Page 28 of Hard to Take

Brooke: It must have fallen off. Waffles probably grabbed it and left it in your bed for you to find.

Miles: That would explain it.

Brooke: Totally. I’ll be more careful about leaving things lying around. I’d hate for him to swallow something.

Miles: One problem with that theory, Princess.

Brooke: What?

Miles: Waffles can’t jump that high.

8

BROOKE

The collaboration post of Caroline wearing Elise’s new collection is a punch in the stomach.

It doesn’t lessen as I flip through the slideshow of images.

This could have been the next step in my career.

Waffles whines up at me, and I tear my gaze away from my phone.

“You look like you could use a treat.” He drops his butt to the carpet in an aggressively quick sit, his stump of a tail wagging.

Waffles is a particular dog.

He loves belly rubs and bananas.

He hates getting up early and when Miles leaves.

Yesterday, he helped me with work. By “help,” I mean lay at my feet while I filtered through the responses to my brand partner follow-ups at Miles’s dining table.

I also reached out to some high-profile brands. Most haven’t responded, but a couple have.

What they’re offering would barely pay for Waffles’s dinner not to mention mine.

“Actually, I think we could both use a treat,” I decide, reaching for my sneakers and grabbing Waffles’s harness and leash.

We stop by a local café where I get a latte and a dog biscuit.

Jay and I never had pets growing up, but I can see the appeal. A dog doesn’t care if you look perfect or have a weak moment. He just loves that you want to spend time with him.

It’s oddly wholesome and heartwarming.

The morning light is soft and filtered. On impulse, I take a few pics of me, Waffles, the café and then post them as a slideshow.

When we get back, I’ll cross off another day off the calendar with a big X.

I’ve been here a week yet I haven’t cracked my career issues yet. Unless you’re a Kardashian, there are only so many examples of women making it big as influencers—especially while keeping their integrity intact.

We’re barely in the door at Miles’s when the ding on my phone makes Waffles look up at the same time I do.

Collaboration inquiry reads the subject line.

I click into the message and my breath catches.

Vivaro. The company name sounds familiar. I cross to my bed, sinking onto it as I flip over to their social media.

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