Page 7 of Brighton

“I think I will, maybe next Saturday.” We finished eating and Edward insisted upon paying the ticket. The catch to these types of places was that you had no option but to exit through the gift shop. Not that it was a hardship for me but given what I’d just spent on the membership I had to walk through with blinders on to keep my spending in check.

“Come, let me walk you to your car.”

Being Brighton, I got lost checking out every single toy in there. The stuffed otters, twice. But in the end, I stood firm with my wallet and spent no more. Edward, however, didn’t do the same, though I didn’t see what he’d purchased. “Where did you park?”

I pointed toward my car and walked toward it in silence, and I wished it hadn’t become awkward between us. The conversation had flowed effortlessly, and I wanted it to return that way. “Here,” he handed me the bag as I unlocked the door. “For you, sweet boy. Thank you for letting me invade your afternoon.”

“Invade? I had the best time I’ve had in like, forever.” Obviously, I’d lost my grip on the English language and completely forgotten I was a dean’s list student with that stupid line. But the smile Edward gave me made it more than worth it.

“I’m glad to hear that. Would you like to run into each other again, say next Saturday? Eleven thirty at Ms. Kitty’s?” Did Edward just ask me out or did he just talk me into a potential animal adoption? Or both? I was so bad at all of this. My head bobbed up and down in lieu of words, probably best at this point since I’d likely forgotten my own name. “Excellent. Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Brighton. I’ll see you then.”

As soon as I got inside the car, I peeked in the bag and there sat the otter I’d picked up twice and reluctantly returned to the shelf. My first stuffed animal. I pulled it out and hugged it to my chest just as Edward drove by and honked the horn. His perfect smile turned toward me as he waved goodbye.

Second best day ever. First was the day I moved into my apartment. With my new furniture delivered and set up this morning, I sat Ollie the Otter on my bed and grinned like a loon. This was the happiest I’d ever been.

Chapter Four

Edward

Brighton was a boy, through and through. For this I had zero doubt. From the zoo to the barely contained excitement at the aquarium to the way he tightly squeezed the stuffed otter I bought him. The surprised look on his face at receiving the gift made the purchase more than worth it. The only problem now was I wanted to do more for and with him.

Simon greeted me at the door as I walked in. I was already all smiles after the fabulous day I’d had with Brighton and seeing the old boy when I got home only made it better. “Who’s a good boy?” I scratched his head and patted his sides. “Let’s get a treat.” Tail wagging, he followed me into the kitchen and right to the cupboard that housed his treat container. “Smart dog.”

I spent all day Sunday wishing I’d asked for Brighton’s number. While we got on well, I was afraid if I’d asked for much more, he’d have gotten spooked and run off. Not that I didn’t know where he lived, but showing up unannounced given we’d only officially just met would come across stalkerish.

Simon and I arrived at Mom’s as promised for brunch and she knew nothing of him as I wanted to surprise her. As soon as she saw us the door flew open, and she bounded out. “Who is this sweet boy?”

“This is Simon. Simon, meet Mom.” He wagged his tail as she oohed and aahed over him.

“Come inside.” Mom’s smile was more than worth the trip over. “Suzette, come see Edward’s new friend.” I hadn’t seen Mother this excited in I didn’t know how long.

“Mother, why don’t you get a dog or a cat?” If meeting Simon made her this happy, having a full-time friend of her own would definitely keep her spirits up.

She waved her hand. “It’s more fun to have a grand-pup visit.”

“Mother, an older dog like Simon would be ideal. Doesn’t require long walks and is past the chewy stage. Or even a cat, very low maintenance.” I was determined to sell her on something, perhaps a rabbit or guinea pig.

“Maybe.” Well, at least she was considering it.

“Come to the shelter for a visit sometime. Even if you don’t want to adopt, Ms. Kitty could always use another volunteer.” My mother had nothing but time and it would do her good to get out of the house.

I had the forethought to bring treats for Simon, Mother and Suzette ensured he consumed them all. Mother and I discussed business and how it was going as well as firmed up our Christmas Eve plans, not that they varied from year to year. The store would be closed both days, and Simon and I planned to be here around two. If things went well, I’d invite Brighton to join us. With our bellies full, Simon and I said our goodbyes and left for home around three, though during the drive my mind was set on Brighton.

“A distraction is what this far too quiet house needs. What do you think, Simon? Will a new book do the trick and take my mind off him?” He rolled over and gave me theI think a nap will dogrunt and closed his eyes. “You might be right.” In the end and with my iPad in hand, I dove into the dragon fantasy realm and lost track of time.

Next time I glanced up, the sun had begun it’s decent and my stomach rumbled. “Time for dinner, Simon.” Poor guy, he’d become my built-in best friend and was subject to conversations he likely could care less about. Not that he understood me, or maybe he did given the huffs and groans I received in response. If this week drug on like today did, I’ll be a wreck come Saturday and Simon would wear the title of therapist.

“Good morning, Dorine,” I greeted my assistant as Simon and I walked in.

“Simon!” She squealed and got down on all fours with him. “You sprung him!”

“I did, on Friday. He’s all mine now, aren’t ya, boy?” I ruffled his fur.

Ruff.

“He seems so happy.” I left Simon in Dorine’s capable hands while I set up his bed and extra food and water dishes in my office.

“He’s a good boy. I really enjoy having him around.” One by one the rest of the staff funneled in to lavish Simon with more attention than he’d had in a long time and the old boy ate it up. By the time he wandered into my office, he took a drink and passed right out in his bed.

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