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Aurora’s laughterfills the air as she kneels to pet the wiggling mass of puppies at my feet. “Madison, these little guys are absolutely adorable! How do you even manage to get anything done with all this cuteness around?”
I smile, watching as the puppies clamber over each other to get Aurora’s attention. Now, I not only have Scout, but I also have a three-month-old Golden Retriever named Barney. He’s a mess, but he’s also very cute. Samson nudges Aurora as though reminding her that he exists, too.
“It’s a challenge, believe me. But they’re worth it. Plus, it’s good money. I’m not going to turn anyone down. I just have to make sure I keep all the doors closed so they don’t steal socks or drink out of the toilet.”
Aurora laughs. “I’ve been wanting to get a dog, but I just don’t know. My apartment isn’t like this place. I would have to walk down to the first floor anytime I wanted to take him out. And it just doesn’t seem like a dog would be happy in my place.”
“Dogs don’t need much to be happy. Just someone who loves them. They’re pretty simple.” I sit down, and Samsoncomes right over to me, eager for some attention since Aurora only has two hands.
“But seriously, you’ve got to be careful or you’re going to end up adopting every dog that comes through here.”
I laugh, but there’s a tiny bit of truth in her words. “Well, I don’t think their owners would let that happen, though one time…”
“Oh, no. Maddie! Tell me about the one time.”
“The owner was only supposed to leave the dog for a week. Then, he extended his vacation. He asked if the dog could stay an extra week. His mom was sick or something. So, I said sure. I mean, it’s extra money, and the dog was already used to staying here.”
“And?”
“And then, the day came when he was supposed to pick her up, and he never came.”
Aurora’s eyes widen. “No! What did you do? Take her to a shelter or something?”
“No, I called the owner a few times. No answer. So, I took the dogs out and then put them in their kennels for the night. I was up late researching what to do if an owner abandons a dog with you.”
“Did you want to adopt her?”
“Um, I liked her, and she was cute, but I really don’t want another dog of my own right now. Samson is enough work, and I don’t get paid to board my own dogs.”
Scout curls up in Aurora’s lap like he’s taking ownership of her while Barney barks playfully. “So?”
“The next morning, when I woke up, I had like three messages from the owner. Apparently, his flight was delayed and his phone died. It was a mess. Anyway, he ended up picking her up later that day, but I thought I was going toend up with a new puppy for sure. But luckily, I just have Samson.”
At the mention of his name, Samson perks his ears up and looks at me, trying to figure out what I’m saying. I scratch behind his ears, and he leans into the touch, his tail wagging frantically.
Aurora stands up, wiping her hands on her jeans. “Hey, why don’t we take these guys for a walk? It’s a nice day, and I’m sure they’d love it.”
I hesitate for a moment, glancing at the sky. It’s true; the weather is perfect—sunny and no breeze. The only kind of weather that’s good in December. “That sounds like a good idea. Let’s do it. I haven’t been able to take more than two at a time, which means one has to be left behind, and I’m sure you know how traumatizing that is.”
As soon as I grab a leash from the table, all three puppies begin attacking me with excitement. I hand a leash off to Aurora, and they run back and forth, unsure who will give them what they want first.
“Oh, great. Barney got so excited he peed,” I comment, rolling my eyes. This is the one part of dog-sitting that isn’t glamorous.
But finally, I get everything cleaned up, and everyone is leashed. Once we’re all set, we head out with the puppies bouncing along beside us with boundless energy. Samson leads the way, his head held high as if he knows he’s the leader of this little pack. The other two puppies yank at their leashes behind him, yelping as though reminding him that they’re coming but then getting distracted by large weeds or little pebbles.
As we walk, Aurora chatters on about her week. She’s talking about work, which is the one subject she talks about that completely bores me. Half of my mind is listening towhat she says so I can nod in all the right places. The other half is replaying the last encounter I had with her father, Ethan. Whenever I think about how he had me groaning, my pussy tightens, like it wants more of him.
But of course, that can’t happen. He made it clear it was a one-time thing, that he’s not interested in a relationship. We couldn’t even have a relationship. That’s just not something that would work with us being the people we are.
“So, how are things going with the dog-sitting business other than someone nearly abandoning their dog? Have you thought any more about expanding or doing something else on the side? Or are you getting enough from this to start your surf school?”
I shrug, trying to keep my tone casual. “It’s going okay. I’ve had more clients this month, which helps. I think everyone is traveling for Christmas. I havefourdogs booked over Christmas, even though I’m charging more each night. But I’m not really sure about expanding. I mean, I can only take so many at a time. Four is my absolute max.”
Aurora nods thoughtfully. “That makes sense. Just don’t sell yourself short, okay? You’re really good at this, Madison. I mean, look at how happy these pups are. What if you got a job at a vet or with a big doggy boarding center in Wilmington? You wouldn’t have to have the dogs in your home, but you’d get to do the same sort of work.”
I smile, appreciative that she cares enough to try to help me brainstorm ideas. “Thanks, Aurora. I might. I’m not saying no to anything at this point.”
We walk in companionable silence for a while, the puppies exploring every scent and sound along the way. It’s peaceful, and I find myself relaxing, letting go of the tension that’s been building since that awkward encounter with Ethan.