Page 20 of Hate You Later
I daresay I might regurgitate some of the getups that you call fashionable, miss,Oliver promptly responds.
Rude.
Well, I do prefer wearing nothing at all, of course, if you would rather see me that way.I can’t resist a saucy smile when I hit send.
Oliver responds with a cheeky blushing emoji.
Suddenly, I remember the shot I sent him earlier, with the quote about being naked. Sparring aside, I was proud of that one. I don’t want to end the chat without hearing what he thought.
What did you think about that shot I sent earlier today? The one in the sunshine?
Interesting capture. Was that for the natural light prompt?Oliver inquires.
Yes! We shot in morning light and used portrait mode to getthe blurry effect in the background, outside my shop window.
Your shop, you say?Oliver asks.
I smack myself on the forehead. Stupid, stupid, stupid. And I was doing so well. I can’t believe that after an entire night of chatting without messing up, I would slip out of character now.
Um … yeah, whatever. My owner has a shop. She keeps me there. I’m her bodyguard.
Interesting. What of shop is this? Would I have heard about it?Oliver queries.
Never mind. Doesn’t matter,I respond.
I have a keen mind for business myself,Oliver offers.If you should ever feel yourselves in a pinch …
The thought of him advising me out of my current predicament is just ludicrous enough to refresh my mood.
As if I would ever take advice from a CAT!
Well, you seemed to like my advice when it comes to yourphotography,Oliver says.
Technically, he is right. He’s given me some great tips on how to get better shots from my phone.
Fine. You do have a knack for phone photography, Oliver.
Well, then I suppose I can concede that you, my dear, DO have an eye for pet fashion,Oliver writes.Which leads me to a request. Perchance you might do me a favor?
Hit me.
This next assignment seems like it’s more up your alley. Got any wardrobe suggestions for a crotchety, old, Persian cat?
Might I have any suggestions? How ironic.
I had just successfully avoided telling “Oliver” the details about my shop. So, what if I recommend Celestial Pets to him now as the perfect place to purchase an outfit? Where to start? Surgeon cat? Salty fisherman? Those would be freaking hilarious on Oliver. I can think of a half dozen ideas for him—some that he might even think are “suitable.” I’m itching to start designing something right now.
But of course, if I invite him to shop at the store, I might figure out who “Oliver” really is. Would I be violating the rules of the challenge? What if I don’t like him as much in real life and I still have to work with him?
Too risky.
I’m not sure I want him to know who I am in real life either. I’m not looking for his pity purchase. Best not to tempt fate.
I have one piece of critical advice for you, old man,I say.
Pray, do tell,answers Oliver, including a cat emoji and some praying hands.
Check out some sites like Etsy. Buy handmade. There’s nothing worse than showing up in the same damn outfit as every other cat. You’re better than that. Plus, big-box companies and fast fashion are killing small biz.
