AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, for Dolly.”
She looked at their appointment book, finger scanning the page until she found it.
“Perfect! I will be taking care of Dolly today. Do you have any preferences for her style?”
My mother warned me this question would come up, and I cringed remembering I never looked at her email.
“Could we just keep what she kind of already has?” She was cute as a button. I didn’t see a need for a drastic change.
“Absolutely! And what colors does she like for her accents?”
“Pink,” I answered quickly, though I had no idea what she meant by that. For all I knew I was going to pick up a dog dyed pink.
“Great. Do you want to come back in about 30 minutes? We won’t be too long.”
I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt anxiety about leaving her with strangers.
“Sure,” I said, choking back emotions. Get a grip, Katie! It’s not like you're leaving the premises.
“Is there a waiting area?” I couldn’t seem to locate a bench or chair.
“Unfortunately, not. Probably by design, to get you to shop!” She said with a laugh. It was the pet superstore, so I had no doubts I’d find a few things while I waited. I nodded and left, hollering out to Dolly. “I’ll be back soon, sweetie.” My voice cracked.
Walking over to the carts gave me a boost of rationality, and I was able to pull it together. I saw Mitchell walking out from the Fish department and I waved. He made a small gesture back, not remembering me in the least.Fantastic, now you have imaginary friendships with the staff here.
I pushed the cart over to the apparel department since it was closest to the grooming, looking in the window at Liz and Dolly as I walked by. First up, looked like bath time. Dolly was covered in little blue suds, and it was adorable. Liz was being very gentle with her, and Dolly didn’t seem to mind as I saw a little yawn escape her.
Back to browsing. I found a sparkling collar that matched perfectly with the raincoat my mother sent. Then there was a tiny red check bandana that readMommy’s Girlin bright pink letters. I found several sets of two-piece leisure suits that reminded me of my own.We could match.Then I came upon a selection of doggy slippers, though I wasn’t sure how they would work. I had a pair under close examination an inch from my face when a voice behind me startled me.
“Katie?” I turned to see the gorgeous Carolyn holding a bag of cat food.
Was I onCandid Camera?Or was the pet world really this small?
“Hi, Carolyn.”
Her hands were wrapped tightly around the cat food—one covering theother, and I couldn’t see her ring. At least she gave me that justice.
“I’m here picking up something for my elderly neighbor's kitty.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
Not only was she gorgeous, but apparently, she was also a philanthropist. I had nothing else to say, but it seemed like she had something to say to me. She paused, changing her mind apparently, and turned away.
“Bye, then.” She called out over her shoulder.
“Okay, then,”I whispered back, and my eyes rolled, knowing she couldn’t hear them and thankful she couldn’tseethem. Still holding the slippers, I absently tossed them in my cart. I was disgusted by my thoughts and feelings towards that woman and needed to stop immediately.
Dear Jesus,
Please forgive me for being so, so jealous of this woman.
I don’t want to be. I pray for a change of heart.
In your name,
Amen
I took a deep breath. It seemed like an hour had passed, but my watch said it had been seven minutes. I turned to the toy aisle, looking both ways to prepare for another fiancé ambush.
