Page 82 of Between the Lines

Cece reached for the mouse and marked the break, satisfied. This was exactly the conversation she’d hoped for. Joe was plainspoken, thoughtful, and honest.

And they were only just getting started.

Chapter Thirty-Four

The early afternoon traffic moved easily, sunlight flashing through the palms as they headed into Beechwood. Essie drove with both hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, the radio off. She didn’t need it. She’d much rather talk to Blaise, who was currently occupying the passenger seat.

“I really appreciate you coming with me,” Essie said after she made the turn. “I know you’ve got a lot of your own stuff going on. Not to mention Beau to look after.”

Blaise smiled from the passenger seat. “I’m happy to do it. And you obviously asked because you wanted to do this right. I love that. And I love the thought that I can be a part of a rescue dog finding a new home.”

“I’m probably going to ask a ton of questions.”

“That’s all right,” Blaise said. “Any guidance I can provide, I will.”

“That’s exactly why I wanted you,” Essie said. “I don’t trust myself not to fall in love with every dog I see. I need someone who knows about dogs and can help make sure I end up with the right one.”

“I’ll do my best,” Blaise said. “I can also tell you that you’ll probably know when you find the right dog. It’s like something clicks in your heart and your head at the same time.”

“I love that.” Essie loosened her grip slightly on the wheel. She’d read the rescue’s website more than once, memorized some of the descriptions, and studied the photos. Still, she felt unsure about the decision. Excited, but a little anxious. Frank had said he trusted her. She wanted to get this right. To find a dog they would both love.

A dog that would become part of their family.

The rescue was just on the edge of Beechwood. It was housed in a low, sun-faded building with a big, bright sign and a handful of cars in the lot. Essie parked and turned off the engine, glancing at Blaise. “I’m excited and nervous.”

Blaise grinned. “Imagine how the dogs feel.”

Essie laughed. “I bet.” She exhaled. “All right. Let’s go check them out.”

Inside, the air smelled like cleaning solution and dogs, but in a good way. A volunteer greeted them and asked how she could help.

“I called earlier. I’m Essie Rodrigez-Holt. I’m here to see a dog I saw online,” Essie said. “Her name is Maple.”

The volunteer’s face softened. “She’s in the back run. Come on.”

They hadn’t even reached the gate before the barking started. No aggression but plenty of excitement and energy. Dogs being dogs.

Then Essie saw her, recognizing her instantly from her photos on the site.

Maple stood a little apart from the others, tail wagging low and steady. Medium-sized, maybe forty pounds. Medium-length brown coat with a white blaze on her chest and one white paw that made her look like she’d stepped in paint.

Essie gave a little wave. “Hi, Maple.”

Maple looked up, curious. She trotted closer.

Essie stopped short. “Oh,” she said quietly. She hadn’t expected the dog to come when she heard her name.

“She’s so pretty,” Blaise said.

Maple sat at the fence and tilted her head, eyes calm and attentive.

Essie could feel herself melting. “She looks intelligent.”

“She does.” Blaise leaned closer. “I love how bright her eyes are.”

Essie crouched, knees protesting slightly. She rested her hands on her thighs. “Hello, Maple,” she said. “You look like such a nice dog. You’re certainly a very pretty girl.”

Maple leaned forward and pressed her nose through the chain link. When Essie held out her hand, Maple sniffed once and licked her fingers, tail still wagging.