A smile takes over my face. I can’t believe I just typed out those words, and the fact that I partially owe it to Levi for the reason I’m going.I’ll take Things I Never Thought I’d Think for $1,000, Alex.
Levi: I think I’ll stop by the store later. How good are you at acting?
Me: Terrible.
Levi: This should be fun.
I take the outfit that the note fell out of and pull it on. As I suspected, it fits perfectly, though it does have short sleeves. I peer at myself in the mirror, staring at the bandages that run the length of my right arm. They’re not hideous or anything, but I don’t want them to be the first thing people see. The inevitable questions that would follow would drive me insane. I especially don’t want to talk about the fire when I see my team again.
After rummaging through the bags Levi sent me, I find one long-sleeved shirt. Luckily, I can layer this under the cranberrytop. After I redress, I peer at myself in the mirror again. Perfect. Well, partly perfect. Now that I know where my wallet is, though, I can buy a few shirts like this to layer underneath all the great stuff Levi purchased.
I can’t believe he would be so thoughtful.
Still staring at the clothes, I still when a knock sounds on my door. “Tab?”
I nearly jump out of my skin. “Yes?” I call out, practically leaping toward the door and winging it open.
“Ready to go? I have your pills.”
“Fantastic.” I grab the pills and head to the nightstand where my water sits. I place them on my tongue and swallow them down, then take another drink after the big one sticks like it always does.
When I turn, Rae-bae is smiling at me from ear to ear. “I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when I walk in with you.”
I hook my arm through hers and lead her out the door. “Since the walk is so short, why don’t you catch me up on any changes that have been made?”
Raeann shifts between talking excitedly and matter-of-factly, depending on what she’s informing me of. Creative stuff is always said with a burst of excitement, while the everyday running of things is delivered with an informational tone only. It’s obvious what gets her going.
The sun shines on us when we hit the sidewalk. Others are out and about, too, walking in a hurry. We stay linked as we turn toward the shop.
“That’s about it,” Raeann finally says. “I’m sure I’ve forgotten something, but we’ll figure it out.”
I rub her arm. “So, how are you and Micah doing? I hope I’m not in the way.”
“You could never be in the way,” she says, rolling her eyes. “He’s great. We’re great.”
She peers down, and I follow her gaze to the bling on her ring finger. It’s the biggest engagement ring I’ve ever seen in my life. “It’s hypnotizing us again,” I inform her after we’ve both been staring at it for more than a few seconds.
She laughs. “Yeah, I do that a lot.” Grinning at me, she picks up the speed, and before I know it, she’s dragging me toward a glass entrance door.
Inside, a sea of dog clothing awaits, and my heart starts racing.
Raeann swings the door open, and shouts, “Guess who’s here?”
Walking into Pet Threads is like I’m a contestant on one of those home renovation shows who gets to experience my space for the first time. The store is larger, grander. Since we’re in a different part of the city, the architecture is different. The inside is brick with an open ceiling, revealing the round, metal ducts transferring air from one area of the store to another. It’s very industrial but made pet chic thanks to an interior designer Micah hired when we got the new space.
Luckily, we were really only out of commission for a few weeks. Micah pulled some strings with our manufacturers, the property owner, and the designer. Something I’m supremely grateful for because the faces staring at me in awe right now need jobs, regardless if our old shop burned to the ground.
Athena moves closer to me as Jace and Katya rush forward. I’m sure she can feel my heart on overdrive. Warm hands surround me, a little Pet Threads cocoon, and I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“You’re back!” Katya announces.
“She’s taking it easy,” Raeann informs them.
“Aww.” Jace reaches out for her and tugs her into the hug with the rest of us. Athena barks, her tail wagging. “I didn’t think she’d ever let you out,” Jace whispers to me.
“You have no idea,” I whisper back. “Clearly I will never be asking any of you if I need to break out of jail.”
“Dude, she’s scary when it comes to you.”
