.

They claimed one near the back side, shaded by some live oaks and far enough from the walkway that the dogs could settle without being stepped over. Milo lay down immediately, chin on his paws. Maple circled once, then curled up beside Essie’s chair.

“She did great at the park today,” Essie said quietly, glancing down. “She’s really adjusting to her new life.”

Maude nodded. “First dog park, first lunch out. It’s a big day for little Maple.”

A server appeared a moment later, carrying two waters and two menus. “I’ll be right back to get your orders. We’ve got the pulled pork sandwich with one side on special today,” she said, setting the glasses down. “The dogs can have water, too, if you want.”

“That would be great,” Essie said.

Maude waited until the server moved on before speaking again. “So,” she said, lowering her voice. “Paige is recording her interview with Cece today. Might even be done by now.”

Essie looked up. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot that was today.”

“Mm-hmm. This morning, actually.” Maude picked up her water and took a sip. “Today’s the day she takes Darcy’s power away from her.”