My mother knew me too well. I paused, my defenses going up, but then realized for once I had an answer she would like.
“Actually, yes. I made a friend. His name is Jamie.” I started up the car and reversed out of the driveway. “He’s actually bringing his dogs by BowWow today, so I don’t want to be late.”
“So, is he a friend or a customer?” she asked pointedly.
“Friend first,” I said. “I just think his dog could use a little play time to calm down.”
“Ahh, well, you’ve always had good instincts when it comes to animals.”
I heard the unspoken,I wish your instincts were that good with people.
Me too, Mom. Me too.
“I should go,” I said. “Don’t worry about Corey and me, okay? We take care of each other.”
She sighed. “I’m glad Corey has you, but you can’t fool your mother. You take care of him, not the other way around.”
I didn’t answer, because that would only incriminate me. She added, “I’m glad he has you, Hank. I just worry you’re using your brother to avoid living your own life.”
Ouch. Moms really knew where to poke and prod. She wasn’t trying to hurt me. She was genuinely worried. I wantedto tell her she was wrong, but I couldn’t get the words out, maybe because Ihadbeen avoiding life a little.
Ever since my messy breakup.
It had just seemed easier to focus on my job. On the dogs that I knew would never stop loving me.
“I’ll work on it,” I said gruffly.
“That’s all I ask,” she said, voice warm. “Give Corey my love and tell him he better not miss lunch this Sunday.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She chuckled. “You know I try to call him, but he never answers.”
“Kids these days. They’re all about the texting.”
“I hate texting,” she complained. “Luckily, I’ve got you to deliver my messages.”
Yeah, lucky me.
Sammi was already inside when I made it to work. I gave her a little wave as I headed into the playroom to deposit Bruno. “You be a good boy and show them how it’s done, okay? Daddy will be back to check on you soon.”
He chuffed at me, then turned and waddled toward the patch of fake turf he liked to snooze on. He was used to being the first guy to arrive, but soon he’d have playmates for the whole day. He wasn’t hyper like Jamie’s dog, but hewasplayful, and he got bored when left home and chewed up my shoes, so this was the best option for us both.
I let myself into the grooming area to set up the table for our first client, a large Labradoodle who would take up a good portion of my day. Barb Nichols came in to check in her two Border collies for day care, and TJ Matthews was right behind her with his German shepherd.
When the room had cleared, I peeked over Sammi’s shoulder to check the roster.
“We’ve got two more we need to add to the check-in list.”
“Who?”
“Jamie’s dogs.”
Sammi whipped her head to look at me. “Since when?”
“Ran into him at the festival planning yesterday. He’s got a hyper dog problem, so I offered him a free trial.”
Her brows rose. “Free?”
