Analeigh

Analeigh McCoy sauntered in the grocery store. The leash she held was loose, but the collie at the end of it pulled it taught looking left than right. "Sauntered" may be too generous of a word, considering Analeigh was a woman in her 80's. Refined from days of living in the upper crust of Toluca Lake. She's met Bob Hope a few times. They'd been friendly. She held a regal air. The obedient collie felt the tug towards the produce aisle. Both had that sharp angular face of an east coast pilgrim. Not wealthy, but...refined.

The collie perked when it saw Laura, the 40 year old check out lady.

Laura was a Valley girl. Having grew up shopping at the mall. You could tell Scott Baio was her crush. A woman who now penciled in her eyebrows most likely moved on to Luke Perry. After high school, she went to community college for a couple of semesters, but found it was dull. But she did find a husband and they moved into a stucco one story house with a yard in Burbank. Had two kids and bounces around life as a happy mother. Which never impeded on her secret love of dime store novels and cheap American pilsners.

Her sweet open face and hazel eyes brightened at the look of the collie.
Analeigh sashayed towards Laura. If her nose could touch the ceiling.
Laura smiled brightly at the octagenarian "good morning Mrs. McCoy."
Analeigh struggled a smile "Hello Laura."
Laura looked down at the collie "How is Mackenzie today?"
"He's good. Keeping an old lady upright."
"Oh you. Anyway, that's all we can hope for."
Analeigh peered at Laura closely. An uncomfortable silence.
"You have children, Laura?"
"Two."
"And how old are they?"
"One is 8 the other 11"
"Mmm-hmm."
"Everything okay? Can I help you find something?"
"No. I'm good. I'm always happy to have conversation."
"Me too."
"Listen. I've come to realize that, there are more years behind me than in front. And well, I've seen how you are with people. Perhaps your children may want a dog?"
Laura's expression clouds "oh...no...Mrs. McMcoy you don't suggest..."
"I understand children still like dogs?"
"Why sure!"
"Even with this...new toys that beep and boop?"
"Just the other day George was just wandering why we have such a big yard if he don't have a dog."
The sentiment is lost on Analeigh. She reaches into her purse and produces a pen and notebook.
"Would you kindly put your first name and last."
"Wha--?"
"Well, if you're going to be in my will, I may as well spell your name right."
Laura blushes "Oh no...no...Mrs. McCoy!"
"It's okay Laura, what's done is done. I'd like Mackenzie to be with...a lively bunch. He's only a few years, but having to chase after an old lady can't be doing him any good."
Laura takes the pad and pen. Scribbles her name.
"Thank you." Analeigh raises a hand to stop her gratitude.
"I'm going to enjoy a walk with Mackenzie. Just tell George, Mackenzie prefers the park on Rosemary and Gable."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good day to you Laura."
Mackenzie takes a cue and moves past the checkout stand, Analeigh in tow. They exit into the bright valley sunshine. Laura watching until they disappear through the automatic door.