I typed another quick text to Hailee.
Me: You don’t think George found me something because he thinks I’ll owe him now, do you?
My cell rang and I hit answer. “Mya seems to think he’s doing this because he likes me,” I rushed out.
“Good morning to you too,” Hailee laughed softly.
“Sorry, I was just so happy and now I’m panicking.”
“Did he give you that vibe just now?”
“I don’t know. He was friendly, but he seemed like a nice guy.”
“He knows you’re in high school, right?”
“Of course.”
“So he’s probably just doing a nice thing. You said he’s fresh out of college himself, so he probably just appreciates how much this means to you. This is a good thing, Flick.”
“You’re right,” I breathed a sigh of relief. “You’re totally right. It’s Mya’s fault.”
“She likes to mess with your head. But she means well.”
“I know. Thanks. I should get ready for school. Do you want a ride?”
“Cameron’s picking me up, but you can ride with us?”
“Is Jason… actually, don’t answer that. I’ll meet you there. I think I have to get Mya anyway.”
“Okay, and Flick?”
“Yeah?”
“I think Mya’s right. I think this could be a really good thing for you.”
“Thanks, I’ll see you at school.” I hung up and let out a shaky breath, nervous energy radiating through me. Getting this break at A Brand New Tail was a good thing but it meant pulling the plug on my parents’ dream for me.
Something I didn’t relish doing.
“Hey,” Hailee chased me down after class. The day had flown, my head too consumed with George’s early morning call to concentrate. “Are you headed straight there?”
I nodded. “I didn’t want to risk going home and running into Mom. This way I can hopefully calm my nerves before I get there.”
“And what has you all worked up?” Asher peeked over Hailee’s shoulder, grinning at me.
“The pet rescue place called Flick; they have an opening for her.”
“Georgie boy pulled some strings, did he?”
“How do you know about George?” My brows bunched together.
“I, uh,” he stuttered, guilt swimming in his eyes. “I overheard Hailee telling Cam all about it.”
“Okay.”
“I’m proud of you, Fee, baby.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me in. “Those furballs are going to love you.”
“I hope so, I could really—” Asher yanked his arm free and jerked away from me.