CHAPTER 9
When Mackenzie came out of the shower, she found Muttley sleeping on the couch and the rest of the house empty.Back to normal,she thought, grabbing the bag of doughnuts off the counter.
She stood next to the stove and sank her teeth into the first one, moaning as the powdery goodness melted in her mouth.
“Gawd. So good.”
Taking another bite, she considered sitting at the table, then shrugged it off. It seemed silly to sit there all alone. Especially when she could have enjoyed her meal with Hunter. But he’d left, which was what she’d wanted. So then why did she feel this ping of disappointment?
Not wanting to think about whatthatcould mean, Mackenzie decided she needed some chocolate with her breakfast. Which required a short walk to the Bark ’N’ Bean, the local dog-friendly café a few blocks from Mackenzie’s house, and perhaps conversing with other humans.
Her therapist would be so proud.
She grabbed Muttley’s harness. “Time to go be social. I was thinking a walk to work off the cupcakes you had last night, then breakfast.”
A loud snoring filled the room.
“You don’t snore, buddy,” she reminded him, then jingled his harness. “This is where you hop up off the couch and prove those teachers were wrong and that you are the best guide dog in Tennessee.” Nothing. Not even a tail swishing against the cushions of the couch. “At least you can pretend to earn your keep.”
It seemed Muttley was more interested in holding down the couch. Not that Mackenzie blamed him—pretending was exhausting.
“Your choice. But don’t whimper to me when your butt gets big and the lady doggies don’t come sniffing around anymore.”
Mackenzie plopped down on the couch and slipped on her tennis shoes. Muttley didn’t budge, except to stretch out his legs even farther, taking up the entire length of the settee.
“We have to stop by the Bark ’N’ Bean and see Tia,” she said, and Muttley hit the floor with enthusiasm.
He had his vest in his mouth and was standing at the front door before Mackenzie had her shoes tied. Nothing got Muttley moving quite like the mention of his first doggy-mommy. Well, except the promise of treats.
Tia Flynn managed the Bark ’N’ Bean. She was also one of Muttley’s favorite humans. Not only were her pockets filled with treats for her favorite canine customers, but she had a soft spot for difficult dogs. Which was how she had been hand selected to train Muttley.
Tia was also Mackenzie’s health-care advocate, and part of Mackenzie’s rehabilitation was to meet with her twice a week in a public place.
Mackenzie had become a pro at finding reasons to avoid their little get-togethers, but instead of the content feeling that usually came with a day spent in solitude, the prospect suddenly felt suffocating. The good news was she’d make her meeting today—and do it with a smile.
When she stepped into the crisp spring air and the sun hit her face, she didn’t have to pretend. The morning chill seemed to make everything better, clearer. It was as if she could breathe again.
Leaves rustled in the canopy of black oaks above as Muttley led her through her quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown. The streets were lined with Queen Anne–style homes and historical bungalows, and most of the residents were either retired or young families. The pace of life was slow, traffic was light, and a sense of community was as sweet as the blooms on the crape myrtle trees.
But it did nothing to quell the irritating unease that grew every time a car drove past or a rock got caught underfoot.
Mackenzie pushed through the door of the café and was met with a warm blast of sugar-sweetened air. She took in a deep breath and allowed her body to relax. Then she heard the hum of the customers, the clattering of silverware, and the uncertainty came back.
She’d been so focused on fresh air she’d forgotten that today was Saturday, and the place was packed. It was a seat-yourself kind of café, and Mackenzie was afraid she’d seat herself on someone else’s lap. Or worse.
“Crap,” she mumbled and turned to head right back out the door.
“Leaving so soon?” Tia called out from somewhere behind the counter.
Mackenzie closed her eyes, knowing she was stuck now. Muttley barked.
Tia walked over and made a shushing sound, and Muttley immediately dropped to his butt and hit his best-in-show pose.
“Now you behave,” Mackenzie whispered to Muttley, who panted happily.
“Tables five and seven are open,” her friend said, not giving a single direction to remind Mackenzie where tables five or seven were. Not that she needed it. Table five was in the corner, next to the window and out of the way of any major foot traffic.
“Table five sounds nice.”
