Page 63 of A New Leash on Life

But if she was, why would she be spending time with Eli?

Judy and I went back and forth for a few more minutes. “He’s just not the one, Judy. Trust me. I wish he were single. I’d probably ask him out myself!”

We laughed, knowing good and well that would never happen. But a girl could dream.

“Should we get together soon?” My voice squeaked, showing my fatigue from the week.

“Yes, dear, I’d like that. But I’m afraid I’m booked up again tonight. Pastor Bill and Julie were wondering if I could bring my ambrosia salad to the church tonight. Remember that couple, Reece and Tracy? They are getting married today—just the two of them. But tonight, there’s going to be a potluck at the church hall, and, well, there’s only one ambrosia that’s up for the job. Of course, it’s my recipe. Suzie Lambert uses that artificial sweetener in hers. I can’t take all the credit, because if it wasn’t for Betty Crocker, I’d still be putting hot dogs in gelatin like we did in the 70’s.”

“Ooh, how appetizing.” I gagged at the imagery.

“Just be glad you weren’t alive in that decade, my dear. Strange things were eaten—even stranger things were done. I do miss the fashion however.”

“Don’t you own a pair of go-go boots, still?”

“Not since your mother borrowed them.” Judy chuckled.

“Speaking of… I am visiting my mother this weekend, so I won’t be at church on Sunday. I’ll try and stream the sermon from her house, though. And I’ll miss seeing you!”

Judy was elated to hear I was visiting my mother. “That’s wonderful news. Go, enjoy time with her and we can catch up when you get back.”

“I’m expecting to come home Monday, as I have to return to work Tuesday.”

Who knew, maybe I’d just extend my vacation time and stay an extra day. Ihadn’t taken any time off in the years I’d worked there.

“That’s great. Let me know when you get home. Well, I better let you go sweetheart. I don’t have the ingredients for my salad, and you know I like to beat the crowds at the supermarket.”

The second we ended our call, my phone buzzed. It was Samantha.

“Hi, Samantha!” I eagerly answered. I could hear heavy breathing and multiple dogs in the background.

“Katie,”Bark! Bark! Bark!“Can you hear me?”

“Yes, are you okay?”

“Yep- I’m fine. Just completely swamped down here. Our shelter has just received a big shipment of t-r-e-a-t-s, and it seems the dogs already know what it is. I’m afraid they are going to overthrow their leadership and take this place over if they don’t get one soon!”

Bark! Bark! Bark!

The visual was hilarious but I held back my laughter.

“But that’s not why I’m calling. There’s been an influx of adopters—like I told you before. Anyway, we’ve had to split our pet owner class into two nights. I’ve been calling to reschedule some. Are you available tonight instead? I’m sorry it’s the last minute. And I’m still available for dinner before, of course.”

“Yes, that works for me fine. Our new carrier hasn’t arrived yet, but I’ll return the one I borrowed the moment it does.”

“Wonderful. Shall we meet at theBarker & Walk Cafeat around five? It’s off Springhill Drive. The class tonight will start at six. That should give us enough time, don’t you think?”

“That sounds fun. What kind of dog do you have?”

Samantha laughed. “I have several dogs. Six, to be exact.”

Six dogs! Wow, I was stunned.

“How do you handle that?” I asked, laughing.

“I don’t, but thankfully, they are all little dogs. Tonight, I’ll be taking my dog, Stevie. You’ll love him, he’s very shy and sweet. And he’s met Dolly, they get alongjust fine.”

“Perfect. You better get those doggy’s some treats!”

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