Page 3 of Chasing Lyric
I can’t help but take in the disarray that is the rear of my truck. Buckets are turned over, flowers are haphazardly strewn all over the place, and water’s running out and over the tailgate onto my shoes. Some of the flowers appear damaged, while others are fine. But the roses? The roses are all ruined.
“What in the goddamn hell is going on?”
I didn’t drive that crazy, did I?
I know my head’s all over the place right now, but seriously?
The sun rises in the distance, but while the sky changes tones in ambers, pinks, and turquoise, a chilly darkness settles over my truck as it sits out the front of the store in the small parking lot. The street is deserted as I glance around, trying to figure out why the hell my brand-new flowers are currently butchered when I hear something shift at the back of my truck. The hairs on my arms raise instantly, forcing me to stop dead and listen, all my senses on high alert.
Suddenly, a cute little goat sticks its head around one of the buckets while casually munching on a David Austin rose like nobody’s business.
Oh, holy heck!
I jump back from the shock with a gasp and grab at my chest. “What in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…” I mumble tomyself as I study the full-size goat devouringmyflowers, those same flowers that are supposed to save my business from an embarrassing shortfall.
Little shit.
Now that the shock has worn off a little, annoyance starts creeping in. So, in a loud, shrill voice, I assert myself. “Hey! Drop that David Austin rose right now, Billy, or I swear to God—”
The goat’s eyes bug out of its face so much I think its head is going to explode, its legs stiffen, and before I can say anything else, the little shit topples over. Then plonks as stiff as a board onto the truck bed.
My heart leaps into my throat as I stare at it. My hand flies to my mouth while I hold my breath, waiting foritto take a breath.
Nothing.
“Oh God, I’ve killed it. I killed a goat in the back of my truck, with evidence everywhere…” I pace back and forth, panic flowing through me. “Maybe the gods will think of it as a sacrifice?” I groan, looking back at it. “Don’t be stupid,” I mumble under my breath.
Damn, it’s cute with spots like a cow. It really is adorable. “Oh man. I can’t let it die…” Taking in its lifeless body once more, anxiety ripples through me as I decide what I need to do. I quickly tie back my wavy blonde hair, taking in a deep breath. “I got you, little guy. I’m coming. Hold on.” I pull myself up and into the back of the truck, kicking the half-eaten flowers out of the way.
I have to do something.
So, I prepare to perform some sort of goat CPR.
I have no freaking clue what the hell I’m doing.
Pulling in a deep breath, I smell the foul odor emanating from its mouth.Nope, doesn’t matter.I purse my lips, ready to press them to the goat’s. Then, I close my eyes, lean down, and I am about to blow into its mouth to give it some air when suddenly, awet sandpaper tongue slides up the side of my face. Slobber and the foulest-smelling I-have-no-idea-what smacks me right in the face. I pull back so dramatically, I fall flat on my ass. My eyes shoot wide open, the goat now awake and staring at me like it’s smiling. Its big doe eyes glisten like this is the happiest it has ever been.
“What the hell, Billy?” I groan as it continues to smile. “You fucker! You scared the shit out of me.”
Baa, it replies, like nothing’s happened.
I move my hand out cautiously, gradually, and gently petting its head. It nuzzles into me like it’s enjoying my touch. Got to admit, I love the playful attitude this little thing has. I have no idea if the little shit was messing with me or if it has some sort of medical issue. So, I look it over. That’s when I notice around its neck there’s a collar and a name tag. Grabbing at the piece of metal, I read the inscription. “Doughnut… ha. You’re a girl, huh, girl? Well, you’re obviously someone’s pet. Guessing you hopped into the back of my truck at Gino’s, so I’d better give him a call to check you’re not his goat first, right?”
Baa.
“That’s what I thought,” I reply as I pull out my cell and dial Gino.
He answers quickly. “Bella,is everything all right with your order?”
Baa.
I glance at the goat who’s nuzzling into the side of my head. “Ahh… not exactly.”
Gino’s silent for a moment, but then quickly responds like he’s defending himself, “I gave you only the best quality. I assure you—”
“No, no, Gino, it’s nothing like that. I know you give me the best…” I pause, trying to piece together some words. “It’s just, I, ah… I picked up a stowaway when I left.”
He chuckles. “A stowaway? What do you mean?”
