Page 103 of Worst in Show

Again, I think I’m in the clear, but when I return a few minutes later with slices of pecan pie for us both, she returns to the topic. “Leo asked about you when I cut his hair the other morning, by the way.”

I pause with my fork halfway to the dessert. “What about? Not asking for gift suggestions or anything like that, I hope. I told him to give that a rest.”

“No, he seems to think you’re stressed about something. He said you’re distracted.”

He’s noticed then. “What did you tell him?”

She pops a pecan in her mouth, which she chews with studied care as if she’s stalling. “I may have let it slip that you’re behind on orders, so you have a lot to do.”

I put a finger to my lips and glance over my shoulder to make sure Harvey didn’t hear. No need to worry—he and Sylvia are deep in conversation. Phew.

“Sorry,” she whispers. “You are, though. I figured Leo would already know that, as much time as you two spend together.”

I shrug.

She leans back in her chair. “Is something else going on?”

Her question triggers a montage in my head. Leo in his crown, Leo carrying Boris, Leo scared of a mouse, Leo with his hands on me in his bed. But also Leo as a hotshot Wall Street guy jet-setting around the world in his spare time. Leo looking down his nose at Happy Paws. Married Leo. Leo, larger than this life.

“Hello? Earth to Cora.”

I shake my head and focus on my friend. “Sorry.”

She frowns and then lowers her voice again. “Why do you look like life has shoved a bushel of extra-sour lemons down your throat? We’re talking about your new squeeze. The best sex you’ve ever had. Do not tell me you’re having second thoughts already.”

I sigh and brush a stray crumb off my sleeve. “No, of course not.”

She rolls her eyes. “But?”

“But I don’t know.” I don’t want to do this now. I am happy about Leo. I’m thankful for him. When he looks at me, I feel like I’m the only person in the room. When he touches me…

No, putting words to the worry-weevil in my belly will bring nothing good. I push the unwelcome images out of my mind and hold on to the ones that matter. “It’s fine. I’m just in my head. The show is coming up, and I’m nervous.”

“If it makes things any better, I told him there’s no way he’ll beat you.” She pulls out her phone. “And did you see his Insta today?” She shows me his feed, and there he is in the doorway of Canine King wearing my Happy Paws T-shirt. The teal color makes his irises pop in a mesmerizing way. The caption reads: When engaged in friendly competition, don’t lose.

I smile even though the heaviness inside me still lingers. I know that, for him, there’s truth to those words. “No matter what you told him, he’s not going to give up without a fight.”

“Neither are you.” Micki squeezes my arm. “And from where I’m sitting, you’re consistently one step ahead of him.”

“I don’t know about that. Did you see the town newsletter? Best New Business nomination?”

She shakes her head. “But I also don’t see you wearing a Canine King apron. And now that Jaz has given her notice, there’ll be one available.”

“Never. I can’t believe she’s moving back in with her ex.”

“She seems happy about it, even though Leo probably isn’t.”

She’s right. I suppose I’m not the only one with my plate full. No pun intended. I look down at my dessert, suddenly certain that, if I eat even one more bite, bad things will happen.

“What’s with the serious faces, girls?” Pop asks on my left. “Everything okay?”

I conjure up a smile. “Yes, fine. Just so full. Do you want this pie?”

“Oh no, I’m all right.”

Behind him, Sylvia pushes her chair back and stands. “I’m going to bring Charles back to the room. Again, happy holidays to you both.”

“I’ll follow shortly,” Harvey tells her. Then to me, “It’s going to take a good night’s sleep to digest all of this, eh?”

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