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“Well, I’d appreciate it if you’d make sure he stays in your yard from now on,” I say through gritted teeth. “It’s not safe to have an untrained dog around my daughter.”
“Obviously,” Marlow replies flatly as she watches Waffles and Lola play like they’re the best of friends. “Come on Waffles. We’ve clearly overstayed our welcome.”
He ignores her in favor of chasing his tail, while Lola claps her hands. Marlow is unfazed, taking a leash out of her coat pocket and clipping it to Waffles’ collar.
I direct them to the front door as Marlow practically drags Waffles out, oblivious to the water, dirt, and dog hair being tracked through my house.
Before they can step outside, Lola darts past me, dropping to the floor to hug Waffles, her arms encircling his neck. “I’m going to miss you.” She looks up at Marlow with pleading eyes. “Can I play with Waffles again soon?”
I’m stunned speechless when Marlow crouches down in front of Lola and tucks a piece of stray hair behind her ear. “Of course, you can.” She shoots me a glare, daring me to say otherwise. “Besides, I don’t think I could keep him away now that he’s met you.”
“Yay,” Lola cheers, bouncing up and down in excitement. “Hey, Marlow?”
“Yeah?”
“Why do you and Waffles have eyes that don’t match?”
“Lola, remember our talk about not asking strangers personal questions?” I ask.
“Oh, it’s fine.” Marlow offers a friendly grin to my curious daughter, before her gaze darts to me. “We’re not strangers, neighbor. It’s called heterochromia,” Marlow replies without missing a beat. “We were born with it. When I found Waffles at the shelter, I knew he was special, so I took him home with me.”
“I think you’re really pretty,” Lola whispers.
My daughter’s not wrong. Marlow is gorgeous, and despite her overly cheerful disposition and blatant disregard for other people’s property I can’t help but be drawn to her.
Marlow puts her hand over her heart in response to Lola’s comment. “And I think you’re beautiful.” She lightly taps Lola on the nose. “I love your skirt. Rainbows are my favorite,” she says in a low voice, like she’s sharing a secret.
Lola’s eyes widen in disbelief. “Mine too.” She beams with pride. “Hey, Marlow, how come you have a flower sticking out of your shirt?”
Sure enough, a single daffodil is poking out of the front pocket of Marlow’s overalls. How it survived her climb over the fence, I’ll never know.
“I like to paint flowers, and I keep a fresh bouquet of them at home,” she explains. “When a certain flower inspires me, I study it before I paint, and I tend to forget that I’m carrying it around.” She plucks the flower from her pocket and hands it to Lola. “Would you like this one? It’s a daffodil. It represents new beginnings, which I think is fitting for our situation.”
“Yes, please.” Lola carefully takes the flower from Marlow’s hand.
“It might be thirsty, so make sure you keep it in water so it doesn’t wilt.”
Lola looks up at me. “Daddy, will you get my flower a drink?”
“Sure, ladybug, but let’s see Marlow and Waffles out first.”
The sooner our uninvited guests leave, the sooner I can get this mess cleaned up and finish getting dinner ready.
“It was such a pleasure to meet you, Lola,” Marlow says.
When she stands up, she leans toward me so only I can hear. “I’m not sure I can say the same for you, but thanks for the tour, regardless.” She winks. “You shouldn’t frown so much or someday your face could get stuck that way.” Her tone is teasing.
I raise a brow. “Did you consider I might have one less reason to frown if you and your dog didn’t show up unannounced?”
The fluttering sensation is back in my stomach accompanied by a rush of remorse that proves more difficult to stifle than before.
She places her hands on her hips. “Did I not apologize for the intrusion, and promise you it won’t happen again?”
“You did,” I say, but I have a sneaking suspicion this won’t be the last time Waffles and Marlow drop by for an unexpected visit.
Marlow tilts her head as she studies me, and an indecipherable expression crosses her face as if she’s trying to read me. I school my expression, a carefully crafted wall firmly in place.
I clear my throat and pointedly glance at the door, hoping she’ll take the hint and make her exit. I’m relieved when she finally steps onto the porch, leash in hand.
