“He’s here all day for doggy day care. I could just work him into my schedule when I have a lull.”
“Really? That would be great. I do Lady’s regularly, but he hates it.”
He nodded. “Some dogs do. But I’ve got ways to keep him calm and still that you don’t have at home.”
“The vet did it last time, but he’s overdue,” I said guiltily.
“It’s okay, Jamie. I can take care of it.”
“Okay, just let me know what I owe.”
“Bring me more catering leftovers, and we’ll call it even.”
“Ah, I see. You’re just angling for more food.”
“Do you blame me? I live with my younger brother. The most gourmet we get is spaghetti sauce out of a jar.”
I laughed. “It’s a rough life.”
“First-world problems,” he agreed with a small smile.
Bruno hopped up on the sofa between us and settled in for a nap. Lady lay her head on my knee, and Tramp ran across the room to show off on the play equipment.Look Dad, I can run up the ramp, jump onto the foam mat, then dive into a collection of balls!
“Good boy!” I called.
“He is, you know,” Hank said. “One of the better pooches we’ve got at day care. He’s playful, but he gets along well with the other dogs.”
I nodded. “He’s always been great at the park. Other than, you know, running away and knocking your fliers everywhere.”
“Oh, that reminds me. We’re having another planning session for Dogtober Days. I need to recruit some extra volunteers. Would you consider coming?”
“Oh? Can I volunteer if I’m a vendor?”
“Sure. I can even waive the vendor fee. Sammi has got her hands full with the business, and she’s got a wife at home, so I’m trying to avoid asking her to help more.”
I nodded. “I’d be happy to help however I can.”
“Great. How about we meet up for drinks to talk it out? Maybe Friday night at The Stag Pub?”
“Okay, sure.”
“Unless you have plans?”
I might have met up with Maverick and Silas to commiserate over our week. But I could do that anytime. My heart flip-flopped. “Nothing important. I’ll be there.”
He smiled brightly. “Great. I’ll see you then.”
CHAPTER 13
Hank
My phone rang justas I was locking up BowWow’s doors Friday night. Jamie’s name flashed on the Caller ID.
A smile spread across my face as I picked it up. “Hey, I’ve got to run Bruno home, and then I’ll head over to the pub.”
“I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it tonight.”
“Working late?”
