Written in the Stars (Anonymous)

 The Prompt: "Your favorite member of the band gets a furry friend dropped off to watch for the week."

Author: Anonymous

 

Chapter 1. House Guests.

Sitting in the car the turnpike at a stand still. Michelle was being amused by a dog in the car in front of her. Just her luck there had been a breakdown . So much for avoiding traffic.

She watched the Labrador jump from front seat to back repeatedly to the dismay of its owner. It took her mind off the rising temp in the car. Her friend had secured an amazing rental months ago and she was looking forward to having a long overdue vacation. The traffic finally started moving. If she did not know better she would have sworn the dog was actually waving goodbye with its paw.

Just as Jon was sitting down to lunch the gate buzzed. He had let Julie his house keeper leave early today. There wasn’t that much for her to do since it was just him at home now.

The car pulled in and Jon greeted his guests.

“Hey Jon “

“Hi,” Jon replied. “Took you long enough to get here I was expecting you an hour ago.”

“Yeah there was a breakdown in the turnpike. Traffic was backed up for miles. So Jon, you sure you are ok minding him for the week?”

With an amused smile Jon answered, “It’s fine, I’m good with dogs.”

When they had unloaded all the dogs things he would need for the week Max was ready to leave. He said good bye to his dog and was heading out to the car, he turned to Jon, “Oh I almost forgot Lisa left you a list of all his needs.”

Jon replied; “I don’t need an instruction manual. How hard can it be to look after a dog. We will be fine.”

“Ok if you say so, but for my sake I will get it for you any way.”

Jon laughed, “I have owned a dog before. Go, enjoy your vacation, see you in a week.”

When Max left Jon looked at the dog and asked, “So what am I going to do with you now? It’s not time to feed you yet.”  Harley did not look impressed. “I know how about a walk?” Harley jumped up wagging his tail at Jon. “I knew this would be easy.”

It was a warm day. After the hot two and a half hour car trip Michelle was grateful the rental had a pool, deciding to go for a swim seemed like a good way to spend the afternoon. Grabbing a water and a towel she headed to the pool. Little did she know she was about to have her life turned upside down as the first of a series of events was about to take place.

A little way up the road Jon was lost in thought about a new song he was working on.  Not paying much attention to what Harley was doing, and not realising how far he had actually walked up River Road. Still lost in thought he felt Harley jerk on his lead and it slipped through his fingers. 

“Shit!“ Jon yelled, “Harley get back here.” 

The yellow lab took off down a drive way into someone’s yard. Loosing sight of the dog, Jon began running. 

“I hope no one is home or I’m going to have some apologising to do.”

Not knowing what or who he would find he rounded the garage he took a deep breath and started yelling for Harley. It didn’t do any good all the way down the long drive, why would the dog listen to him now?

Just as Michelle reached the end of the pool she noticed something approaching full speed towards her. Smiling she thought back to the dog in the turnpike earlier that day. As the dog reached her she let it sniff her hand and then gave it a pat. 

“Where did you come from and where is your owner?” 

Just as she was about to get out the pool to check the tags she saw Jon walking up to her. Michelle was trying not to laugh but asked, “Loose something?”

To which Jon replied coyly, “Yeah, sorry he got away from me and ran down into your yard before I could grab the leash.”

“It’s ok, I love dogs especially cute ones like yours.”

Noticing that the woman was attractive and friendly he introduced himself. “I’m Jon and this escapee is Harley.”

Making her smile she asked, “Davidson or Quinn?”

Jon looked puzzled. 

She then added, “As in Harley Davidson or Harley Quinn.” 

“Ohhhh, I get it. Davidson I suppose because he is a he not a she.”

Both now laughing, Michelle said, “Nice to meet you both. I’m Michelle.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Jon said still smiling.  

Still in the pool Michelle asked Jon if he could pass her a towel from the chair. 

“Oh I don’t want to disturb your swim.”

“No it’s ok I can walk you back to the road.  I need to close the gate I must have forgotten to when I drove in.”

Trying not to watch her getting out the pool Jon’s thoughts no longer on the song he was thinking about moments earlier before he saw her. He was intrigued by the beautiful woman in front of him. He instantly felt at ease around her and she had made him laugh and smile. Something he ad not done nearly enough since his divorce. It had been a long process that took a toll on him both mentally and emotionally. Jon had hurried himself in his music. The last thing on his mind was being attracted to this woman he had just met, it was crazy. 

He shook his head slightly and handed Michelle her towel. 

Little did Jon know Michelle felt a spark begin to light instantly when he smiled at her. Thinking to herself, “This is not a good thing, just walk him to the gate say goodbye and get on with your day.” 

Holding Harleys lead Michelle walked them to the gate. They chatted and laughed along the way. When they reached the road Michelle bent down and gave Harley a pat and said, “You be a good boy for Jon now, ok?”  

Turning to Jon she looked at him and their eyes met for a moment. Both taken aback for a second Michelle broke the eye contact. “It was nice to meet you.” 

Not wanting to part ways yet Jon had no reasons keep her any longer, he bid her good day taking notice of the house number before he headed home. 

All the way he was replaying their short meeting in his head. “Why did you have to go and do that for Harley? Of all the houses you go in the one with the pretty lady in the pool.”

Shutting the gate behind Jon she watched him walk away. Slowly she headed back to the pool. 

“I never thought that would happen to me. Killer smile, a sense of humour and has a cute dog. He really seems like a genuine nice guy.”