Page 6 of Rain Delay

Finn greeted me as I walked into the living room. I looked around and spotted Ivy curled up on the sofa. I’m guessing the big guy woke her up to go out early.

“Come on, let’s get you some breakfast.”

The dog followed me into the kitchen and watched my every move as I put a scoop of food into his bowl. He dug right in and I double-checked that he had water before moving on to my own breakfast.

I’d gotten some basics at a small corner store yesterday, but want to find a supermarket today to better stock the refrigerator. But I have eggs, milk, and bread so I’ll make French toast. I grabbed everything I’d need and also a box of frozen breakfast sausage I’d spotted in the freezer yesterday.

Finn had eaten all his food and now made loud lapping sounds as he moved to his water bowl. I laughed when he paused and let out a loud burp.

After beating a few eggs in a large bowl, I added milk, vanilla, and cinnamon then tossed in eight slices of bread, pushing them down so both sides could absorb the mixture. Once that was settled, I pulled a griddle out of the cupboard and set it on the stove to preheat. Grabbing a frying pan from the overhead rack, I dropped in the sausage and put it on the back burner.

I tested the griddle and decided to give it a couple more minutes. Finn sat at the edge of the island watching me.

“Do you need more water?” I walked over and checked the bowl. Yep, it was empty. I reached down and picked it up then gave him a refill. “It’s hot down here. You need to stay hydrated.” He watched me as though he understood every word I said. “Let’s see if the griddle is ready.” I pulled the fork out of the bowl of soon-to-be French toast and let the egg mixture drip onto the griddle and smiled as it popped and splattered. “Looks like we’re good.”

I pushed the bread down again, giving it another good dunk before lifting a dripping slice and placing it on the griddle. I repeated that three more times, then checked on the sausage.

“I hope your mom likes French toast.” Finn watched my every move, probably hoping I’d drop something. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get a taste.”

I flipped the slices in quick succession then used the spatula to roll the sausage before setting it on the edge of the griddle. Pulling a coffee pod off the rack, I dropped it in the machine, and pushed the start button, remembering to place a mug underneath at the last minute.

“That was close,” I said to Finn.

I placed the first batch of French toast on a platter and added the remaining four slices to the griddle. While that cooked, I washed the bowl and cleaned the countertop before setting the table.

Finn had settled right next to the island so I had to step over him as I walked back and forth. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a dog and I’ve forgotten how great it is having one around. I was telling him exactly that when Ivy peeked up from the couch, her honey-blonde curls wild around her head.

“You’re just in time. Breakfast is almost ready.”

“You made breakfast?” she asked as she sat and dragged her fingers through her hair. I watched as she wrangled it into a ponytail then did some sort of magic trick that tied it into a loose knot on the top of her head.

“French toast and sausage,” I said and added everything to the platter and turned off the stove. “Finn said you like both.”

As soon as he heard Ivy’s voice, Finn stood and walked over to her. He had a huge smile on his face as she rubbed his sides. Can’t say I blame him.

“He did, did he?” She kissed his head and scratched his neck.

“Do you want coffee?”

She stood and Finn followed her to the island.

“I’ll get it. You don’t have to wait on me.” Looking around she asked, “Is there anything I can do?”

“Just make your coffee. There’s no juice or creamer. But there is milk if you don’t take it black.”

I inched by her and carried the platter of food to the table then sat and filled my plate. Ivy joined me as I poured syrup over everything.

“Sorry about conking out on the couch. Finn was up early and we hung outside for a while. I planned on sitting down for a minute when we came back in, but obviously fell asleep.” She added two slices of French toast to her plate along with a couple pieces of sausage. “I hope he didn’t bother you too much.”

“No, he’s great.”

I placed the syrup on the table and pushed it in her direction. She picked up the bottle and tipped it over her plate.

“I’m still amazed he took to you so fast. It usually takes him a long time to warm up to new people, especially men.”

“Gingers stick together. Right buddy?”

Finn turned his head in my direction, probably hoping food was coming his way. But I’ll follow Ivy’s lead on offering him something from the table.

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