Page 108 of Born to Make You Smile

“I get it, you love your dog. Remember Chico, our poodle? I still cry about him sometimes. But it’s not a human baby. I tried to be calm and polite, but she yelled and threatened to blast the salon online.”

I groaned, frustrated for her. “What did you do after that?”

“Nothing,” she said with a shrug. “Her dog peed on one of our display cases, then she left. Even if we wanted to accommodate her dog, we don’t have the equipment or expertise. It’s a huge liability.”

“Damn. The dog peed, too?” I let out a small laugh. “That little shit…tzu.”

Gavin would have loved that one.

Dorina chuckled. “He did! I was so mad. But now that I think about it, maybe the lady was clearly in denial and struggling with something.”

“Maybe. Like me.” I let out a long sigh.

She pressed her lips together. “You’re going to be okay. I know it. Have you thought about, you know, talking to someone?”

“A therapist?”

She nodded.

“I know what I need to do. But I’m so scared. I’m scared to unveil things. Scared it won’t work. That I’ll sink even lower.”

A loud knock, followed by the front door being unlocked, interrupted our conversation.

“Who’s that?” Dorina said, perplexed.

Part of me hoped it was Gavin, but I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. I hadn’t done anything to earn his forgiveness.

Seconds later, Vanessa appeared at the bedroom doorway. “Look who’s here!” She stepped aside and there was Joshua. He had a small set of pup ears on with a fuzzy gray vest over a white T-shirt.

My face lit up as he bounced into the bedroom. “A little birdie told me someone needed an emotional support pup?”

After saying our hellos, Joshua joined us on the bed. While tight, there was just enough space for the three of us.

“This bed is so comfy,” he said, pulling up the covers. “We should have a slumber party.”

“You guys need anything?” Vanessa asked, poking her head in. “I’m going grocery shopping.”

“Can you get more of those two-bite brownies?” Dorina asked with begging eyes.

“And ice cream?” Joshua added. “Rocky road?”

He let out a doggy whimper.

“I thought pups can’t have chocolate?” I said with a smirk, running my fingers through his fuzzy vest.

“I’m an advanced species,” Joshua defended proudly.

“Yes. Okay.” Vanessa shook her head. “You guys stay cozy. I’ll be back.”

“So what happened, Goldie? I heard you and Gavin broke it off.”

I sighed. “He had enough. Between me lying about working at the club and how I’m not ready to move out of my house. And then the tipping point, I pawned the bracelet he got me for Christmas.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Joshua exclaimed, waving his hands as if requiring clarification. “Youpawnedhis diamond bracelet. That beautiful Christmas gift the man bought you. Jesus. You're like an addict. And that house is your heroin.”

“Joshua,” Dorina scolded through gritted teeth.

“It’s okay,” I said. “Pretty sure I need some tough love right now. I need the hard truth.”

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