When Misty came back, she was carrying hot chocolate. “Here. Sorry I brought you out in the cold to search for Scooter.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m glad you called. I’m happy to help. I grew kind of attached to him during our slumber party. He’s so cute. Probably too smart for his own good, but cute.”
They sat in big leather chairs in the living room. This room looked as if it didn’t get a lot of use—that, or these two were phenomenal housekeepers. The furniture was big and sturdy. The end tables were rustic and heavy. Across one whole wall there were trophies and ribbons behind glass built-ins.
“Wow. That is a lot of ribbons.”
“Not just ours. The horses won most of those before I was even born.”
“It’s a very nice legacy to be a part of.”
“Yeah. My family is the best.”
“Do you have some markers and paper or cardboard?”
“Sure.” She got up and opened the middle drawer of a desk in the study. “What are you going to do?”
“Let’s make a couple posters to hang up, and a flyer. In the morning we’ll zip by the office and make copies of the flyer, and hand them out all over town before we get our day started.”
“You’re going to help me do that?”
“Yes. Yes, I am.” Her eyes shot wide. “And, I’ve got this.” She scrolled through her phone and showed Misty a picture she’d taken last night. “It’ll be perfect. I’ll print some four-by-sixes of this to put on the posters.”
“You really think he’s okay?”
She didn’t want to give her false hope. She considered the situation a moment. “You know, I really do. It’s Christmas. He’s probably snuggled up somewhere, or in someone else’s house doing a sleepover to see what kind of treats he can get out of them.” She quickly wrote out “LOST” across the top of the page. “And we’ll get him a collar tomorrow too. My treat.”
They made the flyer template and Misty seemed much more relaxed about the situation. “Would you like to come stay with me tonight? My cousin Anna is there too, but I don’t mind if you’d rather not be alone.”
“The apartment is tight quarters even for one.”
“Oh, we’re not staying there. I was just using it last night to do some late-night work. There’s room. Come stay.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine, but I can pick you up in the morning so we can make the copies at the office. Is that okay?”
“That would be great.”
“Where are you staying?”
“It’s a long story, but when my cousin got to town, we were trying to straighten out her Airbnb reservation, with something nearby.”
“There’s not a lot of places to stay around here.”
“Exactly. But there’s this older gentleman I kept bumping into over at the Blue Bicycle Bistro. He overheard us and offered us his guesthouse.”
“You’re staying at the carriage house? Off Porter House Road?”
“Yes. Back there around the curve. Do you know Buck?”
“I do.” She kind of smiled, but with a lift of her brow. “He’s the best. Does my dad know you’re staying over there?”
Vanessa shrugged. “I guess not. No, probably not. I’m sure he wouldn’t have any problem with you staying with us for the night. I’d be happy to call him.”
“No. Don’t do that.” She smiled brightly. “No need to do that. I’m just fine here. I’ll be there in the morning to pick you up. Does seven work?”
“That’ll be great.” Vanessa started to walk away, but Misty called after her.
“Buck’s awesome. Just as awesome as my dad.”
