Page 96 of Embracing Trust

“I’ll get her started,” I say as I reach down and give the dog another pat. “I’ll go easy on you, girl.”

Dixie lets out a big yawn and stretches. She lowers herself on the driveway and rests her head on her front paws.

Lydia invites Jeff and Dina inside for lemonade. We gather in the living room and Dixie lays at my feet.

Once Jeff and Dina are gone, I take Dixie on a short walk around the neighborhood. She’s a nice dog with a good temperament. I’m looking forward to having her around. I’m thankful I didn’t have to wait too long to be matched with Dixie.

Hopefully, Dixie and I will be good for each other. I’m sure she misses her original family as much as I miss Julia. Looks like Dixie and I have a few things in common—missing the people who meant the most to us.

Chapter Forty-one

Julia

Something startles me and I open my eyes as I try to recognize where I am. It’s dark and the air is warm and stuffy. I’m groggy and disoriented.

Just having a nice nap in my bed.

A pounding at the front door echoes through the house.

I toss the covers off and take my time as I trudge my way through the living room to my front door. I cautiously peer out the sidelight window. I let out a sigh of relief when I see my best friend on the porch. If it’d been Ryan, I would’ve gone straight back to bed without answering.

I open the door and Merilee steps into the foyer. Her eyebrows knit together. “Hey, what’s up?” She takes another look at me. “Did I wake you?”

I shrug. “It’s okay.” I move to the couch, toss a few crumpled towels to the side, and plop down. The towels are clean—I just haven’t gotten around to folding them.

“Just stopping by to check in,” Merilee says as she takes a seat on my couch. “I thought I’d catch you finishing up your workday.” She picks up a dishcloth, lays it across her lap, and folds it.

Finishing up my workday? It hasn’t even started.

“Yeah, I’m not working today.”

Geez, quit folding my towels.

Merilee looks me up and down. “Well, you look comfortable and relaxed.”

I look down. I’ve been in these stretchy lounge pants and t-shirt for a few days now.

I didn’t feel like showering today. I’m tired. Exhausted actually.

I’d like to leave, but this is my house. Merilee needs to go home. “Why don’t you just come right out and say it? I look like shit, okay? I know I do, and I don’t really care.”

Merilee swallows hard and fiddles with the washcloth on her lap. She looks up, sits straighter on my couch, and sets the washcloth aside. “You can’t stay holed up in here forever, you know.”

I don’t need a lecture about how I can’t let this ruin my life, Merilee.

I fold my arms across my chest. “I can if I want to.”

“No, you can’t. You’ll run out of food.”

I narrow my eyes and hold back a grin. Leave it to Merilee to try and get a smile out of me. “I’ll call for delivery.”

“Eventually you’ll run out of money if you’re not working,” Merilee challenges with a grin.

“I’ll become a call girl and do the dirty in here. I’ll make my customers bring me food.”

“Not dressed like that you won’t,” Merilee says with a chuckle. “And definitely notsmellinglike that either.”

I crawl across the towels on the couch to Merilee’s open arms. I didn’t think any more tears could flow, but I not only manage to cry another small waterbody, but I also expel loud sobs.

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