Evidently. But it’s true. I have been talking to a local bar about that. I just wish it didn’t sound so stupid.
* * *
Then it’s showtime. Or dress rehearsal, really. The place is ready. I made some fast adjustments to the front counter so that it could easily double as the register at a pet supply shop. It’s stacked with treats and dog bags, but we’ve added more stickers and some dog tags as well, since that’s a staple at most stores.
Chloe’s trained the regulars like Dandelion and Gunnar, and their job is simple. To play with toys as Ava—playing the local librarian—walks in with Jubilee and asks the world’s cutest dog to pick a new collar, only to be distracted by the pretty bartender who just dropped her dog off. That character will be played by Saffron.
Jubilee’s role? To give a“Really, Mom?”look to Ava at just the right moment when Ava’s flirting goes on for too long with Saffron. Then an eye roll.
I’m checking that we have exactly the proper setup at the front counter. No doubt the logistics producers will do that too, but my job is to make this shoot easy for everyone. As I check off the items on the list, the chatter behind me grows.
“Did you hear she can roll her eyes?” Levi squeals to Hazel, raving about the dog star as he brushes out a Maltipoo. “I can’t believe I’m going to meet her any minute.”
“I’m such a fan. But also of Ava Hartley. And Saffron Morgan. They’re all going to be here,” Hazel says while adjusting the dog beds on the floor for the regular canine crew.
“I can’t wait to tell my guy. He’s going to be green with envy. He’s obsessed with Jubilee. He’s seen all her vids,” Levi adds as he ties a bow around the Maltipoo’s collar.
“But you can’t take pics of the shoot itself,” Nisha puts in, emerging from the back to sweep unseen dirt.
“I know. Maybe I can sneak in a pic beforehand,” he muses.
Pretty sure that’s not how it’s going to work. “Levi, it’s best if we don’t play paparazzi today. Let’s just see how things go. It’s our first shoot. Only take a pic if the handler or producer invites you to. Got it?”
Levi sighs like I’ve deflated all the wind from his sails. “Okay.”
“And don’t forget, you’re being paid to help with the dogs who are here. To check them out at the end of the night,” I add, since it seems like I need to remind him. Maybe I sound like a dick, but somebody has to lay down the law.
“I know, I know,” he says.
“Good. Appreciate you,” I say, firm but fair.
“And we’re going to have fun even if we can’t take pics,” Zuri pipes in, doing her part to keep thekidsunder control as she snaps pics of the dogs here today—for our socials.
The crew arrives. They set up, asking us to keep going about business as usual—talk about efficiency—while Chloe reviews the action in the script with the dog extras.
Soon enough, the episode director forHappily Maybe Afterarrives, along with Alexandra and the talent.
Canine talent first.
Jubilee struts in, her honey-blonde coat all fluffy and perfectly shampooed I’m sure, and a pink rhinestone collar on. Her chin is held high, and her ear tufts could melt a man.
Chloe, looking effortlessly good in cute jeans, Converse sneakers, and a pretty blue top, strides over and says, “Hey, cutie pie,” then kneels to dog level. Jubilee looks her way and, I swear, she smiles.
The dog smiles.
Jesus.
My heart goes a little mushy.
Saffron and Ava walk in next, all dolled up and empirically pretty in short dresses that I’m sure are trendy for twentysomethings, but I barely notice them. My eyes are still on Chloe. She’s the woman I can’t look away from.
She’s not a star hanger-on. She’s simply this engaging, outgoing, friendly woman who makes everyone, from dog to person, feel welcome.
Even me.
Even when I’m a grumpy, broody, stubborn ass.
I check my watch. I can’t wait to get out of here tonight and blow off some steam. If I stay any longer, I’ll do something stupid. Like…flirt. Or kiss her, and like last time, I won’t stop.
