After spending time in Beth Ann’s dark cluttered apartment, Eli’s space felt like it was in a completely different building. How could these two apartments have the same square footage? Eli’s apartment was bright and sparsely furnished, with the ubiquitous single-guy futon, contemporary black halogen floor lamp, and a few framed concert posters on the wall. An oversize red Calder-type mobile dangled over the futon. Cora made her way to the metal bookshelf, eager to look at the framed photographs and check out his stacks of books, but she heard the elevator bell chime down the hall. She ran to her supply bag to unpack.
“That was fast!” she said to Eli as he walked in. Nell trotted in beside him. “Look at her, she seems better already.”
“Yup. She went out and peed and pooped right away and that seemed to help. So what kind of goodies did you bring for our poor little rich girl?”
Cora held each item up like she was a spokesmodel on a game show. “Dog food! Bowls! A new unisex leash and collar! A bone! A squeaky toy! Treats! Shampoo! And last but not least, a comfy bed.”
“That’s too much, Cora. You didn’t have to bring all of this stuff. What do I owe you?”
“Not a thing. I get so many freebies when I go to dog trainer conferences, I didn’t have to pay for any of it. And the bed is a hand-me-down from my collection.” Cora placed the navy houndstooth bed on the ground, and Nell immediately walked over to check it out. “It’s the least I can do, considering how you stepped up to help her so quickly. And you even had plans tonight.” She raised her eyebrows to hint that she wanted to know more.
“Oh, that.” Eli grimaced. “A second date–type thing I wasn’t excited about. You sort of saved me. Just for tonight, though. Moved it to tomorrow night.”
Cora was surprised that she felt a pang.
“I can’t thank you enough for doing this.Nellcan’t thank you enough. You’re her hero.” They both looked down and discovered Nell nestled in the bed, looking up at them with a contented expression. “The next step is a makeover with my groomer friend, then I’ll take some photos of her, and we’ll start posting her online and around town. I think there’s a cute dog hidden under that mess, so she’ll probably find a home really fast. You won’t be put out for too long.”
“Put out? Please, this is going to be great.” Eli plopped down beside Nell.
“So ... do you have any questions for me? Do you feel comfortable with everything?”
“Igotthis! It’s me and Nell against the world.” He looked down at her. “After a bath, you little cesspool.”
“Do you need help? With the bath?” Cora was enjoying watching the connection between Eli and Nell and didn’t want to leave.
“I think we’re good. I don’t want to keep you any longer...”
“Well, Beth Ann paid for five lessons and since my student now lives with you—temporarily—I’d be happy to do the final two lessons with you guys if you want.”
“That would be great, thank you. We’ll just take the next few days to acclimate and then I’ll give you a call to set something up.” Was Eli trying to get rid of her?
“Sure, that works. So ... I’ll just ... head out, I guess?”
Eli looked up at Cora. “Hey, we make a darn good rescue team. Did you ever think this would happen?”
“I wished her out of that dungeon, and look at her now, living large. Just keep me posted if you need anything.”
“You got it. See ya soon.” Eli nodded at Cora and went back to petting Nell.
She was used to getting lost in the shuffle, with clients celebrating a new puppy or welcoming home a lucky rescue dog. She knew how to slip out quietly in order to let the bonding continue unimpeded. But this time felt different. Eli and she had just done something momentous together, and she wanted to hang out with him and chart the nuances of Nell’s new life. She wanted to answer all of the questions she was sure he had and impress him with her knowledge.
But maybe he was going to invite his date over to meet Nell. Maybe the two of them would give her a bath and end up adorably covered in suds like in a corny but adorable Hallmark movie. Maybe they would sit hip-to-hip on the couch with the little dog nestled on their laps. Maybe Eli would lean over and kiss the girl, marveling at how perfect his life seemed in that moment.
And that was fine.
Because Eli was her friend.
Yes, he’s a friend,Cora thought as she walked down the hall, nodding her head for emphasis.A very good friend.
THIRTY-TWO
Cora arrived at Toya ten minutes late. She’d read about the glittery Asian-fusion restaurant but had never had an occasion to go. Charlie and Madison were probably regulars. She pulled at the front of her top as she neared the door, worried that it was inappropriate for whatever was going on with Charlie. He had texted earlier in the day to set up a quick “conversation” with her sans Oliver, and even though Cora knew that she needed to keep the meeting professional, the dimly lit restaurant Charlie had selected suggested otherwise.
He had never seen her in anything but her dog training uniform, and she wanted to make sure that she looked amazing, but not so amazing that it was obvious that she was trying. She settled on a loose-fitting black peasant top that left her shoulders exposed. Just enough skin to make him look twice. She paired the top with her favorite slim-fitting jeans that made her legs look extra long, one of Maggie’s expensive buttery leather belts from Saks, and a pair of black wedge sandals. She caught a glimpse of her reflection as she walked into the restaurant and nodded, as if to confirm that the attractive woman she saw staring back was actually her.
Charlie was already at the bar when Cora arrived, chatting with the bartender. His eyes widened when he saw her walking over.
“Wow, Cora,” he exclaimed, “is that you?”
