Page 125 of Puck Yes

“Don’t get me excited, Beatrix,” I say.

“I thought you might like that idea. I’ll look into it, and we can add it to our marketing and promos.”

“Love it. I’m your girl, whatever you need.”

That’s who I’ve been for her for the last few weeks. She’s become a regular client of mine, right along with Birdie atYour Runwayand a couple other publications that I’ve started writing for again. But I’m still doing my own thing online for Your Scrappy Little Fashionista, posting fashion rules and suggestions for outfits of the day, as well as tips on recycling clothes. Somehow, along with my side gig as a fox, I’ve cobbled together enough work from enough places to cover my bills. The hustle takes up a lot of energy and focus, though, and I don’t want to backslide into relying on only one person, like I did with Simone. I want to make sure, too, that I can trust my own instincts as I work on my passion.

“Great,” Beatrix says in that no-nonsense tone that I’ve grown accustomed to. She shifts gears, nodding to the planner in my arms. “Got something fun planned for tonight?”

I sure do. Hayes and Stefan are quite proficient at scheduling. “As a matter of fact, I’m going out with my guys.”

I haven’t mentioned them to her before, and for a few seconds, a flurry of nerves races through me, wondering how she’ll react.

She arches a brow. “Two guys?”

I square my shoulders. “I have two boyfriends,” I say, doing my best to own it. To keep telling my own story.

I can see the gears turning in her head as what I’ve said registers. Then, she just shrugs. “Well you know what they say—karma is two boyfriends. I guess you have really good karma.”

I recall the two weeks since we went to game night at Kana’s and Brady’s. Nights and days and dates. Work and play and games. Them traveling, us FaceTiming, all of us texting.

I smile, agreeing wholly. “I do.”

I’ll put that karma in my pocket as I head out with my guys that night.

They played Vancouver at home last night—and lost, which sucks—so they have tonight off before traveling tomorrow.

As per the planner, we’re going to Sticks and Stones with a bunch of friends. Trina, Ryker, and Chase will be there, and so will Jackson and his boyfriend. Dev is going, and Ledger is supposed to be there too. Stefan told me they’re buddies, which doesn’t surprise me since hockey guys hang with their own. I’ve met Ledger through my brother, but Stefan is close with him, as well, so it’ll be fun to get to know him in that capacity. Aubrey and the guy she’s been seeing are also coming, so I’ll get to check out the allegedly fabulous hair on Aiden.

When I head home to shower, Roxy greets me at the door with happy yips. She’s wearing a black bandana with oranges on it.

Hmm. I don’t think that’s the one that I gave her this morning.

But she barks so excitedly that now’s not the time to check it out. Now is the time for socks. I remove one and give it to her. “Here you go, girl,” I say, and she snaps it up, then trots off to hide it.

Well, probably to set it on the floor by my bed, but she thinks it’s hidden.

With her daily sock duty done, she returns to slather me in kisses as I harness her up.

As we walk, I peer at her accessory more closely. Is that a QR code on the tag? “Who gave you this bandana, girl?”

But Roxy doesn’t say a word, just waggles her cute little butt.

On a street corner, I scan the code. I walk a few feet more then I come to a full stop on Fillmore Street when I see what the code is for.

Roxy’s Playroom.

I clasp my hand to my mouth. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe they really did this. And I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face.

* * *

I bang on the door to Hayes’s apartment, my makeup streaked, my face a mess. When the door swings open, both guys are there, grinning like they’ve pulled off a heist.

“I’m going to have to redo all my makeup,” I sob, holding my dog and the bandana, evidence of their generosity.

Stefan just shrugs. “Sorry not sorry.”

“Such a shame,” Hayes deadpans.

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