Page 16 of Heart

“Yes, sir,” Wilson said, nodding earnestly. He slipped the card into his pocket. “We eat out a LOT. If DD is away on business, DJ has Tommy and me pick up food on our way home from school.”

“Even better. Stop by in a week or so and I’ll send something home with you. On the house.”

“Free?”

“Yes, free. That’s my trick to lure customers in. That’s how business works, Wilson. But I think you already know that subconsciously.”

May returned with a small bag of dry dog food and a couple of cans. “Let’s try this first in just a small amount. If it works, and she shows no signs of itchiness or biting at her paws, we can go for a larger amount which would be more economical. Next time you might need a hand truck though. A forty-pound bag and a case of cans is a better price, but pretty heavy. Can you lift forty pounds?” she asked Wilson.

Wilson rolled his eyes at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“This will be perfect for now,” Rachel said, taking May’s hand into both of her own. “You’ve been a big help. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you two. I enjoy supporting local businesses too, George. I run the gay youth shelter over on 14th.”

“Rainbow Harbor,” said May, returning her credit card. “Yeah. We know that place.”

Rachel beamed proudly. “That’s my baby. Has been for years.”

“Well, I’m glad you stopped in, Rachel.” George fished for another card and handed it to her. “Maybe when I get up and running, we can do some kind of cross-promotion. I’ll bake up a bunch of lasagnas and feed the kids for a day or something.”

“That would be wonderful.” She reached into her wallet for business cards of her own, sliding them on the counter toward them. “This is me. Contact me anytime, George. I’m so glad you mentioned it. You too, May. I’m sure we could come up with something as well.”

May picked up one of the cards. “Absolutely. We small businesses need stick together.”

Wilson was bored with the conversation. He was now sauntering around the pet store like a model on the runway, picking up chew toys and posing with them for selfies.

“Well,” said Rachel, “We need to be on our way. Someone needs more entertainment than just good old conversation.”

“Remember to tell Maddy’s daddies—” May paused, stymied by the unexpected rhyme. “Remember to tell your parents, Wilson, to watch for itching or any unusual behavior. If everything seems good, it’s probably a safe bet.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Sounds great, May,” said Rachel. “It was really lovely meeting you.”

“Likewise.”

Rachel took the small paper sack of cans and handed Wilson the dry food. He followed her toward the door.

“Hey Wilson,” George said. “Give me your best over-the-shoulder.”

Wilson, ever the opportunist, glanced back and gave George supreme pout.

“Fierce,” said George. “I’m telling you... you’re going places, girl.”

“Girl,” said Wilson, pointing. “I’m going out this door.”

And with that, he was gone.

George looked at May and they both cracked up.

“You’re breaking hearts at an early age,” said May. “That boy clearly had a crush on you.”

“Get out. He was too busy posing. Adorable, though. And you’re the one breaking hearts.”

“How so?”

“Rachel. Come on, May. She was into you.”

“No, she wasn’t. How would you know?”