Summer of Second Chances - Andrea Hurst Page 0,21

had fond memories of going for a cone several years back with her Grandpa Stan.

Mindy had told her to keep the dog out as long as she wanted, so there was no hurry. She was sure that Karma could get a little something there, too. Maybe they even had dog treats, like the coffee shop they used to visit back in Las Vegas that made puppuccinos.

As they approached the old town area, hanging baskets of flowers in riotous colors lined the street. Shelby located the faded blue cottage, with a striped awning over the window. Out in front, a hand-painted candy apple red sign with white lettering said Redd's Ice Cream. Redd had been the old owner’s last name. His daughter and her husband owned it now, according to her grandmother. From over a block away, the tempting aroma of fresh-baked waffle cones floated in the air. Outside, in front of the shop, were white metal tables and chairs with umbrellas over them, and a couple wooden benches. Sugar cones with colorful flavored ice cream dripping down the sides were being enjoyed by children and adults alike. At another table, Shelby saw Theo sipping an iced drink. Wally was settled next to him on the sidewalk. The younger man with glasses sitting beside him was finishing the last bites of his cone. At his feet was a golden retriever with a vest on. Maybe he was a service dog. He sure was a very pretty one.

Karma gave a yank when she saw the other dogs. "Halt," Shelby said. Karma slowed down, tail wagging furiously as they moved forward. Wally perked up and exchanged sniffs with Karma. But the service dog stayed in place, looking up to his master for instruction.

"Good morning," Theo said. "Now, whose dog is this?"

Shelby was happy to say, "This is Karma. Her owner, Mindy, is my first dog walking client.”

“Not sure I know her,” Theo said.

“Mindy's here for a month or so while she's recovering from an injury."

"Well, congratulations on getting your business up and running," Theo said. He reached over and gave Karma a pet. “By the way, I'd like to introduce you to someone. Trevor, this is Shelby, Alice's granddaughter. I think I mentioned her to you."

He reached out a hand to shake Shelby’s. "And this is my dog, Buddy. We're both happy to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too. You have a beautiful dog," Shelby said.

"He's a beauty, all right, and a wonderful pal. He doesn't get out much except with me. I know he'd probably love to go for a run with some other dogs sometime."

"Is he a service dog?"

Trevor shrugged. “He’s classified as an emotional support dog. The vest helps so I can bring him with me anywhere I go. But I do let him play with others like a regular dog once in a while.”

"Walk? Did I hear dog walk?" A woman with bright red hair, looking to be in her twenties, wearing jeans and a checkered apron, stepped out the front door. “Theo, who is this young lady you haven't introduced me to?"

Theo smiled. "I'd like to introduce you to Shelby and her first dog walking client, named Karma."

The woman’s smile was contagious. "Greetings,” she said. “I’m Steph, one of the owners of the shop. And that lazy dog over by the door is our Oscar.”

Oscar was an adorable corgi with big solemn eyes and short little legs. Shelby particularly liked his little plaid bow tie.

“He loves ice cream way too much,” Steph said. “He doesn't get near enough exercise, so we're hoping we can be client number two."

"I'd be very happy to walk this sweet little guy.” Shelby couldn’t resist petting him. He rolled over for her and looked quite content as she rubbed his belly.

"Josh and I don't have much free time in the summer. There's usually a line out the door. We just hired Emily for summer help. You stopped here just at the right time between rushes."

"Oh," said Shelby. "You must be Redd’s daughter." Her hair was the same strawberry blonde color as her father’s.

Steph laughed. “That’s me. My husband, the one with the dark ginger-colored hair, is Josh. We own the shop now. Come on in. Anything you want is on the house as a welcome. You can leave Karma out here. There are plenty of dog-tying poles, and I'm sure Theo would be glad to watch him. There’re dog treats inside to bring back." At the sound of the word “treats,” Karma thumped

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