Page 117 of One Bossy Date
He was likely already on the plane.
My heart was sore. I wished he wasn’t so horribly set in his ways, so stubborn that he couldn’t make room for those he loved. I’d been so happy for all those moments I’d been at his side, even if fictitiously. When he’d said he wanted to be with me for real, my heart had nearly stopped. I’d thought all my dreams had come true. I supposed I’d been stupid to believe that everything would remain the same. He meant so much to me, but I just couldn’t give everything up for him—not without him at least acknowledging that it was a huge ask, and acknowledging that he loved me too.
“Let mesee, honey.” Jim walked around to the front of the counter, wiping his hands on his grooming apron and looking down at the utensils I’d been unpacking. It was the first day of the new year, and I couldn’t wait to get our business properly expanded. We’d already ordered the new sign that would say: “The PurrFect Barrk Boutique.”
“There are different types of brushes, nail clippers, different towels—you name it,” I exclaimed, grinning in excitement.
“This is stunning, honey,” Jim gushed, touching everything at least once. “I can’twaitto bring Sausage in for his groomings. And what the fuck is this thing?” He gestured to a box that I hadn’t opened yet. It contained a blow-dryer for dogs.
“It’s the pet blow-dryer. Quite powerful, apparently. It’s supposed to help loosen the dog hair before we brush them out.”
“Uuuh! Groovy. Can I open it?”
“Of course, don’t let me hold you back.”
He plucked the box cutter from the counter and went for it. We didn’t have many customers today: just two, whose kitties we’d mostly finished with, and I didn’t expect anyone else. Especially not in this weather—few people would bring their pets out in this rain, especially not their cats.
I heard thewhooshingsound of the cars on the flooded street growing louder when the door unexpectedly opened. Who could it be?
Him. Maybe it’s him.
I looked up to see my gran shaking off her umbrella and coming inside.
“Granny Dotty,” Jim said happily and hugged her.
“Oh, Lord, Jim. I’m wet all over.” She laughed, accepting his hug, nonetheless.
“That’s whatshesaid,” he joked, making her laugh, and kissed her cheek. “Nothing could keep me from you!”
“Hey, Gran,” I said with a smile, happy to see her. “What brings you by on this rainy day of all days?”
“Hi, my love. I just thought I’d bring you two muffins ‘on this rainy day of all days.’” She mocked my words and laughed, setting Tupperware on the counter.
“Oooh, Ilovechocolate muffins,” I exclaimed, my mouth watering after seeing the chocolate chips.
“I know you do.” She winked at Jim who was rushing closer.
Opening the box, Jim beamed and reached for a muffin when I paused midair.
“Hang on, I’ll make us some coffee first.”
“Honey, letmemake the coffee,” Jim said, earning a thankful smile from Gran, and took the new blow-dryer with him.
When we were alone, my gran took my hand and asked, “How are you, my love?”
I gave her a tight smile. “I’m okay, thanks, Gran. Keeping busy, as you can see.” I gestured to all the goodies I’d unpacked that were sprawled across the counter.
“I see, I see. What’s this?” She picked up a peculiar-looking metal-toothed brush.
“It’s a specific kind of brush for huskies since their hair is different from other dogs.”
“Dogs?” A smile lifted her pink cheeks. “You’re officially expanding now?”
“Welp! Itisa new year after all.”
A smile crept up my face as she lifted her shoulders and grinned in excitement. “Howexciting, my love.”
“I know, I—”