Page 33 of Cole's Joy
“Would you like to come in for a drink?”
“I would, but I’m going to pass for tonight. If you don’t mind, I’d like to come over tomorrow night after work.”
“That would be fine,” she said, and withheld her smirk, because the next night was his surprise party. “Besides, I don’t think our conversation is over.”
“What do you mean?”
“On the way to dinner, I asked what you’ve been up to that keeps you so busy lately. You told me about your past, but you haven’t discussed your present. If I wasn’t such a secure person, I’d think you were trying to hide something from me.”
“Oh, yeah, it’s a big project and I have many irons in the fire. I can come over after work tomorrow, we can have dinner, hang out, and I can tell you.”
“I’d like that.” She left it at that and smiled up at him when he gathered her in his arms and kissed her. No kissing the side of her mouth, this was an intentional kiss and she relished it. They were both breathing hard when he lifted his head.
“Until tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow.” She stood there and watched him go, but he was only a few feet away and turned back.
“I’m not leaving until I know you’re safely inside.”
She sighed and giggled as she gave him a mock salute, and quickly turned to go inside. She watched from the side window and waved back at him when he waved at her. As soon as his taillights disappeared, she started to giggle and danced in a circle. For the first time in a long time, she felt like a woman again, and couldn’t wait to see if she and Cole would have a future together. Not that she needed to get married or anything, but just the sheer fact that he wanted to spend time with her made her feel special.
CHAPTER 13
The next morning,Lois was at the kitchen table enjoying her breakfast when she heard the back door open and someone called out for her.
“In the kitchen,” she returned the shout, and looked at her granddaughter as she entered. When she caught sight of what was in her hands, Lois immediately bent over and looked at the floor, and burst out laughing.
“It’s time?” she asked in excitement.
“It’s time,” Lorissa said as she bent down and picked up the Yorkie puppy. She walked over to Lois and handed him over, then laid several items on the table. “That’s his file, he’s had all his shots, and there’s information for a local groomer. I know that you know that he’s going to have to be groomed.”
“Yes, and I look forward to that. I’ve already purchased his bed, a crate, bowls, and food.” She looked at Lorissa with a grin. “I’ve been adding supplies whenever I go to town.”
“That’s good. Now, have you picked out a name yet?”
“Yes, I was thinking of Yari, but I’m going to have to see his personality first to see if the name actually fits him.”
“Good, I can’t tell you how many times someone gives an animal a name when they first see them, and it doesn’t fit theirpersonality.” She shook her head and laughed. “I’m off to New Double to give the kitten to Cole so he can give him to Ducky.”
“Oh wow, I forgot about that. Have you found homes for the others?”
“I have, Mom picked up her kitten last night, and you didn’t answer your door when I came over.”
Lois felt her cheeks heat up and looked Lorissa directly in the eye. “I was out on a date.”
“With?”
“Cole.”
“That’s right, it was his birthday, how did it go?” Lorissa helped herself to a cup of coffee and settled in for a chat.
“Wait,” came a voice from behind them and they saw Laurie hobble in and get her own cup of coffee. As they settled in, Lois removed the leash from the puppy and let him explore his new surroundings as she turned to her daughter and granddaughter.
“The actual date was fantastic, it was what happened afterward that was a little rough around the edges.”
“Stop,” Lorissa said, and raised both hands out in front of her. “I don’t want to hear about my Nana’s sex life.”
Lois laughed until she had tears streaming and shook her head. “Trust me, I would never tell you that. I did receive a beautiful kiss at the end of the night, but that’s not what I’m talking about. How much time do you have?” When they told her, she told them exactly what happened with the woman, and the police. When she finished, the other two women stared at her in shock.
