Cat had experience with her mom picking out new reading material, and it never took only a few minutes. Her mother could easily get lost in a bookstore and come out a few hours later with a stack of new books.
Cat didn’t blame her in the least. Lucy’s bookstore was a great place to get lost in if you had some time to kill. If Tate wasn’t expecting her, she might have joined her mother.
“We’re supposed to be hanging out together.”
“And we are,” Grace laughed. “It’s been lovely. But it’s time for you to go meet Tate. Trust me, I can get home on my own. Go have a good time. I won’t wait up.”
“What makes you think I’ll be out late?”
“Because of the way you and Tate look at each other.”
“You’re a great mom. Have fun, and call me if you need me.”
“I am a great mom, and I’ll be just fine. I’ve been getting around town for many years while you were gone. I can handle things.”
Her mother went into the bookstore, waving through the window as she began scanning one of the book displays near the register.
Cat didn’t need to hurry to the bar. She could take her time and do some window shopping. All the siblings wanted a chance to visit with Mark first, plus Piper had a conference call with someone on the West Coast, so they had to wait for her.
She continued down the sidewalk, slowing as she found herself in front of Lindsey’s grooming business. She could see Lindsey through the large window, working on an adorable Yorkie.
Lindsey saw Cat and smiled, waving at her to come in. For a moment, Cat hesitated, not sure she could act casual after hearing what Rachel had said about the supposed affair, but then she had no idea if any of it was even remotely true.
The bell over the door rang as Cat walked into the grooming salon. Lindsey was dressed in a pink apron and appeared to be finishing up with the canine on the table.
For the first time, she noticed how Lindsey resembled Rachel. They weren’t identical, but their coloring was the same. Lindsey was a few inches shorter, but from a distance, they looked very much alike.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to call you,” Lindsey said. “I was hoping we could set up a lunch or something so we can catch up.This is Tiger, by the way. His mommy and daddy are going to be here to pick him up any minute. He’s my last customer of the day.”
Tiger was looking up at Cat with the biggest and softest brown eyes she’d ever seen.
“He’s a cutie,” Cat said. “I’ve been thinking about getting a dog myself. I’ve never been able to get one before now because I traveled too much.”
If she took the skin care job, she’d probably be traveling again. She’d be “back” in her old life.
Think about what you’ll be proud of.
Her mother’s words were still ringing in Cat’s ears.
“Really? A dog? Do you have any idea of what you’re looking for? I work with the county shelter, helping our four-footed friends find forever homes.”
“I’m not sure. I don’t want a dog that’s super high energy. I was hoping for one that’s kind of chill and would be happy to watch television with me.”
Apparently, Cat had picked the right topic because Lindsey launched into a list of questions regarding hair versus fur, big versus small, and so on.
“Just let me know when, and I’ll meet you at the shelter,” she said. “I can show you around, and perhaps suggest a few that might be what you’re looking for. Sadly, we never seem to lack animals that need a good home.”
“Did Josh and Rachel adopt from the shelter?”
What am I doing? Why did I ask that?
Lindsey didn’t even blink at the question or the mention of Josh.
“They did, which is wonderful. They’re also patrons, and they give generously during the annual fundraiser. They’re terrific pet parents. I’m sure the pups are being a great comfort to them right about now. You know, with everything that’s happening. Italways helps to have that unconditional love. I can’t believe Josh was hit by a car. That’s so crazy.”
“It is crazy,” Cat agreed. “Hopefully, Finn can find whoever did it.”
Lindsey cleared her throat, her gaze darting to the door and then back to Cat.
