Everything changed in a whirlwind. Nothing about it was normal. She was used to waking up to a warm body with arms that snuck around her in the middle of the night, and the familiar scent of fresh pine that she always associated with Cory.
The bed of fluffy white sheets seemed way to big for her now. What had she been thinking, getting a king sized bed for herself when she bought the house? Mornings were the worst and she willed the thoughts to flee from her head before she lost her sanity. She had this conflict every morning.
A momentary relief came in the form of curious fluffy fur that bounced onto the bed in a perky manner. Pearl was a morning person just like her. The middle aged mini pooch had belonged to a friend that worked at Fox who had recently had a baby. The family was looking to get rid of the dog and Lea couldnʼt pass the adorable fox-like ears and stumpy tail up. They were a match made in heaven.
"Hi pookie." The actress muttered in a raspy morning coo, pressing her lips to Pearlʼs soft fur. The duo was soon joined by a lazy Sheila who sauntered over to the actress with attention-seeking meows. The two ʻgirlsʼ got along but Sheila was very used to only child status and Lea was adamant she could make the two best of friends in no time.
The television star stroked the catʼs tail and heaved herself out of bed. "Yeah, yeah, good morning to you too missy."
Soon the smell of coffee filled the pristinely decorated home and Leaʼs cold bare feet cozied themselves into warm slippers. Today was going to be a good day, she could feel it in her bones. If Cory could see her now-she was so certain that he could-he would be rooting for her to get out of the house and take in the fresh autumn air.
And today she was going to do that. Jonathan Groff had coerced her into joining him for a hike while the weather was so gorgeous and the tiny brunette had graciously accepted. Lea had barely gotten through her morning cup of coffee when the Broadway actor let himself in.
"Peek a boo! Morning, beautiful." Jon greeted, pressing a quick kiss to his best friend's forehead before greeting the new fluffy Sarfati addition. "She's so cute, oh my god! Mother of Pearl!"
"You're funny."
"She's just your size! How is she with the cat? I bet Sheila loves this. Spoiled brat."
"They're like...totally sisters." Lea winked, popping in two pieces of toast. "I'm very excited for this walk. Feelin' good today."
The curly-haired man straightened up again and squeezed the girl's waist. "Really? I'm so glad, hun. Finish your coffee and we'll get outta here."