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I’m relieved that the bouquet I picked up from Blooms, the local flower shop, yesterday is still in great shape. I always prefer to paint with real-life inspiration when possible, so I keep at least one flower arrangement in the studio.
I pluck a daffodil from the vase and examine it. They symbolize new beginnings, reminding me of the day Waffles and I met Lola. Her innocence and carefree spirit ignite my inner child, inspiring my first piece in this collection.
Before painting, I lift my arms into a power pose and take five deep, long breaths. I welcome the surge of confidence that courses through me.
Today is going to be the start of something wonderful.
4
MARLOW
“WAFFLES, WILL YOU PLEASE SLOW down?”
Our afternoon walk around the neighborhood is cut short when he catches sight of Lola on her way home from school. He has a one-track mind where she’s concerned. I tug on his leash, but it’s useless. This dog is on a mission, and nothing will deter him, me included.
My steps falter when I see Dylan is with Lola. Most days, she spends the afternoon at her grandma’s house until Dylan picks her up after work. On occasion, Kendra gets her from school and brings her back to the house.
Dylan is on the phone, his face twisted in a scowl. I don’t envy whoever is on the other end of that call.
Lola skips over to meet Waffles and me in front of her house. Her oversized backpack bounces up and down with every step. Waffles jumps into her arms when she gets close enough, showering her with affectionate licks. Dylan looks on, his disapproval clear by the clench of his jaw.
“You’re such a good boy, Waffles,” Lola croons while scratching him behind the ear.
“He was very excited to see you,” I say.
Lola glances up at me. “I made you something.”
“You did?”
She bobs her head up and down with a toothy grin and sets her backpack on the sidewalk. While she sifts through a stack of papers, Waffles sticks his nose inside to investigate.
“Here,” she exclaims, handing me a drawing of a rainbow covered with shimmering silver and pink glitter.
I crouch down on the sidewalk next to her, taking a closer look at the picture. “Lola, this is lovely. You’re so talented.” My heart swells with warmth at her sweet gesture. “How did you know I love rainbows and glitter?”
“Because you told me,” she says with a hint of sass. “And you always wear those.” She points to my silver sneakers.
My gaze darts to Dylan at the sound of his frustration. He paces the sidewalk a few feet away, as he huffs in annoyance. I stand. “Would you mind if I hang this picture on my fridge so Waffles and I can see it every day?” I ask Lola.
“I think Waffles would like that,” she says.
“You’re absolutely right about that. I have something for you too.”
She watches intently as I take out a sunflower from the front pocket of my overalls.
“You remembered,” she squeals.
“How could I forget?” I ask with a smile. Ever since I gave Lola a daffodil when we met, I always carry a flower with me whenever there’s a possibility that I might run into her.
“Daddy, look what Marlow gave me.” She lifts the flower to show him.
He quickly glances over, acknowledging her with a nod, before turning his attention back to his call.
“Hey, Lola,” I whisper. “Your dad is on an important call. Why don’t you play catch with Waffles until he’s finished?”
She shifts her attention back to me, and I hand her Waffles’ tennis ball that I had in my pocket. Lola tosses it into a patch of nearby snow, and Waffles chases after it, diving enthusiastically into the pile in search of his toy. When he retrieves it, he runs back to Lola, dropping the ball at her feet with an excited bark, eagerly waiting for her to throw it again.
Dylan shoots Waffles a stern look, covering his phone with his hand, attempting to muffle out the noise.
