Chapter 14
“T here. Your favorite breakfast. I even added blueberries and a little cheese in hopes of a truce,” Alex said, placing the colorful bowl of food on the kitchen floor with a flourish.
The rustic charm of Whispering Pines B&B’s kitchen made everything feel more inviting, even the morning dog food prep.
Alex had carefully crafted a mixture of meats, vegetables, and fruit, garnished with a touch of cheese and just the right amount of blueberry—Lady’s favorite, or so she thought.
But instead of digging in, Fetch simply sniffed the bowl, then looked back up at her with the expression of someone who’d just been offered gas station sushi.
Alex threw her hands in the air. “Seriously?”
Meanwhile, in the sleek kitchen of Will’s Portland apartment, he was in the middle of preparing his own version of canine cuisine.
Kibble was just the base layer. He added chopped veggies and a splash of broth before popping the bowl into the microwave.
Moments later, he pulled it out, gave it a stir, blew across the top like a chef testing his soup, and set it down for Lady.
“Breakfast of champions, per usual, just the way you like it,” he said, beaming.
Lady sat quietly beside her bowl, unmoved by the offering.
Will raised an eyebrow and glanced down at her. “Have you been hanging out with a bad crowd? Do we need to find a different park?”
She didn’t respond, of course, just blinked. Will shook his head and walked over to the table where his laptop waited. “Tough crowd,” he muttered, opening it with a sigh.
Back up in the mountain town of McKenzie Ridge, Alex stood in the B&B’s backyard, armed with a brand-new pink ball and a healthy amount of hope. She tossed it across the lawn, only for Fetch to sit in the grass and blink at her.
“This is your job, you know,” Alex said, hands on her hips.
Fetch barked—sharp and unexpected. Alex jumped.
“Since when do you talk back to me like that? I know it’s not the old, dirty, chewed-up, and smelly one, but it is pink.”
Tori arrived just in time to witness the spectacle.
“Uh, you two okay?” Tori asked, eyeing the standoff.
Alex shook her head. “No. Lady’s still upset, apparently.”
“Still? That isn’t like her.”
“Watch,” Alex said, tossing the ball again.
Fetch didn’t budge.
“Got her a new pink one—she won’t chase it. Dogs can’t even see pink!”
“Is she feeling okay?” Tori asked.
“She did refuse her breakfast. She’s acting like a moody teenager.”
Alex threw the ball again.
“Lady, fetch.”
Another sharp bark. Both women flinched.
“Lady never barks at you like that,” Tori said.
Alex trudged forward, retrieved the ball herself, and sighed. “Told you. I’ve been playing fetch...”
Another bark.
“...with myself all morning.”
Tori laughed. “I have an idea. Let’s take her for a walk... to the bookstore.”
Alex squinted at her. “Bookstore? That’s awfully specific.”
As if on cue, Alex pulled a leash from her jacket pocket, clipped it to Fetch’s collar, and held the ball up. Fetch remained unimpressed.
“So, maybe I came over to recruit your help and cash in on a favor,” Tori admitted.
“What do you need help with?” Alex asked, casting a glance at Tori as they strolled.
The trio made their way toward Main Street, where the heart of the quaint mountain town pulsed with familiar energy.
Flower boxes overflowed with cheerful blooms beneath crisp awnings, and the scent of fresh-baked bread drifted from the corner bakery.
Shopkeepers swept their doorsteps, neighbors waved from porches, and wind chimes danced in the breeze.
It was the kind of place where time moved a little slower—and everyone knew your dog’s name.
“It’s a big release week for a popular author, and as book club president, it is my duty to plan an epic launch party,” Tori explained, her tone dripping with mock solemnity.
“Is the author coming?” Alex asked, lifting a brow.
“Well, no, but it's a big deal,” Tori replied. “It's the final book in an extraordinary love story, and everyone's eager to see if the couple gets their happily ever after.”
“Don’t they always get a happily ever after in those books?” Alex said, grinning.
“Not the point,” Tori shot back. “The couple was torn apart by a misunderstanding. Love’s on the line, Alex.”
“Sounds... familiar,” Alex muttered, giving her friend a pointed look.
“Nobody likes a spoiler,” Tori warned, wagging a finger.
“My apologies,” Alex said with a mock bow.
“Participating bookstores are live-streaming their party,” Tori continued, clearly ramping up to something big. “The author will join one, announce their next series, and host a party there.”
“Count us in—anything you need,” Alex promised with a smile.
“We can also work through the Founder’s Day debacle,” Tori added.
As they approached a hedge of bushes along the sidewalk, Fetch suddenly stopped and sniffed with purpose. Both women paused, watching in confusion as the dog lifted his leg and peed on the neatly trimmed shrubbery.
Stunned, they instinctively dipped their heads in shock before snapping back upright in perfect sync.
“Lady?” Alex asked, her voice tinged with horror.
“Uh, Lady isn’t a lady,” Tori said, eyes wide as she stared at the dog.
Alex’s jaw dropped. “Oh my gosh. That’s not my dog.”