Page 27 of Mia Amata

“Do you work?” I asked Randy.

She nodded her head, “Yes, I work at a dentist office in town. I’m a dental hygienist. Josh runs his own business, building houses.”

“Is there much house building going on here in town?” I asked.

“There are quite a lot of houses being built actually. People leave lake life as they get older, wanting to live closer to doctors and stores. Younger people want to live on lakes. He sometimes travels a few hours away to build when it is slow here. In fact, he is leaving Monday for a job site about eight hours away, so he will just stay there during the week.”

“Hence, the reason we got the pups, so I would have companionship, maybe a guard dog while he is away. He worries about me a lot when he has to be gone for days at a time, and I miss him a lot.” She seemed sad at the thought of his leaving Monday. I liked Randy a lot. She seemed very easygoing, and I was hoping she would become a friend.

“Maybe we can get together a couple of times while he is away, make the time go a bit faster for you,” I suggested.

“I’d like that,” she said. “Josh is from here, but I just moved down here recently and still haven’t made a lot of friends yet. Between moving and the new job, I’ve not had a lot of time to socialize. It would be nice to have a friend so close by.”

“Sounds like we are in the same boat,” I replied. “You three are the only people I’ve met. It will be great to get to know you both better.” We smiled at each other and continued to chat while the guys played with the puppies. Pretty soon Jacob and Josh joined us back on the deck, along with the puppies. Lucky came straight to me, so I picked him up, letting him rest in my lap. Jacob took the seat next to me, Josh sitting next to Randy.

Randy looked at Josh, saying “Mattie and I are going to get together a couple times this week while you are gone.”

“That’s great,” he said taking her hand in his. “What do you have planned?”

“Well, nothing yet, but maybe supper out one night.”

“I’d grill for us too,” I said.

“Sounds like you ladies will have a good time.” He looked at Randy, “Maybe you won’t miss me at all.”

“I’ll miss you terribly,” She smiled at him. I watched their interaction with each other and could see how much they loved each other and how happy they were. I glanced at Jacob, to find out he was watching me. We all chatted a little bit, I asked if they wanted to stay for supper.

“We would, but unfortunately we have a family dinner tonight,” Josh said.

“Oh, do you have much family around here?” I asked.

“My parents live close. My sister and her husband live an hour away. Jacob lives about 20 minutes away. We try to get together a couple of times a month at least.”

“That’s nice,” I said. Lucky let out a snore from my lap, and we all laughed.

“They are really nice people,” Randy said. “Josh doesn’t know it, but I’m marrying him only for his family.”

Josh laughed, “I can probably live with that.” We all laughed. “We should probably get going. Where do you want me to put everything?” he asked.

“I’ll open the garage door, and you can bring it in through there.” I sat Lucky down, and we all entered the house.

“This is a gorgeous house!” Randy exclaimed.

“Thank you,” I said. “I am in love with it.”

“I can see why,” she said.

Josh was looking around, “Looks like a good solid house. If you ever need any repairs or anything, give me a call. If I can’t do it myself, I can recommend people.”

“Thanks, I will keep that in mind.” I walked them to the garage door, and we went out that way, retrieving Lucky’s items from Josh’s truck. We left the bucket of dog food in the mud room, and they set everything else on the table. They turned to leave when Randy surprised me, giving me a hug. I hugged her back.

“I am so glad you are here,” she said. “I think we are going to be great friends.”

“I think so too,” I said.

Josh smiled and then walked out with his arm around Randy. Jacob hesitated a moment, then said, “Bye Mia Amata,” then followed the others out to the car. I waved goodbye as they drove off, shutting the garage door behind them.

I shut the door, turning to see Lucky sitting there looking at me. “Well, boy,” I said. “It’s just you and I now. I should have asked if you were housetrained.” My cell phone went off, it was as if Randy read my mind, “BTW L is trained.”

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