Curvy Girls Can’t Date Best Friends by Kelsie Stelting
Forty-Nine
Callie
Clary had to get home to her family early in the week, but Carson’s grandparents parked their RV at a campsite near Seaton Pier. Carson and I spent the week showing them all the things we loved about Emerson. The more time I spent around his grandparents, the more I could see where Carson got his kindness and grace. He didn’t need to worry about being like his dad when he was already so much like them.
On Friday morning, their last day in Emerson, we decided a going-away meal at Waldo’s Diner was in order.
We all got into Carson’s car and drove to the diner that held so much of our history. I couldn’t wait for his grandparents to see how many friends Carson had in the restaurant or to taste the food that was clearly made with love.
When we walked inside, nearly all the tables were full for breakfast, except the one where Chester sat. Carson and I exchanged a look, and I nodded.
He walked up to the old man and asked, “Chester, is it okay if we sit with you?”
With the happiest grin I’d seen on his face, he nodded and scooted over. “I’d be thrilled.”
We sat down, and Carson introduced his grandparents to Chester. For the better part of an hour, we just talked, enjoying conversation about Emerson and life and next steps. But one topic hadn’t been touched on.
“How’s your kitty doing?” I asked Chester. “Karen still in love?”
He chuckled. “That cat’s been the best thing ever. Gives us something new to talk about, some companionship for Karen while I’m here, and plenty of reason for the neighborhood kids to come by. It’s as spoiled as they come.”
Gramps chuckled. “I’ve been thinking about getting a pet. A dog, not a cat though. But I don’t think I have the energy for a puppy.”
A slow grin spread across my lips, and I said to Carson, “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
His mouth fell open in an excited smile. “That would be perfect!”
The older people looked at us, intrigued, and Carson said, “Callie’s been fostering a dog. He’s a bit of a grump, but he’s also the sweetest dog ever. He’s house-trained and loves lying around. He would be perfect for you.”
Grandma’s eyes lit up. “It must be a God thing. I’d love to meet him, but I need to find the owner of this place first and tell them how special it is.”
“You’re looking at him,” Chester said.
My mouth fell open at the meaning behind his words. “What?”
A sly smile grew on his face. “There’s a reason I’m always here, you know.”
Carson shook my arm. “No freaking way!”
Chester nodded. “But keep it to yourselves.” He straightened. “I don’t like making a big fuss about being the boss, you know.”
I zipped my lips, then said. “Now we know why it’s so special.”
Chester positively beamed, and Gramps extended his hand to the man sitting next to him. “Looks like a thanks is in order, for giving my boy here a great place to be.”
Chester shook his hand. “Anything for a friend, old”—he winked at Carson—"or new.”
As we drove to my house for Carson’s grandparents to meet Franklin, I still couldn’t believe Chester owned the restaurant. It made sense though; like he said, he was always there. And he did love his wife so much, that came through in how the place was run.
Carson pulled up along the curb. Since my parents were at an event, I ran inside to get Franklin so they could meet him in the yard. My heart raced, hoping that Franklin would find his happy ever after too.
I found him lounging on the couch downstairs, and he lifted his eyebrows lazily when he saw me. I scooped him up and carried him to the front door, my eyes hot as I said, “I think I might have found the ones for you, Frankie. They’re the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and they travel the world in this comfy trailer. You’ll be a traveling doggo. Doesn’t that sound nice?” My throat got tight as I stalled with my hand on the doorknob. “And I’ll still get to see you once you go with them. You’ll always be my family.”
His dark eyes took me in like he heard every word, and he licked my cheek. I let out a half-sob, half-laugh and pushed through the doors. Franklin leapt from my arms and ran straight to Carson, who picked him up and showed him to his grandparents.
Grandma folded her hands at her chest and simpered. “He’s just the most precious thing.”
Gramps chuckled and scratched Frankin’s ears. “Good, solid thing. Not too big for the trailer but can hold his own.”
My eyes watered as I watched them fall in love. When Franklin jumped from Carson’s arms to Gramps’s, I knew it was over.
Grandma looked at me and said, “We’ll take him.” Franklin licked her cheek in approval.
He rode in Grandma’s lap on the way back to the RV, but when it was time for him to go, I took him aside for one final hug. I held him close to my chest and petted his ears and did everything I could to stem the flow of tears streaming down my face.
“Franklin, you’ve been the absolute best dog a girl could ask for.” I curled my hand around his head, scratching his ear just like he liked. “You even warned me about Nick before my head could accept what my heart really wanted. No matter where you go, I know you’ll be just what they need.”
Like he understood, he nuzzled his head to my chest, and I took a deep, shaky breath. It was time to move forward, with Carson at my side.
