Page 82 of Resisting Fate
“We totally should’ve done that!” Lexi exclaimed. They all shot her a dark look. “What? Turnabout is fair play.”
Mad carefully set the duffel bags on the floor, opened one and pulled out a little scrap of white wiry-haired dog with too-big pointy ears and huge black eyes. The dog looked around curiously. Rose was a one-year-old terrier-Chihuahua mix, a little homely with her spare wiry tufts of fur, but they’d all thought Hailey would enjoy prettying her up with lots of grooming and doggy accessories. The dog was small enough for an apartment, feisty like Hailey, and already trained from her previous owner, an elderly woman who’d died unexpectedly.
“You got a dog?” Hailey exclaimed. “Cool!”
Mad didn’t reply, instead carrying Rose over to Hailey. “We thought a dog would calm you down.”
“For me?” Hailey whispered.
Sabrina piped up. “Dogs offer unconditional love, and that’s what we want for you. If you don’t want the responsibility—”
“Are you kidding?” Hailey took Rose from Mad’s arms and cuddled her against her chest. “I love him already.” She got nose to nose with the dog, who licked her mouth. “He kissed me!”
“It’s a her,” Missy said. “Her name is Rose, but you could change it.”
“It’s perfect.” Hailey stroked the dog behind the ears. “Aren’t you so precious?” Tears leaked out of Hailey’s eyes, which Rose promptly licked. Sabrina stood, rubbing Hailey’s back, and smiled at the little dog. If Hailey hadn’t wanted Rose, Mad had planned to keep her. Or Sabrina. They both thought she was great.
Hailey gave them all a watery smile. “These are happy tears. I’m just so touched that you thought of such a wonderful present for me.” She laughed and cooed to the dog. “Yes, you are a wonderful present! Who’s a cutie? You are!” She cuddled Rose against her, and the dog reached her front paws up to Hailey’s bare shoulder and rested her head between them. “She’s like a furry baby!”
“Wire-hair dogs are supposed to be more hypoallergenic,” Sabrina said, “so you might be able to take her to work with you. Your clients should be okay.”
Hailey stroked Rose’s little head. “Of course I’m bringing her to work! I’ll get her a little doggie bed and she can stay in my office. That’s one of the perks of owning my own business. In fact, she’s such a tiny thing, I’ll bring her everywhere. I’ll get one of those purses for dogs.”
Mad held up the duffel bag with mesh sides. “This is her carrier.”
“Great! I’ll put her in that with the top open and take her to the party tonight. It’s a good idea for her to get used to lots of people. After all, she’ll probably be attending a lot of weddings.”
“Uh, sure,” Mad said uncertainly, looking to Sabrina.
“You should probably check in with each client before you do that,” Sabrina said. “And give it a little time to see how Rose will feel about that.”
“She’s fine!” Hailey declared. “Look, here she is with all of us and she’s so calm. She’s nearly asleep on my shoulder.” She turned to show them Rose, who was indeed resting, eyes droopy, on Hailey’s shoulder. Probably a pretty warm spot. “Thanks again, ladies, this is the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”
“She’s pretty good,” Mad said. “She’s been at my place for the last couple of weeks. She’s housebroken and knows how to sit, beg, and lie down.”
Hailey stroked Rose’s tiny body. “She’s smart. I can tell already.”
Mad retrieved the other duffel bag and put it on the kitchen counter. “This is her food, bowls, leash, and treats.”
“Thanks, Mad,” Hailey said, her voice choked. “Thanks all of you. Group hug.”
They all gathered close, hugging Hailey and petting little Rose, who didn’t bother to open her eyes. She’d found her safe spot with Hailey.
After their hug, Hailey shifted Rose into her carrier, zipped it up, and made more baby talk at her through the mesh panel. She straightened. “I feel more relaxed already. Who’s ready to party?”
“Party!” Lexi shouted, which made Rose growl in warning.
“It’s okay, baby,” Hailey cooed to Rose. “Mama’s here.” She pulled on her white wool coat. “I’m driving over so Rose doesn’t get a chill. I’ve got room for two more if you want a ride.”
They all piled into the available cars and drove the short distance to Garner’s. Hailey rented a basement apartment in an old Victorian in Clover Park only a few blocks away.
By the time she got to Garner’s, Missy couldn’t wait to tell Ben how great their doggy intervention had gone. He’d been skeptical, saying Hailey might not even like dogs. The bar was crowded, noisy with conversation and rockin’ music from some speakers set up around the space. The tables had been cleared from the dining area on the right side to make room for more mingling. Along the half wall separating the dining area from the bar, a long table of appetizers had been set up. All the usual culprits—hot wings, pigs in blankets, and warm tortilla chips.
She went on tiptoe, trying to find Ben. She knew the guys were here somewhere, but the bar was open to the community, so there were tons of people here she didn’t know too. She texted him, telling him she was here.
Hailey came up behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Can you hold Rose for a minute while I take off my coat? I don’t want her to get accidentally stepped on.”
“Sure,” Missy said, putting the carrier strap over her shoulder. Rose was so light.
