Loss and Longing

And as Stevie watched him she got the distinct impression he was lonely. She didn’t know why though. On the surface it seemed he had it all. He was gorgeous to look at. He was intelligent and caring. He didn’t have to stop the other night or squat in the rain while she cried her eyes out. He had a strong moral sense from the way he’d wanted to pay for the damage his dog had caused and he had excellent taste if his house was anything to go by. She had to assume from the finishes and the size of the property that he was well off too. So why would a man like that be alone?

“No friends?” she asked.

“Not many."

“Family?” she asked, curious to solve the puzzle.

“No” he said without elaborating and the tone of his voice told her not to push the issue.

She was sad for him. Even though she had more family than she could do with at times, she loved them and wouldn’t want to be without any close connections. She tried to think of something else to say to break the tension that had sprung up but before she could, there was a crash against the door situated not far from where she was sitting. She jumped.

Grant looked over his shoulder and smiled.

And Stevie knew she had conveyed her fright when he said “relax, it’s just Scout announcing his arrival.”

Side tracked by his house and the man himself, Stevie had completely forgotten, why she had agreed to come in, in the first place.

As Grant walked around the bench to the door, he said “and seeing he’s surprised you twice now, I think it’s time you two were introduced.” He opened the door and a large brindle boxer bounded in and stopping in front of her, stood looking at her, his head cocked to the side as if he was trying to work out who she was. Stevie, loved dogs and looking into Scout’s soft brown eyes she was captivated.

“Okay say hello and then on your mat” Grant said to Scout.

Scout sat, his rapidly wagging tail brushing against the floor as he panted his greeting.

Stevie got off her stool and squatting, she patted him. “He’s beautiful” she said with a smile.

Grant rubbed his dogs head on his way back around the bench and said “not when he’s been out digging in the rain.”

“Was he home when you got here the other night?” she asked standing again and watching Scout move off to lie on his bed just inside the back door as she resumed her seat.

“Yes” grant said “he was sitting at the back door looking ashamed of himself.  And so he should have after what he did, not to mention he was covered in mud.”

Stevie laughed and looking over her shoulder at Scout, she said “I’m glad I didn’t hit him.

“You and me both” Grant said.