Page 100 of Perfect Enough
She pulled a bottle of wine from the other bag, along with a bottle of lemon-flavored vodka. “Actually, come to think of it, I can’t either,” she said.
We both looked at each other—then laughed. Hard. It was a much-needed laugh, and I wanted to hug her for being my best friend and knowing precisely what I needed.
“Mom just called. She has a buyer for the studio.”
Chloe turned to get some glasses from the cabinet. “Already? I thought shejustdecided to sell!”
I got spoons and bowls for the ice cream. “I’m pretty sure she’d already started the groundwork to sell it before she told me.”
“We haven’t spoken much since she told you. How are you feeling about it all?”
I shrugged. “I’m okay. I understand my mother’s need to sell the studio and the house. I want her to be happy. And besides, as much as I love dancing, I’m ready for something else.”
“Like dog walking?” she asked, her brow raised.
“It’s more than that. I’ll be doing more of an administration job, and besides, I’ve enjoyed going with Haven on her walks with the dogs. I’m excited about the dog park, too. I’m just feeling…off, I guess.”
Chloe poured wine into two glasses. “We’re going to sit here and eat ice cream, junk food, and get drunk.”
Smiling, I replied, “I like that plan.” When she handed me a wine glass, I took it. “Thank you, Chloe, for dropping everything to be here and listen to me and my problems.”
Holding up her glass, she said, “To best friends.”
Tapping her glass with mine, I added, “To junk food and wine.”
“Amen to that!” Chloe stated with a laugh.
The next day, I tried to focus on the class I was teaching, but my heart wasn’t in it at all. When I’d told my mother I didn’t need the sub, I thought it would be good for me to teach the class. Take my mind off of things. I was wrong. I hadn’t heard anything from Josh, not even a reply to the text I’d sent him earlier this morning.
“Ms. Montgomery, why do you look so sad? Is it because you’re closing your dance studio?”
I glanced around at all the little girls wearing their pink ballet outfits, anxious looks on their faces.
“Let’s sit down in a circle for a bit.”
The girls gathered around me, and I smiled as I looked at their sweet, innocent faces. “Iamsad, but I’m excited at the same time. I get to do a whole new job!”
“What is it? What is it?” Caroline Johnson asked as she bounced on her knees.
“Well, I’m going to work with another woman who owns a dog-walking business, but it’s more than that. She picks up the dogs in a big blue bus, then takes them to a spot in the woods where they all run and play and swim.”
“That sounds like the bestest jobever!” Livvy Wilson exclaimed. “I’d love that job!”
I smiled. “She’s going to open a special dog park and needs someone to help her. That’s what I’m going to do.”
“Wow. What makes the dog park special?” Caroline asked.
“Well,” I said as I looked around at each of them. “You have to be a member to bring your dogs. There will be a splash pad, and lots of space for them to run and play fetch. Also, a place for the dog owners to sit and visit with each other.”
“That sounds amazing!” Casey said. “Who will pick up all the dog poop?”
I laughed. “The owners will have to do that.”
“Can kids play at the splash pad?” Livvy asked.
“No,” I replied with a small pout. “It’s only for the dogs.”
“That sounds like a fun dog park. I want to take my dog there!” one of the girls said, as they all started talking simultaneously.