On Thursday, Mel dropped off Lucy at her grooming appointment. The visit would take an hour, and she noticed Dan’s Range Rover wasn’t in the clinic parking lot anyway. Might as well put that hour to good use and buy a new top for Saturday. She called Gina and asked if it was okay to park in Mane Attraction’s lot.
“I’m only going to shop for a half hour or so while Lucy is being groomed. I’ve noticed a few really chic stores near you.”
“I know. I have to make time to check them out myself since I’m so close. If you have a second afterward, bring me a Starbucks nonfat tall latte.”
“You got it. I’ll see you soon.”
Mel power shopped in the first store with an idea in mind. She wanted something flirty and colorful but still respectable. She preferred a neckline that wouldn’t show her bra or boobs when she was bending forward on a bike, and she had only a half hour to shop. The clerks hopped to it, bringing her a new top every time she handed one back to them from the dressing room.
She yelled for them to stick to short sleeves or sleeveless tops and green, coral, or fuchsia colors only. That might speed up this process, she thought as she pulled the eighth top over her head. “This is it. We’re done,” she called out triumphantly. “I want this one… ring it up.”
With the bag in her hand and a smile on her face, she ordered two nonfat lattes at Starbucks and headed back to Mane Attraction.
She set the coffees on Gina’s desk and opened the bag. “Check it out. What do you think?”
“I absolutely love it. Which store did you buy this in?”
“Foxes Den. Isn’t it chic? I love the double shoulder straps, plus it has a built-in shelf bra. I’ll still wear a real bra, too, though. What do you think of the poppies? It should look really cute with white capris, right?”
“It’s perfect. I may have to buy a top like that myself. Good choice, girl. Oh, and thanks for the coffee.”
“Okay, I’m out of here. I have to pick up Lucy and get back to work. See you later.”
***
Mel laughed when the groomer, Meg, brought Lucy out. Lucy’s fur smelled wonderfully fresh with a slight hint of lavender. She wore a ribbon on each ear and was absolutely tangle free.
“Look how cute you are! Thank you, Meg. You did a great job. How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing. Dr. DeLong paid for it. Here you go.” She placed Lucy in Mel’s arms. “I usually recommend grooming every two months for her breed just because of the nature of her long hair. It can easily get knotted, especially around her ears.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.” Mel passed Dan’s open office door and smiled at him, mouthing an appreciative “Thank you.” She took Lucy’s paw and waved goodbye.
As she drove home to drop Lucy off, Mel couldn’t help smiling every time Dan popped into her mind. What a thoughtful, sweet guy he is. We’re going to have so much fun together on Saturday. But right now, Saturday seemed like forever away.
***
Damn, it’s muggy out tonight. Instinctively, Mel pulled her hair up into a topknot and secured it with the elastic band she wore around her wrist. She sat on the veranda, enjoying a glass of iced tea. She and Lucy had just returned from a walk through the park, down Murray Boulevard, and back around the block to South Battery, then home. The tired pup lay at Mel’s feet on her own personal rug under the table, a stainless steel bowl of water by her side. Dinner was good. I’ll have to talk to Abby and Betsy about inviting Dan over some night. Betsy always comes up with the best meal ideas, especially when there’s company. It may have to wait for a month though. I don’t want to rush anything. Saturday will tell if Dan and I are compatible. After that, we’ll see how things progress.
“There you are. What are you doing out here by yourself? We’re all on the patio. Betsy made a peach pie.”
“I’m not alone. The monkey is under the table.”
Abby knelt down and saw Lucy lying there, her pink tongue hanging out, panting from the evening heat. “Drink some water, baby. You’re so pretty with those little ribbons in your hair.”
“She already drank a ton of water. She just likes sympathy,” Mel said, chuckling. “I’m getting a breeze out here from the park and the river.”
“That’s true, there is a nice breeze. I have the fans going in the back. Are you anxious for Saturday?” Abby sat down in the vacant chair once Mel moved her legs.
“You know, Abs, he might be the real deal. Don’t get me wrong, I really love John as a friend, probably the same way you do. After we left Charleston, everything just settled more into a friendship.” She laughed at the memories. “I bet John didn’t come across that way when he called you, right? I was a horrible guest until the hurricane hit. We really got close and worked together through that, but by that time, we both knew the romantic connection was lost. I want to do this right. St. Thomas is paradise to John, but in reality, I never would have moved there. My feet are planted in Charleston. This city is home to me. It’s my own paradise.” She smiled as she gazed across the street at the park. “I’m hopeful for a love connection with Dan. Not only is everything perfect about him so far, but also he’s local. Neither of us would have to leave this wonderful city for the other person. He has a thriving practice, and I love my job.”
“I’m hopeful for you, too. I don’t know him, but according to you and Betsy, he seems really genuine. It doesn’t hurt that Betsy herself was panting when she described him to me. Come on. We miss you in the back. Bring the monkey along. I’ll grab her water dish. Let’s have some peach pie and ice cream before those oinkers eat it all.”
“I’m right behind you. Come on, Lucy. You can lick the plates.”