Page 71 of Always Almost You

The man and dog were now thirty feet ahead.

Lauren and Pumpkin continued to jog, the leash taut between them. Pumpkin’s breath came faster now, her small legs spinning to keep up.

Lauren’s throat felt dry. I have to know. She closed the distance, then edged slightly ahead, her heart pounding. Instead of calling out, instead of risking the wrong name, she slowed, turned, and looked.

The man glanced up at her, his expression curious.

It wasn’t Mike. The moment collapsed. Her hope shattered so quickly that it left her almost breathless. “Sorry,” Lauren said, the word catching in her throat.

She turned away, heat rising to her face. She and Pumpkin stepped into a recessed doorway, out of the stream of foot traffic. Lauren pressed a hand to her chest and inhaled slowly.

Pumpkin sat at her feet, head tilted, sensing the shift in her mood.

Lauren let out a long breath. “Sorry, sweet girl,” she said, bending to stroke Pumpkin’s head. “I thought they were our friends from vacation.” She gave a small shake of her head. “No such luck.” She straightened, and the disappointment lingered, deeper than she wanted to admit.

I thought you were over that, she told herself. So why does this feel like a loss? She swallowed. “I can’t go around chasing every tall man with a golden retriever,” she muttered under her breath.

Pumpkin blinked up at her, solemn and attentive, as if considering the logic.

Lauren let out a soft huff of laughter. “Okay,” she said, squaring her shoulders and giving the leash a gentle shake. “Kathy is going to wonder where we’ve disappeared to, and what we’ve done with her lunch.”

Pumpkin jumped up.

“We’ll return to The Friendly Bean, grab our order, and head to the office.” She paused, looking down at her pup. “And since you’ve been such a good sport about all of this …”

Pumpkin’s ears perked.

“… I’ll have them add an extra homemade dog treat for you.”

CHAPTER 47

Lauren and Pumpkin pulled into The Friendly Bean’s parking lot. The lot was nearly full, with cars circling as drivers searched for spots. Lauren eased into one of the last spaces and shut off the engine. “This is going to be a night,” she murmured.

She stepped out of the car and slipped off her leather jacket, tossing it onto the passenger seat. She wouldn’t need it once she was inside. The energy alone would keep her warm.

Tonight wasn’t like other karaoke nights. Usually, she wore jeans and a soft sweater. But this felt different. She smoothed her hands over the red satin sheath that skimmed her frame, the fabric catching the fading light with a soft, liquid sheen. It was simple, elegant, and bold enough to feel special. She looked down at her strappy heels. “I really hope I don’t regret these,” she said under her breath.

Lauren was shocked that so many people had donated to hear her sing tonight. They were expecting something from her, something more than casual, more than fun. She had rehearsed every song during the week, pushing herself and refining her phrasing, breath, and emotion until she felt satisfied, particularly with “At Last.” This, she realized, wasn’t just karaoke anymore. This was performance.

Even Pumpkin had risen to the occasion. Fresh from the groomer, her coat was soft and glossy, and sparkly red bows adorned her ears. She looked festive, faintly ridiculous, and completely adorable. “You’re the cutest part of this whole thing,” Lauren said, smiling as she lifted her from the car and set her down. Together, they headed toward the café.

The storefront had been transformed. Through the windows, Lauren could see tables adorned with small bud vases of red roses and baby’s breath, glowing softly in the warm light. A balloon arch in shades of red, pink, and opalescent ivory stood to the left of the entrance. A chalkboard sign announced:

Valentine’s Karaoke Night—All Donations Benefit the Local Food Bank. Professional Photos $5

People clustered outside, talking and laughing.

The owner stood beneath the arch, adjusting a length of satin draping. He looked up and broke into a grin. “Well, would you look at the two of you!” he called. “My favorite gals have arrived, and you look beautiful.”

Lauren laughed, warmth spreading through her chest. “This is a big night,” she said. “And I’m proud to be part of it. You’ve put your whole heart into this.” She gestured to the arch. “This is gorgeous.”

He stepped back, admiring his work. “It is, isn’t it?”

“I know things don’t start for another hour,” Lauren said, “but can Pumpkin and I be your first photo-booth customers? I’m afraid once we’re inside, we won’t make it back out.” She reached into her beaded clutch and withdrew a five-dollar bill.

“Of course,” he said, waving her off. “But you’re not paying. Put that away. You’re doing more than enough tonight. The photo’s on me.”

Lauren met his eyes, then smiled and tucked the bill back into her clutch.