Chapter 21
On the Thursday before the double-party weekend (triple if she counted Bollywood night), Kamila had a final meeting with the puppy prom committee at the shelter to go over a list of preparations.
“The caterer emailed asking if the dogs can be kept out of the food-prep area,” Tim said.
“Isn’t it all preprepared food?” Kamila asked. Seeing as the theme was Bollywoof, they had hired an Indian food caterer and ordered samosas, pakoras, and at Kamila’s insistence, masala momos. Rohan promised he’d come to the prom, and she was looking forward to him confirming that the Rohan-and-Kamila-made momos were better than any restaurant ones.
“Yeah, but they’ll have to warm the food and plate it on site. They’re using the church kitchen,” Asha said.
“The church kitchen has a door,” Kamila said. “Shouldn’t be a problem to keep the dogs out. Just let Maricel know.” She checked her list of who was doing what. “Where is she? We can talk to her now.”
Asha shook her head. “I told her about this meeting, but she left for the day. The girl has been so distracted lately. Did you know she’s seeing someone?”
Kamila frowned. She hadn’t seen Maricel since the handsy-Dane incident. She did text her briefly…to tell her that Dane wasn’t coming to Bollywood nights anymore, but Maricel hadn’t said much. She hadn’t seemed all too upset. Maybe because she was secretly dating? “Who?”
“Maricel won’t say. She says it’s too early to talk about it. But she’s walking around like a lovesick puppy, and she’s constantly texting someone.”
Huh. “What’s next on the list?” Kamila asked, changing the subject so she wouldn’t dwell on this. She really needed to stop meddling in her friends’ lives.
“The adoption team is asking if there is a sectioned-off area for the adoptable dogs. They don’t want them mixing with the guest dogs. Apparently, the puppies aren’t quite used to big crowds yet.”
Kamila’s ears perked up. “Puppies? Are Potato and his siblings ready to be adopted?” Potato, who was currently on Kamila’s lap where she preferred him to be during meetings, poked his head up at the mention of his name.
“Oh my god,” Asha said. “He’sansweringto Potato now. Heaven help the family who adopts him. They might want to give him, you know, anormalname.”
“There is nothing more normal than a potato.” She scratched under his chin. “So, will he be making his society debut at the ball?”
“Apparently. The litter’s last checkup was great. They’re ready.”
“Did you hear that, Potato? You’re going to be a debutante! Who’s a good little boy? You’ll get to meet Darcy, Lizzy, Luke, and Leia.” Excited by Kamila’s enthusiasm, Potato started wagging his tail and hopping around on Kamila’s lap.
“We can probably put the puppies in a separate room. Like one of the old classrooms or something,” Tim said.
“Perfect,” Asha said. “I think that’s it. Can we meet on site at three o’clock?”
“I’ll be there.” Kamila squeezed Potato. If he was going to be put on the adoption block on Sunday, her days of snuggling her favorite puppy were numbered. But it was fine. She was used to seeing dogs she loved getting homes. It was the circle of a shelter dog’s life.
“Kamila,” Asha said, looking at her clipboard. “Danielle told me to tell you she needs you backstage at three forty-five on Saturday for the canine couture fashion show.”
“What? Why? The Aim High party is on Saturday night.” Saturday was day one of the Dogapalooza festival, but Kamila was only planning to drop by for a little while. She’d need time to get ready and head downtown to set up the room for the cocktail party.
Tim gave Kamila a pointed look. “You’re emceeing, remember?”
Barnacles. Shehadvolunteered for that.
“What time is the Aim High thing?” Asha asked.
“Seven. But I’m meeting Rohan there to set up at six.”
“You can tell Danielle that something came up.”
Kamila sighed. She couldn’t do that. She made a commitment. “It’s fine. It will be an excuse to wear my dalmatian dress again.” She did some timing calculations in her head. She could probably just make it on time if she left right after the fashion show. She could quickly change into the little black dress she’d bought for the Aim High party and take an Uber downtown instead of the subway.
“You don’t have to say yes to everything,” Asha said. “And you’re still doing Bollywood night, too?”
“I have to do Bollywood night. Everyone expects it, and I canceled last week.”
Asha shook her head. “Everyone expects you to take care ofyourself, not just them.”
