No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert

Author:Heather Day Gilbert [Gilbert, Heather Day]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WoodHaven Press
Published: 2020-05-25T16:00:00+00:00

16

The woman I'd made my reservation with had mentioned several times that I should wear something "warm and casual" to the oyster roast, so I layered my short sleeve shirt with a blazer, then grabbed a jacket, just to be on the safe side. It had been a warm September, and evenings hadn't been too chilly yet, but a weather front was moving through and promised cooler temperatures overnight.

Perceiving I was going to abandon him for a stretch of time, Coal swirled around me as if corralling me. His tail was working overtime, and every time it bopped into my leg, I wondered if I might actually get a bruise.

"I won't be gone long," I assured him. I hoped that was the truth, because I didn't want to be alone with the texter for any extended period. How had this person gotten my cell number, anyway?

As I tucked my knife into my pocket, Bo called from his house. He must've already returned the puppies to the shelter.

With no preamble, he said, "They peed all over the truck. Why didn't I think to put them in the crate before I left?"

I tried to sound relaxed, although I was in a hurry to get out the door. "Sorry. I should've warned you they're little live wires."

"I'll say. You sure you can keep a handle on them tomorrow at Taste of our Towns? The streets are always packed, and I don't want them breaking loose."

"They'll be in the kennel, so it's not like they'll be running free. I'll handle all their potty breaks, food, and toys, so all you'll need to do is get that metal kennel out of Auntie A's shed and haul that over to our booth. I plan to get there at six, so I can set up the dog stuff while you help the others get the food and hot drink area ready. Sound good?"

"Sounds good." He was rustling around his kitchen; I heard the fridge door slam and the clang of a pot.

"I'll let you go, bro. Sounds like you're getting supper ready."

"Charity gave me her beef stew recipe, and it uses maple syrup. I can't wait to try it out. You want me to bring some over later?"

I glanced at Coal, who had given up on corralling me in favor of stretching out full-length next to my back door, completely blocking it. "Uh, no. I'm going to hang out with Coal and watch some old movies." It wasn't a total lie, because I fully planned to hang out with Coal later on and watch movies. I just needed to meet up with some unknown informant at Ivy Hill first.

After saying goodbye to my brother, I did a final check of my appearance in the hall mirror. Apparently, my hair had absorbed all the humidity in my house, leaving its waves fluffed beyond all control. I couldn't wait until fall arrived to dry the mountains out—and my hair.

I pulled it back into a loose bun and stared at Coal, who met my look with an angelic gaze.

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