Read Online The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson - Free Book Online Page A

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    Betty sighed. It wouldn’t be the money so much. But to think that Avery had tricked her, deceived her into believing that she wanted to help, when she was really taking advantage of her . . . Well, it wasn’t only disheartening; it made Betty feel sick. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing herself to relax, to let these worries go, and to put her trust in God. It was an old habit she’d adopted long ago—a way of dealing with life’s stresses.
    As she sat there with her eyes closed, she heard the familiar strain of Bing Crosby crooning, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me . . .” Funny how the old tunes from her era were becoming popular among young people again.
    She relaxed as she listened to the words, remembering how she and Chuck had been separated for one Christmas while he was serving in Korea. How many times had she listened to the song and cried? But then he’d come home, they’d gotten married, and she had never again expected to be separated from him during the holidays. Little had she known that they would have only a dozen Christmases to share. And then he’d be gone.
    The song ended, and Betty opened her eyes to discover that her cheeks were damp with tears. Embarrassed by this display of emotion, she quickly reached for the paper napkin and dabbed at her face. So silly, after all these years, to still be missing him like that.
    She sighed and looked outside. It was starting to get dusky, and she had told Avery she wanted to be home while it was still light since she didn’t see well after dark. She put out the money to pay for her tea and slowly stood.
    “No sign of your granddaughter yet?” The waitress frowned.
    Betty just shook her head and slowly walked toward the door. It felt as if someone had tied large rocks around her ankles. And she knew she was a very foolish old woman to have trusted Avery like that. At least she hadn’t given her the car keys. That was something to be thankful for.

7
    “Grandma!” Avery called. She rushed toward the coffee shop with what looked like dozens of shopping bags hanging from her shoulders, arms, and hands.
    “Avery!” Betty couldn’t believe her eyes. “Where have you been?”
    “Shopping, of course.”
    “But you took so long.” Betty peered at her. “How did you manage to buy so much . . . stuff?”
    “Goodwill, the Dollar Store, and a craft shop around the corner.”
    “Oh?” Betty opened the trunk of her car, watching as Avery piled in her purchases.
    “Yeah. I found all sorts of cool things, Grandma. It’s going to be so awesome.”
    Betty blinked to see some magenta and lime-colored artificial flowers tumbling out of a large plastic bag. She couldn’t imagine what those bright blooms might be for—perhaps a Mexican fiesta. But they certainly weren’t appropriate for a dignified fiftieth anniversary party. Even so, she was so relieved to see Avery again, to know that she hadn’t run off and that she actually had been shopping—well, Betty didn’t even care what kind of frivolities Avery had wasted her money on. At least she was safe.
    Avery was very secretive about her purchases when they got home. She asked if she could keep the decorations in her room while she worked on them. Betty had no idea what that meant, but she was too tired to protest, so she agreed.
    “But don’t forget your promise,” Betty said. “To call your parents.”
    “Yeah.” Avery nodded as she went into her room. “I’ll do it.”
    “I’m going to begin fixing dinner. I have decided that I’ll do the cooking and you’ll be on cleanup. Does that sound fair?”
    Avery grinned. “Sure. I love your cooking, Grandma.”
    Betty smiled. Maybe Avery hadn’t changed that much after all. Still, it was a bit stressful having a young person suddenly thrust into your life. One didn’t know what to expect, how to react.
    Tonight Betty was making macaroni and cheese, but not the boxed kind that turned out orange and