Page 11 of Sit, Stay, Love
‘He needs to build up his confidence around dogs, and he’s asked for my help.’
‘But… why?’
‘Why did he askmefor help? Or why does he need help?’ She picked at the cheese on her pizza.
He shoved a piece of paper towel at her. ‘Why does he need help.’
‘I don’t think I’m supposed to say.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘Who am I going to tell? Old Mrs Barker and her pug?’
She laughed. ‘She’s so hot for you.’
‘She’s like eighty.’
‘That’s only a forty-eight-year age difference.’
‘You’re evading my question.’
‘Promise me you won’t tell anyone?’
‘Holy shit, just spill it.’
She glared at him. ‘Promise. Me.’
‘Bloody hell.’ He crossed his heart. ‘I promise I won’t tell Mrs Barker. Or her pug.’
‘He’s been cast in a movie with a dog, and he told the producers he loves dogs.’
Toby snorted. ‘So he lied.’
‘It’s an actor thing, apparently. Anyway, I said I’d help him.’
He pushed himself off the floor and slid onto the couch beside her. ‘But why did he ask you?’
‘Gee, Herriot, thanks for the vote of confidence.’
‘You know that’s not what I’m saying. He’s got money, why wouldn’t he go to a professional?’
‘Again, with making me feel great.’ She shook her head. ‘He said he feels comfortable with me, that I seem like a decent person. And he thinks we clicked.’
Toby’s weight shifted on the couch. ‘Clicked how?’
‘Clicked, clicked. We get on. He’s nice.’
He grunted. ‘And is he paying you or are you doing it for free because you’re such a decent person?’
She scowled. ‘He’s paying me, of course. To be honest, I don’t know why he came to me instead of a professional, but he did, and I’m not going to look a gift horse – or the actor that rides one – in the mouth.’
His eyes narrowed as he took a long draw of his beer. ‘Make sure he pays you enough. Do some research and see what trainers get and, I don’t know, double it. Or triple it.’
‘Okay, Dad.’ She shot him a sideways glare.
He picked at flecks of Buffy’s fur on his sweatpants. ‘So… how often are you planning on seeing him?’
‘I don’t know. He’s only got a month and he’s pretty nervous about it all. A few times a week? We’re going to have our first session tomorrow and put together a schedule. He suggested we go somewhere dog-friendly and have lunch to talk it through.’ She laughed. ‘I might have to look half presentable.’
‘You’re fine as you are,’ he grumped.
