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“He said comfortable.”
“Okay, then.” Madeline basically ran out of the kitchen, Niko right at her feet. The big floof seemed to know exactly where she was going. He bounded down the hall in front of her and rounded the corner before she even got there. “Well, come on,” Madeline called.
I followed, finding her bent over in her closet, Niko’s tail wagging beside her. I leaned against the doorframe and chuckled.
“Here, these are what you want.” Madeline held up a pair of tan shoes, Niko’s eyes following them the entire time. “These are Niko’s favorites, but no matter how hard he chews, they look brand new, and they’re waterproof.” She held out the sneakers.
I looked at the shoes and back at the dog. “He’s eaten these?”
“Well, not these, but my last pair he tried to demolish. Trust me, wear these with your white shorts and shirt with some color that will pop, and you will be adorable and comfortable for your date with Clay.”
Date.
I coughed. “It’s not a date, Maddy.” I took the shoes and turned my back. Niko gave a whine and then was at my side in minutes, his blue eyes looking up at the shoes.
“Pretty sure it is.” Madeline chuckled, following me down the stairs. “You’ll be here all day, right? No studio today?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. I have to work on these wedding dress designs, and Carter said he is uploading more to my Instagram today, so I need to proof the photos and come up with captions.” Just listing off my to-do list made my head spin. This was my world, fashion designing and blogging, working for designer companies, but with the word date looming over my head, it made it all seem more hectic. “On second thought, maybe I need to go to the studio and tell Clay Monday won’t work.”
“Don’t you dare.” Madeline grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder, reaching in her for keys. “Studio maybe, Monday? Hell no. You’re going wherever he’s taking you. Got it?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Mom.”
Madeline nodded. “Gotta get my practice in before I become an official stepmom. I’ll see you tonight?” She smiled.
I nodded and waved as she walked out the door to her car, leaving me alone in the doorway, still holding a pair of tennis shoes. I closed the door and turned to see Niko still looking at the shoes as if they were his favorite toy.
“No, sir.” I leaned over and scratched behind his ear. “You aren't eating these shoes. Even if it’s not a date, I still need to look my best.”
He let out a loud groan before yawning, a howl closing off the yawn.
“Very nice.” I chuckled, setting the shoes on the floor and standing. “Come on, bud. Let's go to the studio.”
“I’m very allergic to dogs,” Carter mumbled as Niko and I made our way into the studio a few hours later. I had never brought Niko here before, but I may have been trying to save the shoes. I knew he wasn’t one to destroy the house while we were away, but those eyes he had made me nervous.
“I’ll keep him over here. I’m just designing today. Plus, if you take any photos, people on Instagram really love dogs.” I chuckled. “Maybe we can make it a story. I guarantee people will love it.” I set my portfolio next to the desk and pulled my chair out.
“I didn’t think you were coming in today.” Carter reached into his camera bag. “But if it’s okay with you, I’ll take some photos of what you’re working on. Do you have those captions for me?”
“I don't mind at all, and I wasn’t going to, but then as I thought about all I had to do, I thought it would be best for me to work here. I’ll answer a few messages on Instagram and then start to design. Oh.” I shot my eyes at him as he got closer to me, walking in a huge arch to keep away from Niko. “I’ll be taking Monday off, so feel free to relax that day.”
“I won't be here next week actually.” Carter raised his camera and leaned on his knees, snapping a photo of Niko. “I’m flying out Sunday to be with my family. My son is testing for a green belt in karate, and I need to be there.”
“Of course you do. That's a huge accomplishment. Tell him congrats for me.” I gave him a large smile, shocked that he was finally talking to me. After weeks of silence and nothing but photos, Carter was actually talking.
“That's why I need to get all these photos taken now, so I’m glad you came in today. What are your plans for Monday?”
“Just seeing a friend. I have that party to plan still, and since you won't be around, I may take the week too. Friday, I have a dinner planned, and maybe I can post to my Instagram. I haven't in a while.” I watched as he snapped more photos of Niko, and he seemed to pose. “Maybe we can put the dog in a dress?”
Carter didn’t laugh. He looked up toward me and pinched his brow.
“It was a joke.”
“I’m aware,” he responded.
I shook my head and turned my back to him, reaching out to get my phone to check the new feed. Carter had been diligent about uploading photos at least every other day, but lately, since the wedding gowns had been approved, it’s been every day. Madeline’s gorgeous photos had the most hearts so far. People were even asking for the dress to be for sale. I already had interest in the gown, and my heart sang whenever I saw someone comment or send me a message. I even had a few brides wondering if I did custom dresses for other clients. It broke my heart to have to tell them no, but that if they waited a few more months, I'd have plenty to show off.
This was going to be phenomenal.
