Page 18 of Wandering Souls

Seeing Bruce on his own made her breath catch but when she hit the pavement, she saw his lead was fastened to the leg of an outdoor table. Ray wouldn’t be far away though how he expected such a lightweight piece of furniture to keep the mutt under control seemed comical.

After all, he’d run away from his owner. A table wasn’t going to stop him.

As she walked toward the shop, Bruce turned toward her. His furious tail wag moved his entire lower body and his soft bark greeted her. A sense of calm washed through her and the anticipation of feeling his silky fur beneath her fingers quickened her steps.

“Hey there, boy,” Abi crooned as she reached down to scratch his chin. “Where’s your dad?”

As if all he cared about were pats, Bruce leaned against her leg and raised his nose to expose his neck. Abi took the hint and gave him a hearty rub. The animal made a noise that sounded like he was pleased and his full weight rested against her. The heaviness threatened to knock her over so she pulled out a chair and sat, running her hands over the dog’s pelt with vigor.

Laughter sounded to her right. She looked up and found Ray exiting the bakery, a coffee mug in each hand. He smiled and his green eyes sparkled.

“Good morning. I see you found us without too much hassle.”

Abi nodded. “There’s only one bakery in town, so yes.”

He set the ceramic mug on the table beside her. “I took a punt. Cappuccino, one sugar?”

Abi eyed the mug, impressed by his choice.

“Tell me I’m at least close?” he pleaded, sitting on the seat opposite.

“What makes you think I’m not a decaf soy latte kind of girl?” His expression fell and she had to bite her tongue to stop from chuckling. “Lucky for you, I’m not.”

“Phew!” His over dramatic sigh pulled a laugh out of her. “You had me going for a minute there.”

Leaving one hand on Bruce’s head, she picked up the mug. “No foam cups?”

“Not anymore.”

Abi took a sip and gave silent thanks for the hot liquid. The hit of caffeine would come, but until then, she’d savor the smooth brew as it slid down her throat. “How was puppy school?”

Across the table, Ray swallowed and nodded toward the pooch. “As you can see, he didn’t escape this time.”

Bruce set his chin on her thigh, looking up at her with those big blue eyes. His eyebrows twitched up and down. “Did you learn anything new, Bruce?”

A soft chuff answered her.

“We practiced sit and stay, and got the hang of drop. At the rate we’re going through treats, I’ll need to start taking him for more walks.”

Ray leaned back in his chair and enjoyed his coffee. He gazed out at the passing cars, giving Abi a moment to study his face. A strong square jaw dominated, though his fair, slightly freckled skin looked almost delicate, if that term could be used for a man. He wore his hair in a short back and sides fashion, with the barest hint of sideburns, and though it was red, she saw flecks of gray here and there atop his head.

Deep furrows lined his forehead and the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes looked well worn. Abi guessed him to be in his early thirties though there was a wisdom in those green orbs that suggested he’d seen a lot in his short life. Made her wonder if anyone saw that in her. Or did they just see a young, twenty-ish brat who thought the world owed her something?

Ray turned his attention back to her, catching her staring. He only smiled and raised his mug in salute.

“Thank you for listening, yesterday,” she heard herself say, not sure where the admission came from. “I appreciate it.”

“You’re most welcome. Are you hungry? I was going to order some breakfast, I’m starved.”

As if in response, her stomach rumbled. Ray smiled.

“What’ll it be? Eggs and bacon? Or would you prefer a bagel?”

She chuckled and took a sip of her coffee. “Eggs and bacon on toast sounds fine to me.”

He stood and set his half-empty mug back on the table. “Back in a minute.”

In a blink, she sat alone with Bruce who laid at her feet. Or rather, on her feet. She smiled at the comfort his weight offered and settled back in the chair. Though the morning air still stung her cheeks, the sun promised a warmth she welcomed as it played peek-a-boo from behind the clouds above.

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