Page 50 of Goalie Interference

“I know I don’t have to but it’s beautiful.”

Her hands fluttered. “Thanks. So, anyway, we decided to eat and talk.”

“I don’t want to be a nuisance.”

“No, she’s going to pressure me to take over the shop, and I could use the buffer.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Okay, I need to shower. I was walking Bob today and he drools.”

“Imagine that.” She held back a grin as she looked at Beast, who of course was drooling.

“Anyway, just let me know when you’re leaving and I’ll take Beast out to pee so he’s okay in the apartment for a while.”

“Are you worried about Goober upsetting him?”

“Who’s going to hear?”

She grinned. “Fair point. Okay, I’ll need maybe an hour.”

Sophie estimated well. She stopped at the carriage house with her Honda just short of an hour later and carefully wrapped the neck of the guitar before laying it in the back seat. We drove to String Theory, the route familiar to me after my trips to the shelter. She asked how that was going, and even though I didn’t usually talk a lot, she laughed as I told her about Howie and Bob and some of the other dogs I’d walked with Beast.

“You think it’s helping him?”

“I’m not sure if Goober is making him social so he’s getting along with the other dogs, or the other way around.”

“Maybe it’s because of you.”

My cheeks warmed as I shook my head. My talents stopped at the rink. And fortunately for me, we’d arrived at the shop.

Diane didn’t seem to mind when we both stepped in the door. Sophie unwrapped the guitar neck with the star inlay. Diane held it up to the body, to see how it would look when assembled.

“That’s gorgeous, Sophie. They’re going to love it.” Diane was right if even a guitar philistine like me could see how beautiful it was.

“Thanks.” Sophie was smiling widely, pleased to have her work appreciated by someone who knew what they were doing.

“I told her it was beautiful. Though what I don’t know about guitars could fill a couple of books.” My compliment might be less awkward when Diane had already backed up my words.

“Here, let me show you something.” Diane pulled out a guitar and carefully set it on the table.

“Wow.” I didn’t know guitars, but this was impressive.

Sophie shot me a glance. “It’s a classical guitar, in case you’re wondering. The back and sides are made of rosewood, and the top is a special European spruce. The grain pattern on this one is incredible.” Her fingers just grazed the surface. “The wood is expensive, but Diane can be trusted to do the material justice.”

Diane smirked. “I’m not the only one, Sophie.”

Sophie ignored the comment. “I can’t wait to hear how it sounds when you’re done.”

Diane set it back in a stand. “I’m looking forward to that too. Which reminds me, have you thought more about taking over?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”

“But you’re not sure.”

Sophie sighed. “You’re a tough act to follow. I’m afraid people will be disappointed with what I can do after they’ve been working with you.”

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