Ginni Cummings

Sweet Home Merlot

Risa stared at the keyboard, feeling a mild flutter of panic. ‘What did I just do.” The blank laptop screen gave her no reply. Taffy’s wet nose nudged her knee. She slid her chair back as Taffy whined impatiently. Warm breezes blew into the open window, bringing scents of jasmine and honeysuckle, accompanied by the symphonic sounds of returning birds. Reaching back, she pushed open the French door, watching her five-year-old lab happily exit. The day at the store had been busy as the welcome of spring brought everyone out. Some were on foot, some riding bicycles and others waved from their convertibles. Perhaps, she thought, it made all seem well when she accepted a blind date from a total stranger.