SUPRISE - Part 8

DeeDee Lane is taking over for Sarah E. Stevens to conclude our story



            “He’s moping around, not wanting to play…I’m worried.”

            Bruce’s trusting gaze followed Rachel’s every movement. Her beloved beagle was being such a brave boy, holding perfectly still as the vet palpitated his throat and sinus area.

“I’m glad you brought him in, his energy level seems low.” Her dog’s long-time vet Yoshiko made a note before continuing her examination. “Have there been any big changes in his physical environment?”

Rachel swallowed, her gulp echoing against the sterile clinic walls. In the uncomfortable pause she straightened her shoulders to help organize her thoughts.

“We’ve been through a lot of changes lately.”

Talk about an understatement. Three weeks ago, she’d announced to Gregory, and a street full of Chicago onlookers, she couldn’t have drama in her life. She’d emphasized her point with emphatic gestures, maybe a stomp or two, a rigid jawline, and plenty of conviction. Enter fate…irony? A kick in the ego? 

“Okay, talk to me about Bruce’s living space.” Yoshiko’s voice was gentle her gaze kind. “How is it different in the past few weeks?”

“Right, good place to start. My best friend Marni and her sister Alison had a huge fight and Marni moved in with us.” Rachel fiddled with the hair behind her ear. “Bruce and Trixie love Marni.” Rachel took out a business card from her purse and handed it to the vet. “You’ve probably heard of her, she’s a super popular food blogger, right now she’s filming 101 Ways to Use Fresh Mozzarella.”

She’d barely finished the blog title when Yoshiko interrupted with a laugh. “Mangia Marni? Her recipe for pasta bake saved my marriage. We make it once a week, and we love, love, love her video posts.”

“She’s amazing and her whole thing is cooking from home…” Yoshiko nodded in understanding. “Every bit of counter space is covered with zucchini, yams, or a veggie spiralizer. The Amazon guy comes at least three times a day with new products people want her to try. She feeds everyone including both dogs who follow her footsteps licking noodles off the floor.”

Talk about drama. Her days got even more chaotic when her grandparents stopped for their annual week in Chicago. Every spare minute was taken up with trips to the Art Museum, a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field, and walks along the Lincoln Park shore with her Gotta stay in shape Mom and Fitness is my middle name Grandma. 

Next the fates really started teasing her the morning she’d found a job posting for a local non-profit combining her social work degree and self-taught marketing savvy. The office location was a short El train ride away and the salary competitive. Her mom had taken her shopping for interview clothes, her dad had practiced interviewing her dozens of times, and Marni dispensed tomato sauce and advice. Three interviews later, a meeting with the board of directors, countless visualizations of herself landing a dream job, and she was employed!  Set to start in one week. In fact, the second she’d announced she wanted no drama she got a whole heaping helping of it.   

 “I haven’t been late once.” The realization brought tears to her eyes. “And I haven’t worn my watch.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken out loud until Yoshiko responded with a chuckle. Looking up, she flashed a watery grin at the vet. “Sorry, my life is a whirlwind lately, lots of drama, the good kind.”

“Don’t all your friends tell you everything’s a half hour early?”

“I know right?” Rachel fiddled with the zipper on her hoodie. “Drama must be good for me.”

The vet finished her examination with a vigorous rub behind the beagle’s ears. “This little guy is just fine.” She clipped Bruce’s collar back around his neck. “I’ll do the usual bloodwork to be sure, but all signs are positive.”

Rachel’s relieved breath escaped in a whoosh of air. “Could it be something mental? “He seems lonely…as if he’s pining for someone.”

“Could be, dog’s make connections with people pretty quickly.” Yoshiko smiled. “Any special someone new in his life…or your life recently?”

Rachel felt her cheeks grow warm. Her mind was swamped with images of Gregory. His hands cupping the flute of champagne, his body curved protectively around Bruce, his smile through the coffee shop window, his teasing glance when he saved her from the wrath of Alison, the pride in his stance when he explained his job change, his voice when he told the ex to stay an ex, and the sad acceptance in his eyes when she walked away.

“Oh my, well do tell.”

“Better yet, I’m taking action.” Rachel handed her phone over and leaned into hug her beagle buddy. “Take a picture of us please, I’ve got an invitation to send and no one in their right mind can resist this bad boy.”

It wasn’t possible to start over with Gregory, but they could go back to the place they’d met. A lot can happen in a short time, as she could clearly attest, he could have moved on, but she had to try. She suspected even her beagle missed him.

*****

Three hours, five texts, a shower, three changes of clothes, and lots of conflicting advice from her family (dogs included), Rachel was seated at the bar in Delia’s Restaurant. Ten minutes early. Champagne in hand and one already poured for Gregory she waited. All there was left to do was hope against hope their connection wasn’t in her mind.  

“You must be Rachel, Marni’s best friend.” Gregory’s voice sent tingles down her spine. His hand warmed her back. “Such a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Rachel stood up to face him. “I’m happy you came Gregory.” A fluttery tingle of excitement started in the pit of her stomach and she gave him a wide-eyed smile.

Zip…the connection was clear. On both sides.

His gaze twinkled. “It’s not every day I get an Instagram invite from Bruce Lee.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t try har—” She stopped as he kissed her lightly on the lips.

“We both could apologize for various events, but let’s try something else”

Her fingers touched her lips, his mouth left a patch of searing heat behind. And desire.

“As long as the ‘something else’ involves more kisses and champagne.” She handed him the flute of bubbly wine. “Let’s toast to new beginnings.”

Their glasses clinked, the sound tinkling through the evening, lightening her heart and creating a place of hope for their future.  
            “To here…” She started the toast and their voices overlapped as they finished it together.

“And now.”

The End