Page 9 of September (New Orleans #9)

She replied that a call would be fine and expected them to set up a time for it later, but then her phone just rang.

It jarred her for a moment before she remembered that she had entered her phone number into her profile.

It was likely that was how Gwen had gotten it, but Juliet wasn’t sure she liked her number being out there for any potential dog walker or sitter to have access to without her confirmation that they could.

“Hello?”

“Hi. This is Gwen.”

“Hi,” she said. “Juliet.”

“So, you’ll be gone this week and need someone to take care of your dog, Carly?”

“Oh, yeah,” Juliet replied, focusing on the task at hand. “Sorry. I’m a little crazy when it comes to my dog. She’s pretty much my favorite thing in the whole world.”

“I get that a lot,” Gwen said with a laugh. “And it’s no problem. They’re your family, right?”

“Yeah,” Juliet replied with a smile at Gwen’s laugh.

“So, would it help if you met me first? I often do that with potential clients. And it helps Carly, too, if you’re there when we meet for the first time.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s something you do?”

“I recommend it, actually. It’s easier on everyone that way. And if Carly isn’t a fan, for some reason, I can suggest someone else I know for you.”

“That would be amazing,” Juliet replied. “But I leave on Monday. Sorry. I just got this promotion and have to cover for someone last minute.”

“It’s okay. I can stop by today, if you want. I just left my sister-in-law’s place and have some walking to do for the next hour or so, but I’m free after that.”

“Today?”

“If we do it today and it doesn’t work, you can still meet with someone tomorrow.”

“Right,” Juliet said. “Yes. If you’re available, that would be great. How much is this meeting thing?”

“Oh. The normal hourly rate, but I don’t usually charge anyone for it.”

“You don’t? No, that’s not right. I’ll pay,” she offered.

“Up to you. It’s usually not more than twenty or thirty minutes, so it’s not a big deal to me,” Gwen said. “I saw the address in your profile. I can be there in about an hour and a half, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure. Yeah. That’s fine. I’ll take Carly for a walk so that she’s a little more subdued when you get here.”

“Actually, unless she has to go to the bathroom, can you wait? We can do that together. It helps with the adjustment if she sees me holding her leash while you walk with us.”

“Yes. I can wait. She’s asleep right now anyway.”

“Okay. Great. I’ll see you soon. Oh, are there any treats she loves?”

“She’s not picky when it comes to her treats. Anything bacon-flavored is her favorite, though.” Juliet chuckled.

“Got it. I’ll be there soon,” Gwen replied.

◆◆◆

Carly was lying on Juliet’s bed, staring at her.

“Yes, I know this is ridiculous. I don’t need your judgment.”

Juliet stood in her closet, picking out something to wear that wasn’t the sweatpants and T-shirt combo she had been rocking all day.

“I need her to at least think I have my crap together,” she added.

Carly didn’t move. She just continued to stare at Juliet, silently asking her why she was changing her clothes, which had nothing to do with Gwen coming over and more to do with the fact that her dog knew that if Juliet was changing, it meant she was leaving, and Carly didn’t want her to leave.

The doorbell rang, and Juliet checked the clock on her bedside table.

Gwen was fifteen minutes early. It was a mistake to have showered and dried her hair.

She should’ve just gotten dressed instead.

“Shit,” she said, giving up on changing into something nicer.

She dropped her towel to the floor and quickly grabbed underwear, a T-shirt, and a pair of jeans.

Without putting on a bra, she hurried to the door and pulled it open.

She’d meant to grab the sweater hanging over the back of her couch, but she’d forgotten all about it, and now, she was standing braless in front of a beautiful woman with a wide smile on her face.

“Hi,” Gwen said, and her eyes lowered as if on instinct. Then, quickly, they looked away. “Gwen.”

Juliet looked down and noticed that her nipples were on full display through the light gray V-neck shirt.

“Uh… Juliet. Come on in. Sorry. I’m…” She hurried to the couch. “Cold.” She put the hooded sweater on over her head. “And that’s Carly.”

Carly had rushed to the door seconds after Juliet, and she was currently sniffing around Gwen, who closed the door behind her before she knelt down in front of her.

“Well, hello there, Carly. Aren’t you beautiful?” Gwen looked up at Juliet. “Solid white.”

“She’s a–”

“West Highland white terrier,” Gwen spoke. “Yeah, I know my dog breeds.” She looked down at Carly again. “You are just so adorable and sweet, aren’t you?”

Carly jumped with her tiny front paws onto Gwen’s legs, and Gwen continued to grant Princess Carly the attention she felt she deserved.

“Can I give her the thing I asked you about before?”

“The treats?”

Carly began bouncing all over Gwen.

“And that’s why I didn’t say the word,” Gwen noted as she laughed.

“Sorry. She’s ready to go for a walk, I think.”

“Well, let’s do that.” Gwen reached into her pocket and pulled out a small treat and added, “Carly, wait.”

Carly had attempted to snag it from her hand, and Juliet had been prepared to admonish her, but Gwen’s gentle voice had done the trick.

“Okay,” Gwen said, and Carly took the treat with care from her fingertips.

“You’re a pro,” Juliet stated the obvious.

“She’s sweet,” Gwen said, standing up. “And seems to like me. So, should we try a walk? You and I can get to know each other a little, too.”

“Yeah, let’s go,” she said as Carly sat in front of Gwen and looked up at her. “And I’ll just pretend like I’m not totally jealous that my dog seems to adore you more than me right now.”

Gwen laughed and replied, “Well, I did just give her a bacon… thing .”

“ Thing , yes,” Juliet said with a smile.