The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts

dog as if it were a child. He’d always said he’d never get another and that had been fine with her, but now, with Bryn asking, he was teetering on the edge of dog ownership again, ready to take her over with him.
    â€œCan we please not talk about this anymore tonight?” she pleaded. “I am so tired.”
    â€œTired? There’s a surprise.” He started to move away.
    She stopped him. “But I’m not that tired,” she murmured, setting aside her wine. Actually, all she wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep for a hundred years, but she could put off sleep long enough to show her husband some love. And distract him from talking about dogs.
    It was harder to distract herself. Her guilty mother’s conscience continued to prod her. She didn’t spend enough time with her daughter. The least she could do was let the child have a pet. She told her conscience to shut up. Several times. Yes, Bryn wanted a dog, but once the novelty wore off it would be Suzanne taking care of it. A stuffed puppy would be perfect. She and Bryn could play with it together. Maybe they’d name it Morris and Guy could play with it, too. Ha.
    Â 
    Wednesday was a great day. A miracle occurred and Suzannefound another perfect house for the Coxes, and it was a steal. They had learned their lesson, and this time they didn’t dither on price and won the prize. Later, when Kiley called, Suzanne was in a great mood.
    â€œI have a prezzie for you,” said Kiley.
    â€œI thought we weren’t going to do presents this year,” Suzanne protested as she sorted through the pile of papers on her desk. Not that she minded exchanging presents, but she hadn’t had time to shop.
    â€œI know,” said Kiley, “but this is something I really want you to have.”
    It was sweet of Kiles, but dang, now Suzanne had one more thing on her to-do list. She’d race to Nordstrom’s on the way to pick up Bryn and get something. Maybe she’d give Kiley a gift certificate. She could use some new clothes. While she was at it she’d get one for Allison, too.
    Problem solved, deep breath. “Okay, why don’t you come over for dinner Friday? I’m making Indian.”
    â€œCan’t. I’ve got a date.”
    Suzanne cringed. “With the snow globe dude?”
    â€œThat would be the one. We’re taking his mom to the living Christmas tree concert.”
    Suzanne could hear the smile in her friend’s voice. Oh, boy. Kiles was sliding right over the edge of the romantic cliff. Suzanne just knew it.
    â€œI thought I’d swing by tonight on my way to Allison’s.”
    â€œOh. What are you guys doing?”
    â€œWe’re making fudge.”
    Suzanne liked fudge. How come she wasn’t invited?
    â€œWe’d have told you except you’ve been so busy lately,” Kiley added.
    â€œI’d have made time.”
    â€œWell, then, want to come?”
    She watched the fingers of rain slithering down her office window and shivered. This would be a perfect evening to hang out in Allison’s kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of melting chocolate. But…“I can’t,” she admitted. “I have to show a house at seven-thirty.”
    â€œI’ll stop by at six,” Kiley said, her tone of voice adding, See? That’s why you didn’t get invited to make fudge .
    Suzanne hung up and drummed her fingers on her desktop. What else had she heard in Kiley’s voice, a little bit of judgment? As if it was a bad thing that she worked for a living?
    Her conversation with Kiley left Suzanne feeling out of sorts, but she pasted on a polite smile for April Lovgrin when she picked up Bryn. The Lovgrins’ home was kid heaven, full of toys and pets. The Lovgrins also took in foster puppies, keeping them until they got adopted. This had seemed like a plus when Suzanne first put Bryn in day care there. Now it was a thorn in her side.