attention. Both dogs yanked their leashes, trying to follow the rider.
“Wow,” Theo said, holding the dog back. He turned back to Shelby. "I'm Theo and of course this is Wally. Nice to meet you, Shelby.”
Theo, now energized by the young lady's attention, and Wally with Scarlett’s, was ready to go.
“Shall we walk these two?” he said.
Scarlett led the way down the path from the park to the lake then circled back up a few blocks later. Wally trotted right along beside her. Theo, not used to expending all this energy, picked up his pace to keep up with them.
"I'm here for the summer,” Shelby said. “My grandma lives off Second Street. Alice Meyer. Maybe you know her."
"The name's familiar. I seem to remember a Stan Meyer,” he said. “Didn’t he volunteer for the Arts Council?”
"That was my grandpa. He died a year ago. Scarlett hasn't been out that much since, so I have the job of dog walking her for the summer. I’ll probably look for more work soon if all the summer jobs aren’t already taken."
Theo thought for a minute. As the former director of a nonprofit that dealt with foster and homeless teens, he’d seen kids like Shelby before. Some were already roaming the streets, others trapped in a home with no real parent or protection. All she needed was a little support and direction. She obviously had a good head on her shoulders.
"A dog walker is a very good profession,” he said. “Any previous experience?”
Shelby’s face lit up. "Hey, thanks for the idea. I might just do that. And yes, I used to help my Grandpa Stan out with their dogs when they still lived on the farm."
"A good fit then,” Theo said. “I could help spread the word around if you’d like.” Theo’s step lightened as they continued down the path. The dogs stopped every few feet to smell the grass and mark their territory when needed. Wally’s sense of smell still seemed quite intact.
Theo found himself nodding "good morning" to people, noticing the birdsong and the way the sun bounced off the water. It felt good to help someone else. Maybe he could still be useful somehow. They circled the last block before town and then turned around to start back.
"You're the first person I've met here since my mom dropped me off," Shelby said.
"Well, I'm sure you'll meet lots of people this summer. Another week or two, the beach will be packed with tourists and young people too. It's not just us old-timers.”
Shelby laughed. "At least you're out walking. My grandmother hardly leaves the house."
Theo thought about the girl's dilemma. New in town, a grieving grandma, no friends. His mind spun with ideas and he was glad his brain cells were still firing. When they reached the lake, they stood for a few moments watching a squadron of white pelicans floating out on the surface.
“They are pretty spectacular,” Shelby said. “I love when they all take to the sky together.”
“My wife, Jean, used to love them too,” Theo said. “She’s been gone over a year now.”
“I’m so sorry,” Shelby said.
Theo nodded. So was he. The sun rose and set over the lake. Tourists came and went. Life went on.
The morning sun was fierce, so they decided not to go out on the sand. Instead they took the turn back up the other side of the path that let out near Misty Meadow Lane. After a few blocks, Shelby stopped when they reached the corner of Second Street. "I'll be turning here," she said. "Scarlett and I will look for you tomorrow, and Wally."
Theo watched Shelby almost skip up the street, her long brown hair trailing down her back. The pretty young thing would probably have a great summer here. Meet some nice kids her age. He’d been about her age, fifteen or sixteen, when he’d first spotted Jean that summer at the local pool. Her auburn curls had circled an angelic face with eyes of fire and skin of alabaster. It had been love at first sight. Of course, he would never let Jean catch him gaping at her, as if she ever cared. Miraculously she had, though. And after Jean's first smile in his direction, Theo had been a goner. He wiped the sweat from his brow and wished he’d worn a hat. But he’d had no idea he would be out here so long today.
Wally wagged his tail as he watched the twosome gallop up the hill. “Shelby will probably forget us