She scruffs his chin and makes baby sounds. “I know, it’s a tough gig.”
No way am I getting social media. If Luna hears about it, she’ll be all over that. Anything to get the animals adopted.
I pull out my phone to quickly text Luna.
Me
Can Dozer have whipped cream?
A message bounces back a few seconds later.
Luna
Uh, oh, what are you two up to?
Me
Pup cup at Darla and Meg’s
Luna
I guess you’ll know once he’s had one…
I roll my eyes.
Me
Helpful
Luna
A few seconds later, I glance up as I hear a familiar voice. “A double shot, caramel latte with extra foam,” Payden says. “Oh, and a bagel with cream cheese to go.”
“Coming right up,” Darla says cheerfully.
She turns and our eyes meet. Her eyes grow wide as she blinks for a few seconds, then says, “Oh, hey Logan.” Then her eyes bounce down to Dozer. “Oh my god, stop it!”
Her demeanor changes from hesitant to adoring real fast.
Dozer looks up at her from the bench seat next to me and waggles his little tail and head at the same time.
“Payden, meet Dozer,” I say as she crouches down to scruff his head and tell him how adorable he is. I clear my throat. “He, uh, we thank you for the box of toys. I need to reimburse you for all of that. Those chew toys aren’t cheap.”
“Don’t be silly. I wanted to help.”
“He fell asleep with his paws on his new penguin,” I feel the need to add.
She coos some more as Dozer continues to wag his little tail. “He’s just so sweet!”
“I’m not keeping him,” I gruff.
“I know, but there’s no reason he can’t get never-ending head rubs, is there?”
I don’t answer. When the show of affection is over, she stands, her cheeks slightly flushed as she smiles down at him. Maybe Payden should have taken him instead of me.
“I-I didn’t know this was your local coffee shop, too?” she goes on.
Her office is right around the block, but I’ve been getting breakfast and coffee here for years.
