“Yes, ma’am. Navy blue dress it is.” I was relieved I didn’t have to figure out which dress to wear. “If I don’t hang up, I’m never going to be ready by nine thirty.”
“Okay, okay, see you in a bit,” she hung up
Who am I kidding? It takes me fifteen minutes to get ready. Twenty if I braid my hair.
* * *
Parker was refilling his coffee,staring at a folder on the counter in front of him when I rushed in the front door.
“Hey, you. I didn’t see you out there running this morning” I strolled by to pick up Amoeba and her leash with her snuggled to my neck receiving morning puppy kisses.
Parker waved at us, letting me know he was on a call. I waved the puppies dish at him, then he scribbled on the folder:Did it already.
I gave a thumbs-up and scribbled on the folder:Off to walk amoeba then the shower. see you tonight…
He nodded.
I grabbed an apple slice off his plate and gave him a backward wave as I walked away.
“Amoeba, my little princess, I see you ate your breakfast, so let’s go chase some birds before the big doggies get here.”
I grabbed my cell off the charger.
Fifteen texts, all from Murphy. Tomorrow’s shopping spree is going to be a long day. That’s if I survive tonight with her.
Amoeba sat proudly in the crook of my arm. If she could do the queen’s wave, she would. The whole building loved her.
As with every morning, our little area in the park had only one other person siting reading the paper. There were no birds, though. I tossed Amoeba’s toy then released her to run after it. She stopped to go potty on her way back. She was doing pretty good about coming back when I called her. I loved our little area, and it was safe for Amoeba away from bigger dogs and people.
Parker would love it here. Maybe I can get him here with us for a relaxing visit. He needs to know where to bring Amoeba.
On a whim, I texted Parker.Let’s do lunch in the park tomorrow. You need to see where Amoeba likes to go every morning. I won’t be here to take her after this week.I stuck my cell in my coat pocket, fully knowing he wouldn’t respond right away.
Amoeba was sniffing along the bushes, tail wagging fiercely. Could be anything in those bushes. To distract her from whatever was lurking, I whistled and tossed her ball into the grass behind her. At twelve weeks old, she was already grasping the training I had started with her.
A young couple with a German shepherd joined us in “our private area,” so I scooped her up, waved a good morning, and strolled back across the street to Parker’s high rise.
I could really get used to this life. What’s it going to be like with his brother?
I bought a coffee from a street vendor for the doorman who was always cheerful and helpful no matter what. Sure, it might be his job, but he did it at 100 percent and I really liked him.
“Coffee, two creamers for you, sir,” I said, putting it in his gloved hands. “Keep warm out here. We need your smiling face.”
My cell chimed in with a message. I hit the up elevator button, pulled one glove off with my teeth, and took my cell out to see what Murphy had to say now. To my surprise, it was from Parker.
Good morning. Sorry I was on the phone before I left. Thanks for taking care of Amoeba for me. I should be able to join you today for a picnic. Thanks for thinking of it. See you around one o’clock?
I never said a picnic, but that works for me. I should check with Murphy to see what time we would be done.
I sent back a smile emoji because I was a little confused and surprised from his reply.
“Amoeba, my girl. What am I doing getting so attached to this life and your daddy?” I asked, tucking her into my neck.
I shot Murphy a text to see what I needed to bring, then called the housekeeper to make sure she could take care of Amoeba for the afternoon. I poured myself a hot tea, flicked on the gas fireplace, and curled up in front of it with Amoeba on my lap.
Ahh, peace and quiet for a few minutes.
* * *