She shrugged. "Only you can figure that out, Vi."
I knew that, but part of me had wanted her to tell me something else.
"But from where I stood, it looked pretty real," she finished.
I could feel the hope rising in my chest.
"It did?" I asked, and she nodded. "Just on my end or his, too?"
Mom smiled. "He looked even more smitten if I'm being honest."
"Oh?"
"Yeah," she said. "Can I tell you something that is purely meant to be helpful and in no way telling you what to do?"
"Sure," I said.
"Your dad and I loved each other basically from the moment we met."
"Ew," I pretended to gag but was smiling. I loved hearing how much my parents loved one another.
Mom shrugged. "It's true. We were soulmates."
"And you lived happily-ever-after with your one amazing daughter and a wonderful dog," I added.
She bit back a smile. "I told you we'd think on it, Vi. Not that we were getting one."
"I know, I know. Go on," I prompted. "You and Dad fell in love, and…"
"It took longer than it needed to for us to get together," she said.
My smile slipped a little. "Oh yeah? Why?"
"That's what I wanted to tell you," she said and made sure I was looking her in the eyes. "We were best friends who could talk about anything and everything—except how we really felt about each other."
I nodded for her to go on.
"Our friendship came first. Always. We were afraid of losing that, and that fear kept us from talking, telling the full truth. It's a tale as old as time."
"Who said I love you first?" I asked.
"I did." She smiled, and her gaze was faraway. "Though, of course, I didn't believe it when he said it back. He went through quite the romantic gesture to convince me—as if I could've said no to him a second time. The first time nearly killed me."
"But you and Dad were made for each other."
"Exactly," Mom said. "But our romantic relationship didn't start until our final year of high school, and we had a very unconventional beginning."
I opened my mouth to ask, but she laughed and shook her head.
"That's a story for another day."
"It sounds like a good one," I said.
She nodded. "The thing I'm trying to say is…just make sure you're being honest. With Dare and most of all with yourself. Telling the truth can be hard, but it can also set you free."
I swallowed. "Okay, Mom. I'll try."
She gave me a big hug, and I held on extra tight.
"May the Force be with you, baby," she said.
"And may the odds be ever in your favor," I replied.
#
Monday was a school holiday. So, I knew already that I'd be spending most of my time at the shelter. What I didn't know was that Dare would be there, too.
"Hey," he said when I walked in. He'd been cleaning out a few of the cages, but when I entered, he stood. "How's it going, flower?"
"Good," I said, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice. "I didn't think I'd see you. Had actually started to think you might be avoiding me."
Dare laughed, but it sounded off. "Why would you think that?"
"Because we haven't spoken or texted since Saturday and the kiss."
"Ooh, good band name," he said. "Saturday and the Kiss. I like it."
"Dare," I said.
But he had a point. That would be a killer band name.
"I came because I like it here. And I thought you might come in," he added.
"Oh yeah?" I forced a scoff, though inside I was doing cartwheels of happiness. "I'm shocked. Didn't you get enough of me this weekend?"
"I could take that so many ways, flower," he said, his grin growing as I blushed. "But I won't because it's too easy." Dare gestured to my cello. "You're playing today?"
I looked at the instrument over my shoulder then back to him.
"Yeah, looks like it," I said.
"Great," he said. "I'll go ask Paris if she has any popcorn."
Her voice came from the front.
"I do," she called back. "I'll make some for all of us, D."
"Thanks, P, much appreciated," he said back.
I raised a brow. "P? You've given each other nicknames."
"It's always nice to be on good terms with the boss. Now, give me this." Dare took my cello from my shoulder. "And tell me what happened with Coach and your mom."
"In a second." I held up a finger, looking over to Hermione. "I need to go see my girl first."
She let out a happy bark as I reached in to pet her, even rolled over to get belly rubs.
"Hey Hermione," I cooed. "Did you miss me? I missed you so much."
She thumped her tail in response.
"Let me pet Professor Snape and the others, and I'll come back to you in a minute."
I did just that, noticing how Snape gave an exasperated sigh but let me pet him anyway. When Dare came over a second later, though, he got up and went to him.
"That's a good boy," Dare said, running his hand along the dog's back. I swear grumpy Snape actually sighed. "Did you like flower petting you? You pretended not to, but I know you did."
I rolled my eyes and went to say hi to all of the other animals. Making my way back to Hermione, I leaned down. "Any requests?" I asked.
She chuffed, and I nodded.
"Something upbeat," I said.
