Ethan comes downstairs, shirtless in flannel boxers. “Are we talking about Caleb’s party planner?”
I lean back on the couch, looking up at the ceiling. “Get it all out now, boys. She’ll be here soon and you’re not going to say anything inappropriate in her presence, got it? She’s a professional, and we need her to make this event run smoothly.”
“She spends a lottttt of time over here for being a party planner,” Leo says. When I shoot him a look he holds up his hands innocently. “I’m not shit-talking. I’m just hypothesizing that maybe she’s into you, too, big brother.”
I stand. “This conversation is over.”
In the admin building, the air conditioning blows a little too cold, but it’s good for keeping my thoughts in check. I get online and read through emails, responding to anything last minute about the gala. Rex has two more applicants for adoption, butI don’t feel like reviewing them right now. All of his previous attempts have failed. It’s too late to find anyone right now that will give me that heartwarming gala adoption moment I’d envisioned months ago. It’s okay though because Charlotte came up with a fantastic slide show that tells our story and encourages donations even without Rex being adopted.
Vendors start showing up around ten in the morning. The event starts at six, but Charlotte organized everything to be ready by four because she said there are always a few early birds. I watch in awe as a crew sets up tablecloths, chair covers, and sweeping fabric things across the ceiling. This old barn transforms into a beautiful venue. She really did have a vision in mind when she set to work a couple weeks ago.
I introduce myself to everyone, letting them know where to find me, and then I stay back and let them work. When I spot Charlotte’s car coming up the driveway, my heart does a little nervous dance in my chest. I knew she’d get here early, but this is really early.
She steps out of her car wearing another legging and shirt combo—the casual style I am really starting to love on her. Those leggings are hard to look away from. In her backseat she takes out a bundle of balloons and a box.
“What’s all this?” I ask.
She hands the box to me. “Donuts.”
My eyebrow quirks.
“It’s not for the gala, it’s for you guys. Breakfast of champions, and balloons to celebrate the day.”
“You really think of everything,” I say as she hands me the balloons.
She smiles up at me. “This event taught me a lot. It’s made me into a better party planner and has given me a lot to think about.”
“Oh yeah?” We walk to the main house and Max appears in the doorway, then jogs down the porch steps to meet us.
“Donuts?” he says, taking the box from me. “You’re the best,” he tells Charlotte.
“You’re very welcome,” she says. Her smile is contagious. She makes me grin like a fool anytime I look at her. She turns to me and her smile widens, reaching all the way to her eyes. “So how’s the setup going?”
“Let’s go look.”
We venture to the barn, and she knows every worker by name. She moves through the room, nodding in approval. “Looks like all my work is done here. I can go home, look for a new job, and then get dressed for tonight.”
“Look for a new job?” I say, just as my phone alarm goes off.
“Is it Rex walking time?” she asks.
“Yes, ma’am. I didn’t schedule any training clients today because of the gala but I also won’t get to walk Rex on time tonight, so he’s getting his exercise early.”
“Will you teach me how to do the ball flinger thing?”
“Of course,” I say, holding out my elbow. To my surprise, she takes it. We walk arm in arm all the way to the kennels.
Rex is thrilled to see her, as usual. She leans down, scrunching his face in her fingers and talking baby talk to him. It’s incredible what a couple of weeks can do. This woman was absolutely terrified of him when they first met. I clip the leash on his collar and hold out the handle to her. She takes it.
“So you’re looking for a new job?” I ask as we walk out to the back part of the property.
“I have to,” she says, staring at Rex. “My boss isn’t too happy with me.”
“What happened to starting your own business?”
“I’m too scared,” she says, shaking her head.
“I remember when you were scared of Rex.”
