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Seconds later, Carolyn returned with a determined expression.
“I didn’t mean to get in the way of anything between you and Eli.” She looked remorseful.
Was it that obvious that I liked him?
“Don’t worry about it.” The words surprised me, but I was certain it was because of my recent prayer asking for help. Carolyn nodded, looking at the ground before walking away again.
My cart found its way into the Agility and Sports aisle, which was full of items you’d see on one of those famous dog shows that aired on holidays. Theowners usually had to have some athletic ability, since they often ran alongside the dogs to keep them on course. I wondered what kind of words they used to encourage their dogs to keep going. Surely, it differed from what personal trainers said to us in gyms.
‘You are going to have the most defined neck on the beach. Keep it going, and no one will recognize that muffin top of yours. One more and you’ll be blasting those cankles away!’
I was halfway through reading about the installation and setup of the dog rope climb when the loudspeaker came on. “Katie Fitzgerald, your pet is ready at the grooming station.”
I wasn’t expecting an announcement from the whole store that I was in here. I nervously scuttled my cart over to the big windows, assuming everyone I’d ever met would be shopping here at this very moment. I investigated the room where, sure enough, my little sweetie was sitting, paws crossed, waiting for me. Liz smiled as she opened the door for me. “I hope you like what I did today.” It wasn’t a question; however, Liz knew very well she was talented. I laughed in joy. Dolly looked adorable.
Dolly had two pink bows, one above each ear and the fur around her face had been trimmed up. Her ears were left slightly longer but shaped so that she looked like a fuzzy teddy bear. Her body was still full of curls, and her little black nails had been coated in pink polish. I gasped when I saw it. Never in a million years did I expect a dog to have better nails than me.
“It’s pet safe—” Liz handed me a little tube labeledPawlish.
“Can you please do mine now?” I held up my stubby nails, laughing. “Thank you so much, Liz. I especially love the little bandana.” Dolly was sporting a crinkle-cut pink bandana that matched her bows and nails.
“I’m so glad you are happy.”
“This is my first dog,” I beamed excitedly. “How often should we come in forgrooming?”
“About every five to six weeks, or more, if you want. If she just needs a refresh, or a Pawlish change, I’m happy to do it.”
I pictured writing in my calendar, Dolly’s nail appointment, and smiled.
She handed me the bill for $40. “Thank you so much, Liz. Here’s forty and… a little something extra for you.” I gave her a $50 bill and she nodded appreciatively.
“Congratulations on your new doggy. She was just an angel, but I’m sure you already knew that. It was a delight to groom her today.”
I left thesalonfeeling proud of my girl.
“Should we go to the Doggy Bakery?”
She loved questions that involved the word,go.I almost forgot my cart full of things and pushed it one handedly to the front of the store, while still holding tight to Dolly as if someone might want to snatch her away. One of the cart’s wheels was screeching loudly and stopping completely every few feet. Earlier the store had been playing soft music, so it hadn’t been so noticeable, but this time Mitchell had just turned it off to make the announcement the store was closing.
“Good evening,Furiends,” how anyone could say that with a straight face I’ll never know, “we are closing in fifteen minutes. Please tell mom and dad to bring your final selections to the front of the store. And as always, have apaw-fectly purr-fect day.”
Screech. Screech. Screech.
“Oh, someone’s got the squeaky cart! I could hear you coming a mile away.” Mitchell laughed and I felt my cheeks redden from embarrassment when I finally got the cart to his register. He saw Dolly and leaned down so his head was at her eye level, still in my arms. “Oh, hello sweet thing. Did someone get all pretty and groom-ied? Did you get groom-y groomed? Do you like groomies? You look so pretty after your groomies.”
Little surprised me anymore, but I did find it odd that Mitchell was now over by us, on his hands and knees talking to Dolly, since a line started to form behindus and nearly reached the treat aisle. But when I looked back at the people waiting, no one seemed to mind.
Dolly was enjoying the attention from Mitchell, and I put all my items on the conveyor belt. Mitchell finally returned to the register and inspected each item; commenting how cute she would be in this—those slippers will go perfect with that—andoh my word,I didn’t know we had these back in stock.He was an absolute delight.
“Did you see we have the matching collar for this ball gown?” I’d half-forgotten I’d put the gown into my cart when he brought up the matching collar, but it was just too fun. “I didn’t see it?” I hesitated to ask for it since I felt like a mosh pit might form behind me if I did. “Maybe I should get out of line first.”
“No worries, let me get another cashier up here. You will die when you see it; it is covered in pink crystals.”
“I’ll take it!” I laughed and he made a call over his walkie-talkie. “Marissa, are you on?”
“Go for Marissa,” a soft voice came on the radio.
“Can you send another checker or two? And please bring up that pink crystal collar to the front. We have an extra small fashionista here who can’t miss out.”
