AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Margie showed up at that moment with Luke’s wraps and looked down at Emma’s burger. “I suppose you’ll be taking that to go too, honey?”
Emma smiled apologetically. “If you wouldn’t mind, Margie. I’m ready to see my fur baby.”
“No problem. Just give me a minute to throw this into a box.”
Emma looked back at Luke. “Thank you again for this. Are you parked close by?”
“Yeah, that’s me right across the street.” Luke pointed out the window to a large black Range Rover.
“Oh. That’s a nice car you have.” He must come from money, she thought. A lot of money, judging by the look of his flashy SUV. She imagined it cost much, much more than her little Honda Civic.
“Thanks, I just bought it when we moved down here,” he told her. “I barely ever drove in the city, so I thought we should find something durable.”
At that moment, Margie came back with her burger. “Congratulations again on finding Riley,” she told Emma. “It’s good to see a smile on your face.”
“Thanks Margie.” Emma grinned and turned to Luke. “Shall we?”
Luke followed her out, holding the door open as they stepped outside of the diner. “Do you want to just follow me? Even though I’m sure you know the way.”
Emma chuckled. “I think I remember it. I’ll see you at the house.”
After the short drive, Emma pulled up to the house behind Luke and got out. She let Luke walk in front of her and unlock the door while she waited patiently, trying to hold in her excitement about seeing Riley again.
As they walked in, Emma felt a warmth rush over her. She had forgotten how much she loved this house and how much she missed it. Even though it was full of Luke’s furniture and personal effects, it still looked and felt the same to her.
“Ah, there he is,” Luke said as they walked into the living room.
Emma looked over and saw Riley gnawing on the rug in front of the fireplace. “Riley! That’s a no no.”
At the sound of her voice, Riley perked up his ears. After catching sight of her, he bounded over and jumped up on his hind legs, trying as hard as he could to lick her face. Emma laughed and sank down to her knees, burying her face in his fur.
“Oh, Riley. You scared me. But I can see now you were well taken care of.”
“Uh, I don’t actually have any dog food to give him, but I thought these might work? I picked them up earlier,” Luke said, as he held a bag of Barking Orders treats.
She smiled. “I don’t think he’ll object to those. Do you have a bowl?”
They walked into the kitchen with Riley following close behind. Luke opened the bag and put half the treats into a bowl, then placed it on the ground. Riley went straight for the bowl, munching noisily and wagging his tail. Emma leaned back against the counter, looking around.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” Luke asked.
“Only if you’re having one too,” Emma told him.
“Great.” Luke walked over to the cupboard and pulled out two mugs. “So, you used to live here?”
Emma nodded. “With my husband. It’s a wonderful house, and I spent many happy years here.”
“Why did you sell it? If you don’t mind me asking.” He filled up one mug and handed it to her.
“That’s alright. I... got divorced a couple months ago. And our lawyers decided it was in our best interest for us to sell the house.”
Luke stopped what he was doing and looked up at her. “I’m sorry. I never would’ve asked if—”
“No, it’s okay, really,” she assured him. “It’s nice to have someone in town who doesn’t know all my business.”
Luke continued to fill his mug. “Milk or sugar?”
“I take it black. Thanks.” Emma took a small sip of the piping hot coffee. “I see you haven’t changed anything in the house yet.”
