Page 72 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

He picks through the rack for a size that looks right. “Let’s try it on then.” He wraps it over her body. “It’s perfect!”

She beams with pride. Bouncing on her front paws and spinning. Jamie fastens the buttons, and she continues through the shop with new pep in her step. The jingling bells announce another customer entering.

“Hey Harri.” The sweet cashier greets them behind shelves Jamie can’t see over.

“Good morning, Maggie.” A familiar man’s voice responses. “We need to pick up more treats.”

“We just restocked those shelves yesterday.”

“Thanks.” Footsteps close in to Jamie and Mabel’s position.

She sniffs at the air and tugs on the leash. Letting out a low “berf.”

A golden retriever wearing a rainbow handkerchief appears from behind the shelf. Followed by Mark Knowles.

The pups joyfully greet each other.

“Hi Jamie.” Mark’s face is flat.

“Hey Mark.” He smiles but can feel the awkward quiver in his chin.

Mark looks down at Mabel. He knows who she belongs to. His brows wrinkle when he glares back at Jamie. “How are you?” He’s forcing civility.

“I’m good. How’re you?” Jamie wants to retreat, but Mabel is tangling with Harri.

“We need treats.” Mark’s is monotone as his expression.

“Mabel just picked out a new Jacket. We’re grabbing treats too. I’m not sure what she likes though.” He rambles nervously.

“You can’t go wrong with these.” Mark pulls two boxes from a shelf, handing one to Jamie.

“Thank you.”

“I was surprised to see you out with Nathan last night.”

Here we go. “Oh?” Jamie feels the flush.

“You’re dating?” He prods. “You seemed to hate him that night at Truffle?” He presses further.

“It was a rocky start. We smoothed things over.”

“I didn’t take you for someone interested in a transient fling?”

“What?” Jamie feels a sharp jab in his gut but can’t make heads or tails of the comment.

“You don’t know?” He seems eager to spoil someone’s day.

Jamie still doesn’t get it. His head tilts like a curious puppy.

“Nathan’s only in town for a few months.” Mark seems to smirk. “Just here on a work contract. He didn’t tell you that?”

Jamie shrugs. Trying not to seem so clueless. “Oh yeah.” His heart skips a beat.

“Oh, good. He did tell you?” Mark is far too pleased with himself.

“We’re just hanging out.” Jamie’s mood drops to somber. There goes that sex magic high.

“We’ve got to get going.” The damage is done.

---