He sat back, satisfied.
In a couple days, he’d order two more, and after that, he’d give it another forty-eight hours before buying the balance of what the shop actually needed for inventory. That meant Petula would have to show up at least three more times over the next week or so, which should give Julian time to work on her reluctance to socialize.
He just needed to up his game.
And speaking of game…
He leaned forward and opened up another window, searching “Books on the inner workings of the female mind”.
Over a dozen popped up.
While he was deep in studying and ordering what was offered, the front door opened and Duck trotted in, followed by Tabbi and Spence. Tinker and Langly, still in their beds, each gave a soft, welcomingwoof, then settled back down to sleep. The pair normally got up to greet customers. Clearly,they’d known who was coming in this time, even before the trio entered.
Julian closed out the window on the book site, trying not to look guilty as he addressed the newcomers.
“How was your trip?” he asked, already plotting as to how he could get his brother out of the way to talk to Tabbi alone.
“Awesome,” Tabitha raved as Duck headed for the kibble dispenser in the corner and started chowing down as if he hadn’t seen food in days.
“Catie and Nick are wonderful,” she went on, “letting us sit in and see exactly how they run things. Now I’m totally pumped to start our own classes in May. Catie’s also agreed to visit sometime soon with her husband, to see if we need any additional pointers.”
“That’s great,” Julian replied. “Because we’ve certainly had a lot of interest.”
They’d put a sign-up form on line just two days ago, and this morning alone, over a dozen people had left their contact info.
“Really?” Spence questioned. “How many?” He walked directly to the coffee station and lifted the pot, looking askance at it as he swirled the dregs.
“I wouldn’t drink that,” Jules grimaced. “It’s been there for hours.”
Spence shrugged and poured.
“Seriously, dude. I can make some more,” Julian offered, rising to his feet.
“Nah. This will do,” Spence told him, chugging the sludge. “I just need a wake-up jolt, sincesomebody,” he waggled his brows at his wife, “might have kept me up half the night.”
“Bro,” Julian huffed. “That’s shit I don’t need to hear.”
Spencer laughed as Tabitha colored up. “Sucks to be you. So how many, Jules?”
Going back to the original conversation, Julian filled him in. “Sixteen this morning. I think we’ll have to limit our enrollees for the first session, and start our list for a second class.”
“That’ll work,” Spence answered. “Buck, Trask, and Jett are almost done with their certifications.” He paused and looked around curiously, before a pout emerged on his lips. “Jules. You didn’t pick up any donuts this morning?”
Yes! The perfect distraction.
Julian saw his opening and pounced. “Ah, sorry man. I didn’t have time. Between wrangling Jett’s two mutts, working with a few customers, and answering the phone inquiries we’ve been receiving, it slipped my mind.” He continued calculatedly. “But I sure could go for some sugar right now. I don’t suppose…?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Spencer huffed. “I’ll head down to the bakery and get some shit. Lord knows I need the walk and some fresh air after being crammed in my truck all morning with a sex maniac.”
“Spence, please,” Julian groaned, trying to scrub that from his brain. “TMI.”
Tabbi was clearly over it, and rolled right past the inappropriate comment. “Ooh, honey, since you’re making a run to the bakery, can you get me one of those caramel bear-claws?” she asked.
Tabitha was currently in her third month of pregnancy, and her appetite had, in the last few days, picked up significantly with the complete disappearance of the morning sickness that had plagued her for weeks. She was obviously making up for lost time.
“Only one?” Spence teased.
Tabitha rolled her eyes. “Yes, dear. Just one. I have restraint, unlike other people I know.” She turned and poked Spence’s firm midsection none-too gently.
