Page 44 of The Love Shack

Berkley considered that a great idea, especially since she could barely stay upright in the straight-backed chair.

Before she dropped into a seat, Berkley helped Gladys up onto the couch, and Betty settled beside her. Hero hopped up, so Berkley took the opposite end of the couch, then propped her feet on the coffee table and put her head back.

To keep from falling asleep, she said, “Gladys has really gotten attached to you.”

Betty cleared her throat. “I’ve been thinking of adopting her.”

That got her attention. “Oh?” She turned her head and found both hope and expectation in Betty’s expression—as if Berkley could deny her anything. Cautiously, she said, “That sounds wonderful.”

“Gladys is old and slow, like me. She’s settled, not a rambunctious puppy that would trip me up and want me to play fetch for hours. We like each other.”

“All true.” Gladys had already curled up beside Betty with her head in her lap. “Maturity can also mean bladder problems.”

“Don’t I know it,” Betty muttered.

That nearly set her off in another fit of giggles, but Berkley managed to keep it together. “Arthritis, too, hip dysplasia.”

“You’re preaching to the choir.” Betty stubbornly insisted, “I want Gladys. We’ll be good company for each other.”

“And when it rains and Gladys gets muddy paws? Or when she leaves messes on the floor?”

“I’ll hire someone to help.”

Berkley reached across the couch, palm up. Surprised, Betty reached back, and they clasped hands. “I’d love nothing more than for you and Gladys to be together. I just want to make sure that you’re not overdoing it.” Her throat got tight, but she didn’t hesitate. “You’re important to me, Betty. The most important person I’ve had in my life since losing my mother.”

Betty’s entire face pinched, her eyes going liquid and her mouth quivering. “Oh, you!” She squeezed Berkley’s fingers, then swiped at her eyes. “Don’t you dare make me cry. I’m such an ugly crier. It’s my worst failing.” She sniffled, alarming Hero, who sat at attention.

Since she loved them both, Berkley let them be themselves. If Betty wanted to cry, then she could cry. If Hero wanted to comfort her, she didn’t think Betty would mind.

They were both wonderful.

Swallowing heavily, and then giving another sniff, Betty composed herself. “Thank you. I honestly never knew how nice it was to be needed.” Her mouth twitched into a crooked smile. “Or how much I wanted that. I’d been alone and independent so long, and I kept assuring myself that I was living my best life.”

“You are,” Berkley said. “You have a wonderful life. The entire town honors you.”

“Honors me, sometimes fears me and often avoids me.” She sighed. “I’ve made friends with many young women lately. They’re kind and they include me, and they’re each special to me. But with you it’s different.”

Berkley smiled. “Because I need you.”

“Maybe you do for now, but that’ll change. You, too, are independent and strong—like me. You’re also young, so you have time to choose a different path, if you want it.”

“If you’re talking about Lawson—”

“I’m talking about embracing the town and everyone in it, including Lawson. I know you’re busy here, and you certainly need some time to recover from whatever bug you have now, but you should join us at the town council. We meet the second and last Thursday of every month at six. Plus we have a tea club now. That’s the first and third Monday of every month.”

Berkley laughed. “That’s a busy schedule you keep.”

“You can find your place here, Berkley. Not just on the periphery, staying out here alone with the shelter animals. In the town, with the people. Good people and annoying people, fun and bossy.”

Berkley tipped her head.

“Okay, yes, I’m the bossy one.”

They shared a soft laugh.

“I’m just saying, you might find people as interesting as animals.”

“And then you think I won’t need you?”

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