Page 52 of Chasing Shelter

Arden

I am now engaged to a billionaire. Maybe I should ask Linc to put one up on every road in and out of town.

Me

Does anyone know how to get unadopted? *not asking for a friend*

Fallon

Sorry, pal. You’re stuck with us for life.

Me

That’s what I was afraid of.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket and moved to catch up with Ellie as she headed for the checkout. “They’re never going to let me hear the end of this. You know that, right?”

“That’s what siblings are for. Plus, a little shit-talking is good for you.”

“The thanks I get for taking you to the pet store.” I ticked a point off with each finger I put up. “Soaked by the monster. Have to wear this Pepto Bismol-colored flower atrocity—that smells like a wet dog, by the way. And get mocked for all eternity.”

“Oh, come on,” Ellie said as she moved up to the register. “It’s not that bad.”

“Arden and Cope said they’re making billboards.”

Ellie choked on a laugh. “God, I love them.”

“Not helping.”

Curtis looked up as he began ringing up Ellie’s plethora of items. “I don’t know, Sheriff. I feel like you could get a lot of numbers this way. You’re styling. And this shirt screamsanimal lover.”

“Is that really what it screams?” I asked, dropping my voice so only Ellie could hear.

Her lips twitched as she pulled the price tag off her sling. “Here, don’t forget this.”

“Little dude looks happy in there,” Curtis said with a smile.

“I think he is.” Ellie gave Gremlin’s head a scratch, and he all but purred.

“All right. That’ll be five hundred eighty-six dollars and thirteen cents.”

Ellie winced but pulled out her credit card, tapping it on the screen. “Who needs a savings account anyway?”

I hadn’t thought about how Ellie was making ends meet with a new rental and moving expenses. I knew The Mix Up paid fair wages, but it wasn’t like she’d be rolling in cash from that gig alone. “Why don’t I go half with you?” I suggested, pulling out my wallet.

Ellie instantly shook her head, expression hardening slightly. “Gremlin’s my dog, my responsibility. I’ve got this.”

I slid my wallet back without another word, sensing that this was a no-go zone for some reason.

“Thanks for all your help, Curtis,” Ellie said.

“No problem. When you go into Sparrow Falls Veterinary Clinic, make sure to tell them he was a stray. They’ll give you all his shots for free.”

Ellie tugged her lip between her teeth but nodded. “Thanks.”

What was her deal with help? She’d let me give her a ride easily enough, but any offer of monetary help clearly wasn’t welcomed. I mulled that over as I grabbed the bags and started for the door.

Both of us were quiet as we stepped outside, but the moment I took in the parking lot, my steps faltered.

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