“Set the table?”
“You got it.” I set the plates, utensils, and napkins on the table, then head back into the kitchen to see if she’s ready for the rest, when I hear Colton come through the side door. It slams closed. I time it perfectly before my sister hollers, “What have I told you about letting the door slam? You’re going to break the glass in the door one day and then what are you going to do?” I see the exasperation on her face. It can’t be easy on her to be a single mother, but I know she loves Colton with all of her heart.
“Sorry, Mom,” he’s sheepish when he comes up to her. She wraps him in a hug.
“How was your day?” she asks him.
“It was good, Miss Kori is about to start decorating the shelter for her big adoption event. We’ll be getting busier soon,” he replies. Damn, I’ve seen Kori around town, a lot and every time I see her, it punches me in the gut with how beautiful she is. She’s done so much for Colton, I never wanted to rock the boat and approach her for anything more…yet.
“That’s good. Wash your hands. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes and don’t forget to see hello to your Uncle,” she says, as she turns back to the oven.
“Hey Colt.” I don’t care how old he is, I’ll still wrap him up in a hug every time I get to see him. His father took off a few years ago and ever since then, Colton was in trouble one way or the other. I had to step in and help Melanie out with him, she was at her wits end.
“Hi, Uncle Nathan, uh. Don’t hate me, but I offered our help to Miss Kori in case she calls,” his face is red in color, as if he’s embarrassed.
“I got no problem with that. We good to help your mom out this weekend while she’s at work?” I ask him.
“Yeah, I only work half a day on Saturday, then I’ll be right home.”
“That’s good. Go do as your mom said, so we can eat,” I tell him, when we pull apart.
I watch him walk towards the hallway. He looks so much like I did at his age. The only difference is he has his father’s light coloring. Melanie and I both have a deep olive skin tone complexion, and his is fairer.
I shake my head and make my way back to see if there’s anything I can do in the kitchen.
3
Kori
“Son of a biscuit eater,” I say for the tenth time this weekend. We closed our doors earlier today and after sending everyone home, I decided to get the lights up on the outside of the shelter. I probably went a little crazier this year than last year, but I wanted to make it amazing for the event.
I flip the breaker again, the lights come on for a minute, and then fizzle out. I blow my hair out of my face and clean everything up. I’ll have to make a call to an electrician on Monday morning, no way am I calling one on a weekend. I would bleed money if I did that, especially where this is only one breaker that keeps tripping.
Closing the panel box, I finish picking up the ladder, extra lights, boxes, and take them back to the storage shed.
As I’m storing everything away. I remember Colton telling me his Uncle and him could help, I wonder if he knows anything about electrical panels.
Pulling my phone out, I pull up Colton’s name and text.
Hey, I know you mentioned your uncle is an electrician, is there any way he can come check out the shelter’s breakers?
I go into the reception area and look at everything I’ve done in a short amount of time. The Christmas tree is up, there’s garland on the check-in desk, and stockings are hung for each employee and volunteer. If only I could finish lighting it up.
I took Max out of his kennel today while I worked around here. He’s now snuggled up on a dog bed we keep out. Most days we rotate a dog or two out and keep them up front with us.
“What do you think, old boy?” I ask him, his tail is wagging. He has no idea what I’m talking about but he’s happy just the same.
A buzz vibrates in my back pocket, I pull my phone out and see Colton responded.
Talked to my Uncle Nathan and gave him your number, he should be there early tomorrow morning, but may text/call beforehand ?
“Yes!” I shout with glee. If I can save some money by using someone on the side, it will really help out. Max gets up and shakes his body around in happiness. I take his front paws as we dance around and relish in the moment.