AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After feeding Riley and starting the coffee maker, Emma showered and dressed in a patriotic ensemble of blue shorts and a red-and-white striped top. She pulled her hair up into a neat bun, then went to the back door, ready to walk Riley. Just as she clipped on his leash, her phone buzzed in her back pocket—it was Lisa calling.
“Hey girl!” Emma chirped.
“Hey! Happy Fourth.”
“Same to you. How are you doing?”
“I’m good. Just calling to see if you’re going to Phil’s before heading down to the beach?”
“Of course I’m going. How could I miss that?”
“Well, I wanted to make sure. I’m gonna be there soon. Maybe we’ll get lucky and meet a couple of hot guys at the beach later.”
“Maybe,” Emma said, letting out a nervous laugh.
Lisa’s tone turned serious. “Really though, I just want to see you happy again. I figured if you met someone new, it would help.”
“I appreciate you looking out for me, but I don’t think I’m ready for all of that.” Emma’s voice carried traces of past heartache as she shook her head. “It’s too soon. I’ve only been divorced for three months.”
Riley trailed Emma as she stepped outside with her phone and leash in hand. As the stubborn door handle closed behind her, she made a mental note to fix it later.
“Take all the time you need, Em. You’re an amazing, intelligent, beautiful woman. And anyone would be lucky to have you.”
Emma sighed, her eyes falling upon a flock of seagulls taking flight near the shoreline. Lisa could be right about finding someone new. Still, the idea of opening her heart again was daunting. She could only hope that, eventually, she’d find the courage to take that leap of faith.
“Thanks, Lisa. You always know what to say.” Emma walked into the kitchen, grabbing Riley’s water dish from the floor.
“I’ll see you at Phil’s in a bit, okay?”
“Sure thing. See ya then.” Emma hung up and filled the dish to the brim.
With a busy day ahead, the decision to leave Riley at home alone stirred guilt within her. But really, what other choice did she have? He never did well in large crowds, like last year’s town Christmas parade, when he snatched a pretzel from a kid’s hand, bolted off, and narrowly escaped being caught under the wheels of the truck pulling Santa’s sleigh.
As Emma crouched to say goodbye to Riley, she reached for his collar and noticed the absence of the familiar jingle. The tags were gone. Her heart skipped a beat as she inspected the collar, noticing the ring that held the tags was twisted open.
Then it struck her—the bushes.
Yesterday, during their walk, Riley chased a squirrel into a thicket of bushes, where she had carefully untangled him. The tags must’ve snagged on a branch, coming loose as he backed away. She hadn’t thought to check the tags afterward.
I’ll swing by on the way to Phil’s. They have to be there.
Before Emma could merge onto the main road leading into town, she veered onto the winding path trailing back to the patch of bushes from yesterday’s walk. She parked her car in the nearest spot and stepped out, her eyes sweeping the area where she and Riley had played.
Her heart thrummed as she drew closer, memories of yesterday’s laughter and barks echoing in her mind. She knelt, hands combing through the foliage, hoping for a glimpse of the shiny metal. Moments later, her fingers brushed against something cool and metallic, catching the sunlight.
A sigh escaped her lips as she picked it up, wiping off the dirt. The tag was slightly scratched, but the important details—her name and phone number—were still legible.
With no time to spare, Emma hurried back to her car, tucking the tag into her purse. She drove the short distance to town and parked on a side street, a couple blocks from Phil’s Diner, where the usual spots were already taken.
The sun beat down on her shoulders as she passed the stop sign, making her way onto Main Street. Digging into her purse, a sudden realization caused her fingers to pause.
Of course. Forgot the sunscreen.
Emma hoped Lisa had brought some; otherwise, her fair skin would soon turn a painful shade of red. The thought quickened her steps along the cobblestone pathway, and she momentarily set aside her guilt about leaving Riley behind.
The diner was packed.
She took a seat at the counter and waved at Margie, the seasoned waitress, and Phil, who had popped out of the kitchen. “Hey, Em! Good to see ya.”
