Ellie: Walking dogs for some extra cash. Say hi to Gus.
She texts a photo of a cute Staffy mix.
Me: Okay, that’s the greatest dog name ever.
Ellie: Isn’t it? So adorable!
Me: So you’re a party princess and a dog walker?
Ellie: Yup. Those are just two of my many jobs.
Damn. How many jobs does Ellie have? And why does she need to work all the time?
I almost ask her that, but I hold back. That seems kind of personal to outright ask her that, and even though we’re old friends, we’re just now reconnecting. I don’t want to make things weird.
Me: So you’re a jack of all trades, it sounds like?
Ellie: Haha not really, I just work a lot. I nanny for my aunt and uncle sometimes. And I clean houses. And DoorDash and Uber Eats too.
Jesus. She’s working constantly.
Me: Wow. You’re amazing to work so much.
Ellie: Not amazing, just trying to save money to get my own place someday. And maybe start my own business.
Me: That’s pretty cool. What kind of business?
Ellie: Dog walking and pet sitting. Right now I go to people’s houses, but I’d love to some day have my own house with enough room to board pets too.
Me: You’d be great at that.
That makes sense. Buying a house is expensive for sure, especially in the Denver area. So is starting your own business. But with how much she’s working, I bet she’ll be able to do both soon.
Ellie: So what are you doing this fine full moon evening?
Me: I’m at Ryker’s wedding.
Ellie: Oh, right! That must be so fun!
Me: It’s pretty cool so far. Open bar.
Ellie: Haha nice. Have a Malibu with rum for me!
Me: No way. That’s a girlie drink.
Ellie: Duh. I’m a girl lol
I smile at my screen.
“Damn, dude. You gonna eye-fuck your phone the whole night?”
I look up and see Blomdahl standing next to me at the bar. He orders a Scotch and takes a sip.
“You’re glued to that thing,” he says.
“Who’s glued to what?” Xander asks when he walks up to us.
“Connors is glued to his phone,” Blomdahl says. “Which is making him oblivious to all the attention he’s getting from the ladies at this wedding.”
