Page 19 of Worst in Show

“I’ll need another guy now if we’re going to remove the ceiling panels.”

“Remove? When? I’m opening tomorrow.”

Maybe there is some poetic justice in the world after all.

“Best of luck!” I holler as Leo disappears into the depths of the store, but as I turn, a voice whispers my name from behind a display right inside the door.

“Psst, Cora.” A red bob becomes visible. It takes me a moment to recognize Jaz. She’s wearing a black apron emblazoned with Canine King in gold stitching.

“Why are you in a wig?”

She glances behind her as if to make sure no one’s watching and whispers, “I got the job.”

My face must betray my lack of preparation for this turn of events because Jaz steps through the doorway. “Don’t worry, I have not switched sides. Still one hundred percent Team Cora. But a girl’s gotta eat.”

“In a wig?”

“I’m undercover. In case he spotted me with you at O’Connor’s. You’re not mad about it, right?”

“No, it’s fine. I just didn’t know you had applied.”

She hikes her thumb toward the back where Leo and the electrician continue their squabble. “If it makes you feel any better, he was pretty desperate to get someone in here. The pay is actually decent for a clerk job.”

“Well good for you.”

“So, is there anything in particular you want me to snoop for?” Her eyes are round and eager.

“No, I don’t—”

“Oh!” She cuts me off. “I did overhear him telling someone on the phone to ‘keep it between them’ in a scheming sort of way. Maybe there’s something shady there like an illicit contract or a mob connection or something?”

Leo is at the counter with his back to us now. His neck is bent as he leafs through a stack of documents with short, precise movements. He’s strung tightly, that’s for sure, but who wouldn’t be when on the brink of opening a new business. If he’s anything at all like his high school self, I imagine perfection is what he’s going for, and nothing else will be considered a success. “I highly doubt it,” I say, adding, “but keep up the good work” when Jaz’s enthusiastic grin wanes. “See you tomorrow at the launch?”

“Jaz, when you have a minute,” Leo calls from inside in a bossy tone some might call sexy. Not me, though.

“I’ll pour you an extra tall glass of wine.” She winks at me. “Got to go.”

I text Micki as soon as I’m out of sight. She knows her sister better than I do, and I need her to tell me this isn’t the Most Terrible idea.

Of course, because he’s Leo, he doesn’t need luck to get the store ready in time. The electrical truck packs up and leaves by noon the following day—I pay close attention to the morning’s developments from inside Happy Paws between stocking shelves and helping customers. I enjoy the view of Leo wiping drywall dust off the window display, and smile when Jaz mimics panic for my behalf behind his back. It’s down to the wire for them, so I believe it.

“Blue tie or silver?” Harvey calls from the stairs.

“You’re going, then?” I ask.

“As are you.” Harvey examines the two options in his hands. “No, Martha preferred the blue one. I’ll go with that.”

“Um, I haven’t decided yet. And I’m not exactly dressed for an exclusive event.” I look down at my floral skirt and red cable-knit sweater.

“You look perfectly presentable. Remember, we have trade secrets to uncover over there. Or so Michaela tells us.” He winks.

Lord knows we need some. After another look through the window, I concede with a grunt. “Fine, but I’m not fixing my hair.” No need to go overboard.

“That’s my girl.”

A few hours later, Canine King is filled with mingling people and a handful of pooches as we step through the door. A guy with a guitar sits in the back corner, his calm strumming setting the mood. All around me superlatives flow.

“This is wonderful,” an older woman with two meticulously groomed Havanese comments as she browses the custom collar selection.

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