Before he knew it, women were asking to take pictures with him and crowding him with cell phones. Then a few guys stepped forward to flex. He did his best to look tough, and it must have done the trick because they all seemed pleased.
One man sauntered up, looking like a model himself, and shook his head. Didn’t stop him from taking a selfie in front of Axel though. After he’d taken it, he frowned. “Way too much with the facial hair. Not my type, sadly. But if you want to make money modeling, I can totally introduce you to people.” He paused and winked, giving Axel another once-over. “For a price.”
“Elliot, cut it out.” A tall woman wearing a leather jacket dragged the man away. “Wasn’t flirting with the fire department enough?”
Confused and not sure where to turn, Axel desperately sought salvation.
“Sorry, folks. We’re closing in ten minutes,” called one of the store employees. “So if you’re not already in line, could you please make your way to the exit? I promise we’ll share on our store calendar when we have our next adoption. And maybe the Viral Viking will come too!”
Amid cheers and more picture taking, the crowd slowly dispersed.
“Yo, Axel. Over here.” Brad waved him over.
The firemen all wore Pets Fur Life shirts.
Mack tossed a shirt at him. “2X work for you?”
“Ja.But—”
“You promised to come to an adoption,” Mack reminded him. “This one doesn’t count.”
Reggie raised a brow.
Brad waited.
Rena would like it if he helped out.
“Okay, just let me know when.”
Brad smiled. “Rena said you’d agree.”
Axel scowled. “When did she say this exactly?”
“She was in earlier. Bought some dog and cat treats and gave us a ten-dollar donation. She’s sweet.”
“And not for you,” Axel growled.
Brad raised his hands. “Apparently her landlady already contacted her. She has the police report and the insurance adjuster should be out there soon. The police report definitely said arson, but none of it is Rena’s fault.”
Sam joined them with Ivy under his arm. “I need to talk to you about that,” he said to Axel. “After.”
“Okay.” Axel turned back to Brad. “I came to talk to you about some pets that need homes, actually. Three kittens and…” He paused. Queen and Chi-Chi seemed too attached to separate them. But kittens normally found good homes pretty easily. “Three kittens.” He could always rehome the dog and cat later. “They’re too young right now to separate from the mother, but when they are, can I bring them to you?”
“Sure, man. We’ll find them a place to live.”
Axel nodded. “Thanks.” He added wryly, “Good job flirting your way to big donations. Very social-minded of you.”
Mack gave him a thumbs-up.
Reggie seemed to recognize his sarcasm. “Don’t knock it, Viral Viking.” He sneered then laughed. “We got a lot of money to help with the animals.”
“Yeah, Heller.” Sam frowned. “Quit picking on the guys. They have fragile egos. You know, handling all that hose to compensate for small dicks and all.”
“Sam!” Ivy turned scarlet.
“Oh, you heard that?” He glared over her head at Mack.
“Ignore him, Mack,” Ivy said. “I think you all dogreatwork.”
