Page 57 of One Bossy Date
“No family there. Just me and my work.”
“Hm, I wish I could say the same. I moved into the city for my work, but a lot of my family are around here.” I looked out into the street.
“Speaking of that, you owe me a story, Zoe. In the limo, you said you’d tell me your business plans.”
“Oh, right. The limo ride.” I scoffed, feeling myself heat up from the memory of what had happened just after I’d promised him that.
His smile increased ever so slightly as he watched me. “You told me that you had other plans.”
My heart loved that he was interested in my ventures. “Right. The cat grooming is my starting point. I’ve already expanded the boutique by partnering with a few other local businesses, such as a tailor for cat outfits and collars, and a bakery, too. Did you know people now throw parties for their pets—birthday cake and all?” I chuckled at this, and Anders shook his head.
“Millennials.”
“But the bakery makes normal pet treats as well, not just cakes. Then…oh, yeah, an artist. She does portraits of pets.”
“Sounds great,” he said.
“Well, and I sell mugs, too.”
He nodded. “Fun ones. I know.”
“Yeah.”
“What else?”
He was clearly waiting for the good stuff—the stuff I’d never been sure of, that I hadn’t had the guts or money to do just yet. I sighed, weary of how this ultimate businessman would judge my ideas. But, it was now or never.
“I want my own daycare,” I said, and his eyes slightly widened. “For cats. The profits will pay for a shelter at the back with a clinic. That way, strays can be helped and housed until we find good homes for them.”
Anders actually seemed impressed. “Well, that sounds along the lines of your childhood dream then.”
“It is. But it doesn’t stop there.”
“What plans do you have?” He was all ears, listening intently.
“Now that I’m here, living in the city, and getting a feel for the clientele, I can find out what’s in demand. I have this crazy idea to create a pet daycare chain.”
“Wow. I like that.”
“One important first step is a nanny-slash-walking-slash-feeding service, but with freelancers. I’ll vet all the employees first and introduce them to clients. That way, clients don’t have to search for a sitter, or someone to feed or walk their pets. It’ll be a side business, you know, taking a small commission for matching clients with workers. In a few years, I was hoping to have several daycare shops. Can you imagine? Purrfect Boutiques all over the city. And yes…dogs will be included, eventually.” Anders chuckled, leaning back. I could tell he enjoyed that idea. “But they’ll be called Barrk Boutiques!”
“So, you want to create an interconnected community of pet daycare businesses. From high-end luxuries to walkers to clinics.”
“Yes, exactly. I didn’t think of it that way.”
“It’s a good idea. Here in the city, it’ll take off, I’m sure. There are a lot of people with pets that just sit in the apartment. If you make it easier and more affordable to find walkers or sitters, a lot more pets will be less lonely during the day.”
That was an adorable way to look at it. He was adorable.
We discussed a few more ideas, including my advent calendar, which was now in full swing, and the input and feedback he gave me was invaluable. Best of all, he said his door was open any time I needed help or an honest assessment.
We finished our coffees, and I almost floated back to the bike, feeling better than ever about my future.
23
ZOE
Back at the penthouse, we were greeted by the dogs that Dax had just taken out running. Anders disappeared to shower, and I changed into my comfy yoga pants and off-the-shoulder T-shirt before I settled into my new, massive bed to read. Hades curled up next to me and started snoring. It was heavenly—truly the most comfortable bed I’d ever felt. For a while I observed Hades twitch his paws in his dreams. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t have even thought of relaxing in this situation. Now I found it heartbreakingly cute to watch the beast sleep, and I enjoyed the warmth emanating from his canine body. Even so, stress tugged at my subconscious, constantly trying to bring my mind back to the boutique. I realized that in order to reach the wonderful future I’d been dreaming about, there was work to be done and bills to be paid, but I tried to relax and enjoy my first evening out of the storeroom and in my new luxurious home—by reading Jim’s book. I was now on chapter twenty-three.