Page 107 of Scarlet Vows

A cheer rises up, and Melor pats me on the back as they all talk amongst themselves.

“They are impressed you have real balls, my friend. And even more so by your willingness not to hold back to be one with them. This, they will not forget.”

“I hope so.”

He checks his watch. “We can still make the meeting. They pushed it back, eager to meet with you. But it’s up toyou.” He nods at the men. “They will be ready for tonight. Trust.”

I hope so.

As we leave, even as my tension over Alina remains, I hope I’m finally earning their trust.

I’ll find out for sure tonight.

Chapter Twenty-Five

ALINA

Albertand I drove around very early this morning, enjoying our us time in my car, which I’ve missed. I found it in the huge garage. I don’t know who drove it to the mansion, but I’m glad they did.

My small hybrid sports car beats an SUV any day, at least with me behind the wheel.

It gives me a sense of freedom, a sense of autonomy, and it’s mine. I bought it.

And Albert, after he got over his whining for Ilya to be with us, has had a grand time. We’ve had a walk and playtime with another dog who was in the park with its owner, and now he sits patiently outside a café as I have a coffee.

Albert is, of course, a star and gets cooed at and doted on by the early morning staff.

He’s such a good, sweet dog that it’s no wonder people seem to love him. I can’t for the life of me understand why no one adopted him. Yes, he’s older, way past puppyhood, but he’s the most wonderful dog, and he makes my heart swell.

Watching how the staff fawn over him, I know there’s a perception about shelters I need to crack. It shouldn’t beabout puppies or the perkiest dog. It shouldn’t even be about the prettiest.

Really, it needs to be more like a dating service. Matchmaking. I almost giggle, but I wonder if that’s an idea to delve into. I make a mental note to bring it up next time I’m at the shelter.

“I’m going to have to bring you in to see Eva soon,” I tell Albert.

He looks up from his bowl of water right as the waitress comes up.

“Hiya, baby,” she says to Albert. “I could eat you right up! Here.”

She holds out her hand. Albert huffs out air and delicately takes the small piece of carrot cake she has for him.

I hide my smile.

When she leaves, I whisper, “Poor Albert, having to suffer through all this love and all the treats these people give you.”

I drink my coffee, chatting with passersby who stop to say hello to my dog.

He’s come a long way in such a short time. He moves back under my chair, but he lets kids pat him and, as long as he knows I’m here, he deals.

Through it all, though I pretend I’m fine, my nerves grow.

This morning isn’t about independence and a walk with Albert. It isn’t coffee at my favorite café.

I’m out for a reason, something I do like clockwork, but today, it’s different. And it makes me a little nervous.

But as I finish the coffee and pay, I finally know it’s time.

Albert and I walk down the road to the florist, and I buy a pretty bunch of flowers dotted with roses. I get one red rose, too.