“Marissa, I’ve got to get my dogs.”
She cast me a desperate look. “I need you, Jamie. I can’t do this without you!”
“I’ll come back?—”
“There’s no time. We’re already behind. Please don’t do this to me right now.”
I clenched my jaw. “It’s not my fault we’re in this situation!Taking on the bridezilla rehearsal dinner when we already had this booking?—”
“I know,” she interrupted. “I couldn’t say no without risking the wedding.”
“We’re understaffed.”
She nodded, a look of defeat crossing her face. “I’ve let it get out of hand. I’m sorry.”
Her voice cracked, and damn it, I couldn’t stand being the bad guy.
“Let me see if I can figure something out.”
“Oh god, thank you!” She grabbed me in an almost painful hug, the scent of cinnamon, chocolate, and flour wafting from her.
“Don’t thank me yet. I have to make some calls and see what I can do.”
She pulled back. “I’ll let you do that. And, uh, I’ll give you some comp time next week.”
I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and called the BowWow contact number.
The phone rang twice, then Sammi’s harried voice came on the line. “BowWow, this is Sammi.”
“It’s Jamie. I’ve got a work emergency.”
“Uh-huh?” Sammi sounded distracted, and there were voices in the background. “Thanks, Rose, hon. Your poodle looks adorable!” She paused. “Sorry, Jamie. You were saying?”
“Just that I have an issue at work and?—”
Abruptly, Hank’s voice came on the line. “Jamie? What’s up?”
“It’s work again.”
“Running late?”
“This is more than a little late. I can’t leave. I just wanted to call and check if it’d be okay for someone else to pick up the dogs.”
“Do you already have someone in mind?”
“I’ll have to call around and see who’s available.”
“Don’t bother,” Hank said. “I can watch them for you.”
“I don’t want you to have to stay at BowWow. This will take a while.”
“So, I’ll take them to my place. I can text you my address. Come by when you’re ready.”
“Are you sure? That’s a big ask.”
“What are friends for?” His voice lowered. “Just don’t tell anyone about the VIP service you’re getting.”
I laughed. “I won’t. Thank you so much.”
