“No problem. Just let me know when you want to sit down and I’ll show you how everything works.”
“One problem solved.” Alice breathed a sigh of relief. “Now let me tell you about Mindy. She has a summer home here but most of the time she lives in San Jose, where she has a big job.”
“Probably in tech,” Shelby said.
“I think that’s it,” Alice said. “A couple summers ago, I used to see her running around the lake and we met and became friends. But recently she tore something in her ankle and now she has to stay off her feet. She and her dog, Karma, came up here for recovery, but she's having trouble. Karma’s an active dog and needs regular exercise.”
Shelby pulled her legs up under her to get comfortable. “I can't wait to meet Karma. Does she want me to come up today?”
“She does,” Alice said.
"I’m on it. And what are your plans for the day?”
Alice released Scarlett from her lap, who as usual went to check out her bowls in the kitchen. “I’ll probably read a little, take a nap.”
It was such a nice-looking day and Shelby hated to see Alice this way. She used to be out and about, in her garden and smiling all the time. “Maybe we should plan a little outing or something?”
Her grandmother looked up. “Ever since your grandfather died, I just don't seem to have any energy. And the more I stay home, the harder it gets to leave.”
Shelby squeezed her grandmother's hand. "Believe me, I understand. I miss Grandpa, too. I’d really like it if we could take a walk sometime together, get some fresh air. The blue sky and sunshine will make you feel better. And if I can help you in any way with the house, cooking, or going to the market, let me know.”
"You are a sweet girl,” Alice said. “I’ll tell you if I need anything. As far as going for a walk, maybe soon. Now let’s talk about you. Tell me all about what you’ve been doing this year before your mother brought you here.”
Shelby thought for a moment just how much she wanted to share with her grandmother. She did not want to upset her more than she already was. "I was taking lifeguard training and hoping to work at the pool this summer. I really liked it.”
“That’s good to hear. For now, you can walk dogs, swim in the lake, and perhaps go back to lifeguarding in the fall. And school?”
“I’ve kept my grade point average high and done extracurricular activities when I can.” Shelby didn’t say when they did not cost anything or she was in one place long enough to do it. “I've been getting information on scholarships. If I keep my grades up and do well on my testing, I think I have a good chance of getting one so I can go to college."
"You always were such a smart girl,” Alice said. “Maybe you’ll even be the valedictorian.”
Shelby shrugged. "Probably not. I don’t even know where I'll be going to school in the fall."
Alice gave her a sympathetic look. "So how do you feel about your mom's new boyfriend and this trip to Florida?"
Shelby stared at the wood floor and the familiar braided rug. She wondered if she should give an honest answer and risk upsetting her grandmother. "Truthfully,” she said, “I don't want to think about it. What if Dana likes Florida and wants to stay? Another broiling place where I have to start over, make new friends, and watch my mother with another man who may or may not stay."
Alice sat up straight in her chair and took a deep breath. “I understand. Meanwhile, let’s focus on having an enjoyable summer.”
“Thanks, Grandma.” It was nice to have someone on her side after feeling adrift for so long. And she was finally going to make her own money, too. “Speaking of that, I’d better go meet Mindy now.”
Alice walked with Shelby out to the front porch and pointed toward town. “Mindy’s place is just a few blocks up. You turn left and you’ll see a white house with red rocking chairs on the porch. Can’t miss it. Just go up the steps and knock on the door. She's expecting you."
Shelby walked the few blocks over to Mindy's and, as instructed, knocked on the red door.
"Come on in," Mindy said. “You must be Shelby.” A petite woman with beautiful, long, dark hair stood balanced on one crutch with