“Hello and welcome, all of you. You already know that I’m Dana Langdon. I’ll be your main instructor for the next three months. Janet will also be working with all of you. She’s a very talented groomer who just graduated from our school. If you have any questions, and I mean any questions, ask before you proceed. The safety of the dogs and our students are our top concern. A bad haircut can be fixed. Dog fur grows out. An injured animal or groomer is inexcusable, so the first lesson you will learn is how to handle a dog. We don’t expect you to be perfect, just careful. The first clients that you’ll be assigned to will have Janet or myself as backup. You’ll learn to deal with the owners as well as the dogs. Let me tell you, the owners can be much more difficult. I also wanted to let you know that my mother, Lucy, the owner of this place, will be in later to give us a hand. She’s looking forward to meeting all of you.” Dana didn’t intend to give out any more information about her mom. She just hoped she was sober when she arrived. “So if you’d like, you can introduce yourselves to each other. You’ll be working closely in the next few weeks. The first dog is due in at nine this morning so I’ll stop at each of your tables and make sure you’re all prepared.”
Dana was grateful for the distraction of the busy grooming schedule for the upcoming month. She’d have less time to think about what Maria was doing. She’d picked up her phone several times after the one call the other day, and stopped herself. She wanted to hear her voice. She wanted to see her again. She wanted to feel her in her arms again and most definitely kiss her again. Maria seemed to have come to terms with Dana’s sexuality and probably wouldn’t urge her to attend church, but despite the kiss, she was a straight woman who had just come out of a divorce. Dana wouldn’t be her experiment or be accused of being a lesbian preying on a recently divorced woman. Yes, the kiss they’d shared was more intense than any she’d ever known. But she was looking for someone with whom to share her life. Someone with whom she could share a love, someone who was happy to be exactly what they were, no matter what their faith. She’d make sure Leanne didn’t hurt her, but that was the only involvement with Maria that she could allow herself.
The morning went quickly for Dana, and her mother came in bright-eyed and ready to help.
“How’re you feeling, Mom?” Dana asked later, although she had kept an eye on her mother all day.
“Great. I love being back. The new students seem to be doing a good job handling the animals. We have more dogs coming in tomorrow than we did today, don’t we?”
“Yep. We’re booked solid tomorrow. You gonna be here?”
“Yes. I’d like to be. Like I said, you’re in charge. You really are good at this you know. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot coming from you. I’m proud of you too. You’ve spent the whole day here. Have you been thinking about drinking at all?”
The noise her mother made was more like an extended grunt than a chuckle. “Honey, I think about drinking all the time. It’s a hard thing to explain. This probably isn’t the best time to talk about it.”
“Okay, Mom. If I can help in any way, let me know. I’m going to go get us pizza. I’ve called it in so I should be back in forty-five minutes.”
Dana allowed herself a moment to permit the sense of hope to wash over her. It was hard to relax and believe her mother was back. Having her back made her realize how much she’d missed her. When she graduated high school, when Brandy left her, and when her father died, she’d wanted to turn to her mother. She hadn’t been there then, but maybe she was now.
*
“Dinner’s here.” Dana carried several pizza boxes back to her office. As she passed the little dryer cages set up toward the back of the room, she noticed a familiar face that stopped her short. “Frankie? Is that you?” Dana watched the chubby dachshund stand and furiously wag his tail. She delivered the pizzas to an empty grooming table, then went to speak to her mother at the front desk. “Hey, Mom, when did the dachshund come in? He wasn’t scheduled for anything today, was he?”
“Do you mean Frankie? Your lovely friend, Maria, brought him in while you were gone. She wanted to see you, but I told her you were out getting us dinner. She asked if it were possible to get him bathed, ears and anal glands cleaned, and a nail trim. She’s so sweet. I didn’t think it would be a problem, since we have the students here. She’ll be back in an hour to get him. In the half hour he’s been here, he’s stolen everyone’s heart.”
Yeah, Dana thought, like his mom’s stolen mine.
“I guess it’s not a problem. He’s an easy little guy. I’m surprised she brought him in though. She usually bathes him herself. Anyway, go get some pizza. I got you veggie.”
Dana sat at the front desk reviewing the day’s receipts when she heard the door open. She looked up, and the resolve to distance herself from Maria drifted away like the ringing of the tiny bell on the door. “Hi.”
“Hi. I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to see you.”
I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to have anything to do with you except to spend the rest of my life with you. Dana feared all that would come out of her mouth if she spoke so she just sat and stared.
“Thank you for taking care of Frankie for me. I know I didn’t have an appointment, but your mom was so gracious. She said she’d take care of him herself, and that I could pick him up in a couple of hours. I went to the IGA in town. How are you?”
Maria fiddled with her car keys and readjusted her purse on her shoulder. That faint blush on her cheeks, that was so damned attractive, gave away her attempt at nonchalance.
“I’m fine.” I miss you. The awkward silence was more than Dana could stand. “I’ll get Frankie for you.”
Having Frankie in her arms appeared to give Maria confidence. “I wanted to ask you something.” Much to his displeasure, she set Frankie on the floor as she spoke. “You mentioned a church you’d attended in Port Huron. Could I get the name of it? I can’t bring myself to go back to the one I’ve been attending. I’m thinking we just don’t seem to understand God in the same way.”
“Absolutely. I have the address in my office.” Dana hesitated before continuing. “Come on back and I’ll get it.”
“Maria! I’m glad I got to see you again. I was just thinking of heading home.” Dana’s mother and Maria exchanged warm hugs as though they were old friends.
“Hello again, Lucy. Thank you taking care of my little guy. He seems to like it here. You must take good care of him.”
“The comfort of our dogs is our first priority.” Her mother looked as serious and sincere as Dana had ever seen her. She was good at this. “Are you staying awhile?” She looked from Maria to Dana and back.
“I’m planning to change churches so I’m just getting the address to one Dana knows about.”
“Judge Wright’s church. He’s a very nice man. You’ll like him.”
“You know the pastor there?”
“He’s a friend of the family. Didn’t Dana tell you?” Dana cringed under her mother’s stare. “It doesn’t matter. You’ll like him. He’s honest.”
“Come on. I’ll give you the name and address. Mom is a little prejudiced.”
Dana and Maria headed to the back of the building to Dana’s makeshift office.
“You have some nice students. They all said hello when I walked by, and some even commented on how sweet Frankie is. I’m glad I brought him in today. I’ll admit I worried a little when Lucy told me you weren’t here.”
“Everyone here knows how to treat animals well. Here’s the name and address of the church. The name of the Pastor is Poppy Wright.”
“What denomination is his church?”
“Presbyterian, I think. I just know that he keeps inviting us to visit and that he’s a good man. I don’t actually attend services there.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Maria slipped the paper her into her purse. “I guess I should go now.” She didn’t move.
“I love pizza.”
“Then please stay and share some with us. It’s Mom’s first day back, and it’s been a good day. I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be right there.”
Dana leaned on the tiny sink in the bathroom and took a settling breath. Maria was here and she’d invited her to stay and have pizza. What was she thinking? It’s just pizza. She’s a client, not a date. Feeling more settled, she made her way back to the grooming area.
Her mother and Maria were sitting at the empty grooming table, happily munching on pizza and chatting when Dana returned.
“Did you leave me any?” Dana stood with her hands on her hips trying to look worried.
“Just sit down. There’s plenty,” her mother said. “Maria was telling me about her trip to visit her parents in Ohio. Did you know her father is a minister and that she sings in a choir?”
Dana pulled a chair next to her mother and looked at Maria. She’d just taken a bite of her pizza, and Dana resisted reaching over to wipe away the small spot of sauce on her chin.
“Yes. I’ve heard her sing. She’s very good.” Dana watched the graceful way Maria used her paper napkin to wipe away the sauce. Is there anything this woman does that doesn’t affect me?
“I told her about when you, Richard, and I went to the big dog show in Toledo. It was your first time in the show ring.” Her mother began giggling and placed her hand conspiratorially on Maria’s arm. “She went the wrong way around the ring with the dog she was handling.” Now her mother was laughing out loud and Maria joined her. “Richard didn’t seem to care. He watched all the other dogs going one way and Dana going the other for a while and then talked to the judge and explained that she was new to the event.”
“Thanks, Mom.” But Dana was laughing too by the time her mother finished the story. “See why I let you do all of the handling from then on?”
“I’ve never been to a large dog show. I’ve seen the Westminster show on TV, but I’d love to go to one some time. Dana took me to the wiener dog race, but I doubt it compares to what you’re talking about,” Maria said.
“I think we should take her to the Detroit show in January, Dana.”
Dana frowned slightly. “That’s a long ways off. We’ll see.” Dana avoided Maria’s gaze. She couldn’t commit to anything months away with Maria. She sighed, realizing her mother had no idea about the turmoil tearing Dana apart inside.
“That is a long ways off. I’m working on getting through this week,” Maria said. “I should probably get Frankie home. Thanks for the pizza. I hope I see you again, Lucy.”
Maria stood and gave Dana’s mother another big hug, and Dana walked her to the door.
“Be careful driving. Bring Frankie back anytime,” Dana said.
Maria stood in the doorway looking like she wanted to say something, but slowly turned and left.
Chapter Fifteen
Dana watched the white caps interrupt the smooth flow of the Saint Clair River. Like her churning emotions, the current worked hard to fight the forces over which it had no control. She’d left earlier than usual this Sunday. Compelled by her need to sort out her feelings for Maria, she’d driven to her spot of refuge. She knew she wanted so much more than just friendship with her. Would it be enough if that were all she offered? Why was she torturing herself by even thinking about her? As she gazed across the river to Canada, she noticed a church steeple she didn’t remember seeing before. It reminded her that Poppy’s service was starting soon. Maybe she could find some answers in the serenity of a church. She’d never searched for answers there before, but why not? She ignored the whisper in her head that said she was only going with the hope that Maria would be there.
She arrived at the nearly full church parking lot ten minutes before the service was to begin. Dana quickly made her way into the tiny lobby, intending to sit in the back row of pews. She glanced around but didn’t see Maria anywhere, and she felt a spurt of disappointment. Poppy caught her eye as soon as she headed toward the sanctuary.
“Dana, I’m so glad to see you here.” The pastor Dana had known most of her life as Judge Wright, clasped her hands in a genuine welcome. “Did you bring your friend?”
“My friend? I’m not sure who you mean.”
“I had a call this week from a woman who said she was a friend of yours. She asked me questions about my church, my faith, my intentions for the church, and then she asked for specific directions to get here. I thought maybe she decided to ride with you.”
“Ah. Maria.”
“Yes, that’s her name. I didn’t mind her interview at all. I could tell she was searching, and I hope she comes to try out our little congregation. Oh, she also seemed very interested in our choir. She wanted to know if we had a music ministry.”
“She has a beautiful voice. I’ve heard her sing at the church she used to attend. I’m not sure why she’s leaving that one, but I know she recently went through a divorce and her ex-husband preaches there occasionally. Maybe that’s why.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting her. I need to get going. I hope you enjoy the service. I’m glad you came today.”
Dana watched Poppy greet a few parishioners as he made his way to the front of the church. Then she slid onto the back pew and waited.
“May I sit here?”
Dana grinned, relief sweeping through her. “Of course.” Dana slid over to give Maria room to sit.
“I didn’t expect to see you here. Didn’t you say you grew up agnostic?”
This friendship thing wasn’t going to work if Dana wanted to kiss Maria every time she saw her.
“Yes. My parents never discounted the possibility of God’s existence. They just weren’t convinced of it.”
“Ah. Faith. ‘Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.’ Hebrews 11:1.”
Dana sat quietly as Pastor Wright began the service. The fact that Maria was quoting from the bible did nothing to relieve her discomfort with their relationship. Whatever that was going to be.
Despite her uncertainty regarding herself and Maria, Dana enjoyed sharing the spiritual time with her. Maria appeared comfortable with the tranquil service that was so dissimilar to the ardent one at the Assembly of God church. Dana found herself relaxing, enjoying the sermon and the music. The hour flew by.
“I’d like to talk to the pastor about the choir,” Maria said. “But right now, I’d love a cup of coffee.”
Dana looked at Maria and simultaneously they said, “Amigos.”
*
“Let’s sit by the window,” Maria said.
“Sounds good to me.”
Maria relaxed into her chair and surveyed the passersby outside the window.
“I love this place. It’s peaceful.” Dana took a sip of her coffee the server had automatically set in front of them. Just as she was about to ask how Maria liked the church service, someone stepped up to their table.
“I knew you’d be here, but did you have to bring the church bitch?”
“Leanne, what are you doing here? How did you know I’d be here?” Dana struggled to figure out what was happening. Just as she was going to stand up and confront Leanne, Maria spoke.
“Leanne. It’s so good to see you again.” Maria stood and grabbed Leanne’s hand. “I met you at the wiener dog races. Thank you for calling me the church bitch. I’ve never had a nickname before.”
Dana watched the storm of conflict cross Leanne’s face. “She’s mine!” Leanne spoke with conviction although her eyes squinted as if confused.
“Who, Dana? Okay. I kind of thought she had her own free will, though.” Maria’s smile would have melted anyone’s resolution, but Leanne’s obsession was clearly in a class of its own.
“Of course she does. And she chooses me. Remember that.” She turned to Dana. “We’ll discuss this later.” She stormed away, slamming the door open on her way out.
“God bless you,” Maria called after her and p
lopped back into her seat. “So much for peaceful.”
Dana could do nothing but laugh. “And to think I was worried about you.”
“I think she has some problems we’ll never know about. I feel sorry for her. I hope she can get some help. I guess that answers the question as to who sent me that note. Do you think you need to worry about your safety?”
“I really don’t think so. She seems unstable to me, but she hasn’t done anything threatening. I don’t feel sorry for her at all. I just hope she leaves me, us, alone.” Dana pondered the word “us.” What exactly did that mean? “Again, I’m sorry that you have to deal with this.”
“Leanne’s fixation on you is not your fault. I hope Dr. Jay can do something.”
“Why would she?” Dana took a sip of her coffee.
“I told her about Leanne, and she said she’d keep an eye on her. The only thing she told me was that Leanne told her there was somebody she’d met that ‘she didn’t want to let get away.’”
“Ah. Well, I just hope she stays away, from both of us. If Dr. Jay can do something, great.”
“Yeah. Me too. I’m not really worried about it. Do you think I should be? I mean, this is new for me.” Maria turned to look out the window, her brow furrowed.
Maria looked so worried that Dana wanted to take her in her arms and kiss away all her fears. “I think we should forget about Leanne and relax. She’s gone.”
“Okay.” Maria leaned back in her chair and smiled.
“So, you’re from Ohio. What made you open your shop here?” Dana twirled her empty cup in her hands.
Edge of Awareness Page 12
