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She didn't have a crate for Smoke only for Whisper. Claudia imagined Naomi wouldn't like the idea that she was working all day long either. She didn't think it would matter that she was actually using a skill set that she knew how to do to make a living. The only thing that would matter to Naomi was the wellbeing of both of the dogs. Claudia also knew she wasn’t going to win any points with Naomi when she discovered she wasn’t going to be able to attend the home check. Claudi had gotten a large order of post maternity dresses. It appeared someone wanted a new wardrobe to go back to work and had chosen several of Claudia’s designs with one or two alterations. The client had ordered fifteen dresses all with modifications of course and all of the dresses were needed at once.
It was midafternoon when Claudia heard the store bell and in walked Naomi. Claudia was cursing inside that it was the lightest days today and there were no convenient excuses she could give Naomi on why she couldn’t talk to her. Claudia took a deep breath and thought about Whisper and smoke. For them she would deal with Naomi.
Claudia plastered on a smile and when the doorbell rang, she greeted Naomi with a bright smile.
“Welcome to Chrysalis.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting? You are aware that today is your home check?” Naomi said as she walked into the store. The store had an open middle that invited people in to do their shopping. With Naomi standing their it was more like the store had been made to showcase a person in the middle of the room.
“Yes, I was aware. I sent you a text explaining that I had to finish up working on an order and asked to reschedule but you said today was all that you had,” Claudia responded trying not to sound defensive to the young woman. Claudia could see the pinched look on Naomi’s face as she listened to her. There was nothing to do about it. “I thought you would send the report over and we could discuss it later if there were any problems.”
“If I had found any substantial problems, I would have taken the dogs,” she said as she looked around the shop. “I found no substantial problems, but I wanted to bring to the problems that I saw.”
“We couldn’t have talked about this on the phone?” Claudia asked trying to keep her tone neutral.
“Did you want to put the welfare of your pet’s secondary to you making money?” she asked pertly.
“No, please let’s discuss them. Would you like me to get us some seats? I can’t leave the store front, but I can make you comfortable until my assistant comes in,” Claudia said
“You could close the store,” Naomi suggested snippily. Before Claudia could respond Jillian walked into the store.
“You won’t believe the – “Jillian stopped and pasted on her difficult customer smile. Claudia had seen it work miracles many times before. “I see I’ve arrived in the nick of time. You need to handle something I’ll take care of the store.”
“You just walked in. I can wait for you - “
Jillian raised her hand.
“I’m good Claudia. Once I get rolling, I can handle just about anything. You go ahead now.”
Claudia was pleased and distressed all at the same time. It was better to get Naomi out of the way. She took her to the back. There was a little table where she and Jillian would eat lunch. Claudia showed Naomi the seat.
“Naomi, I want you to know that I’m very invested in Whisper and Smoke,” she said with her best smile.
“Well, I think you have good spacing for them, but I have to say that I think that since there is only one crate for Whisper and none for Smoke. I wouldn’t want Whisper to get jealous because you are showing favoritism toward Smoke,” Naomi says in a patronizing tone. Claudia clamped her hands in her lap and had to breathe through her nose so she wouldn’t show how upset Naomi’s words were to her.
“I don’t show favoritism to Smoke.”
“Well, putting up one and not the other makes it seems like there some favoritism,” she said.
Claudia shook her head and took a deep breath.
“We have the crate because Whisper wanted it. I had two crates in the house, and we leave the doors open. Whisper goes into his crate willingly every day and night. I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.”
Naomi’s lips were pursed.
“You’re saying that Whisper wants to be trapped while Smoke is walking around free? I understand your past may color how you see this.”
“Trapped? Whisper isn’t trapped! My past has no bearing on this. Whisper likes to den, and Smoke does the same but under my bed. So, I think you should seriously consider what they want and not let your bias color your view. Don’t you remember what I did before I went to the shelter?”
Naomi nodded.
“I am aware that you had prior experience working with animals. It was your past history that made you eligible to take on two dogs from our facility,” Naomi said grudgingly.
“Then I think I should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to their care.” Claudia knew the problem. Naomi had been biased against her from the very first day. Claudia understood Naomi's problem. Naomi couldn't understand a woman who would let herself be abused. As a result, Naomi thought that those women had questionable judgment when it came to everyday decisions. Claudia understood that these were the thoughts of those who had never been in her situation. Naomi had the gift of ignorance. every time Naomi made a comment that questioned Claudia's ability to make a decision, she was really judging her on her past.
“I agree you should be given the benefit of the doubt and I am trying I just want to make sure then I'm doing what's best for Whisper and Smoke. I went to see them today and you weren't even able to be there for the home check.”
Again, Claudia could hear her questioning every decision she made. If it wasn't the fact that Naomi had the ability to take whisper and smoke if she thought the situation is unsafe Claudia would have shown Naomi out the door as soon as she stepped foot in the store. Naomi stood up and brushed off some imaginary lint from her arm.
