2. Madison
2
MADISON
I slam the door to my house behind me. Samson, my sweet pup, jumps and starts barking his high-pitched bark before he realizes it’s me.
I scoop him up and stroke him without thinking about it as his barks turn into eager licks at my face.
My hands are shaking, and a hot flush of anger crawls up my neck. I can’t believe I actually went over there. What the hell was I thinking? I storm through my living room, pacing back and forth as I replay the conversation in my head.
Ethan Taylor is a grade-A jerk. No, scratch that—he’s an arrogant, entitled asshole who thinks his money makes him better than everyone else. I can’t believe I listened to Aurora. I should never have let her convince me that going to him was a good idea. I should have known better.
In fact, she needs to know just how wrong she was. I set Samson on the floor, and he bounds over to a toy and starts growling at it. Then, I grab my phone and call Aurora.
“Hey, girl. What’s up? Have you asked my dad for the money yet?” Aurora answers cheerfully .
“Oh yeah. I took your advice. Your amazing advice. Your dad is a complete jerk, Aurora. He basically laughed in my face.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear Aurora’s confusion. “Wait, what? What happened? I mean, sometimes he doesn’t just give his money away, but if you explained to him about the surf school and stuff…”
I snort because Aurora acts like her dad and I sat down and had a civil conversation instead of what actually happened, which was that he hit on me…literally. I felt his cock pressing into my ass. As that memory hits me, my pussy tightens. Because I can’t deny there was a small part, no, maybe even a normal-sized part that was flattered by the fact he found me so attractive.
He’s attractive too, in an older way. His short dark hair has just enough gray peppered throughout it to make him seem like he’s lived through a few things. But the stubble on his face still makes him look young.
“Madison?”
My anger crashes back in, and I remember what I was saying to Aurora. “I went over there like you suggested, asked him if he could help me out with a loan, and he acted like I was trying to rob him or something. He got all defensive and rude, and then he just flat-out refused. I didn’t even get the chance to show him the business plan I spent hours on last night.”
I look at the folder where it sits half-open on my couch, feeling the annoying tickle of tears in the back of my throat.
“Madison, I’m so sorry. I really thought he might be willing to help. I didn’t know he’d react like that. If I did, I wouldn’t have suggested it. Honestly.”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, but the memory of Ethan’s smug expression is still fresh in my mind. “Well, he did. And now I’m back to square one, trying to figure out if I’m ever going to be able to do this.”
I let out a long breath. I may hate Aurora’s dad, but I don’t think she purposely sent me into the lion’s den. I can’t lose a friendship over this, not when I’ve been friends with Aurora for so long.
“I wish there was something I could do. Maybe if I talked to him?—”
“No, Aurora. Please don’t. I never want to talk about this again. Besides, it’s… It’s not your fault. I just… I shouldn’t have gone over there in the first place.”
What I don’t say is that a part of me—an ashamed, angry part—wonders if things would have gone differently if I had flirted back with him. If I’d played into his little game, let him think I was interested, would he have given me the loan? The thought makes me sick, but I can’t shake it.
Worse, would I have been willing to flirt for money? Maybe if it meant my dream of a surf school would come true.
Aurora sighs on the other end of the line. “I hate that he did that to you. If there’s anything I can do?—”
“I know, Aurora. Thanks, but I’ll figure something out. I’m just going to focus on boarding more dogs, maybe take on some extra gigs. DoorDash or something. I’ll make it work.”
“Okay, but if you need anything, I’m here. I’m your bestie, girl.”
“I know. Thanks.” We say our goodbyes, and I hang up, tossing the phone onto the counter with a little more force than necessary.
I hate feeling like this—helpless, frustrated, and humiliated. I can’t stop thinking about how easily Ethan rejected my request. I mean, he’s not obligated to give anyone a loan, but I would think he could at least politely listen to the business plan I so carefully prepared. He treated me like a gold digger, and it makes me feel dirty.
I shake my head, trying to push the thoughts away. Dwelling on it won’t help. I have work to do. At least if I can get any more customers, I will. I can’t let one bad encounter with Ethan Taylor knock me off course. I’ll get my surf school on my own. It just may take longer.
But I won’t forget this. And if Ethan thinks he can just brush me off like I’m nothing, he’s got another thing coming.
The next day, I’m up early, already deep into my morning routine. Samson is old enough to be housebroken now, but we have another puppy coming—a four-month-old pug named Scout. They booked nearly two weeks ago, and I’m excited to have a longer boarding since they will be out of town for ten days. I do know that even though they say Scout is housebroken, that might not be the case.
At least my house can start clean, even if it doesn’t end that way.
Samson watches me curiously, darting forward to sniff at my broom before barking at it like it’s some hairy animal attacking him.
“Don’t worry, boy. I’ll get you out for some real exercise before your friend shows up, okay? Then, he’ll tire you out, and I won’t have to throw the ball so many times.”
I finish cleaning up and glance at the clock. My customer should be arriving soon, but I have time to throw the ball in the backyard with Samson. My backyard isn’t fenced in, but Samson knows the rules.
“Go on, boy! Get it!” I shout encouragingly as Samson charges after the ball.
We get in a few extra tosses before Samson decides to take the ball around to the front of the house, taking off like he’s heard something.
I call after him, but I already know that our customer has arrived. Hopefully, they don’t mind an excited greeting.
I quickly jog after Samson, trying to look composed as I slow down before rounding the front corner of my house.
An older man is in my driveway, and he’s holding a wiggly puppy in his arms. I can’t help but smile at the sight.
“Good morning, Madison. I hope we’re not too early. I know I said an eight to nine a.m. drop off, and it’s just a minute after eight.”
“You’re fine. We’re excited to have Scout.” I point at Samson who is standing on his back two legs as he tries to sniff at Scout. “Samson is definitely ready for a friend.”
The man hooks a leash onto Scout and finally sets him on the ground, where both puppies happily bark at each other.
“I’ve got a bag with his food and some toys. I also have a page of instructions there. Please read them and let me know if you have any questions. This is his first time staying away from us, and I just want to make sure you feel comfortable with everything.”
I take Scout’s leash and smile. “Of course. I have your phone number, so I’ll send you updates and pictures while you’re away.”
“Thank you. My wife especially would love an update or two, just to know he’s doing okay.”
Samson goes into a playful bow with his butt up in the air, and Scout copies him. Then, they charge at each other, the leash getting tangled up. “Let’s take this playing inside,” I suggest, leading Scout toward the door. Samson bounds after us, and Scout’s owner waves before pulling out of the long driveway.
“Let’s see this fun place you’re going to be staying, yeah, boy?” Scout runs into the house, barely staying still long enough for me to get the leash off him. He becomes very curious about the house, sniffing at the sofa, the coffee table, and the corner. Samson follows him around, keeping a watchful eye on the little ball of energy, making sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble.
For a moment, I forget about all the stress from the day before. Watching Scout’s playful antics brings a smile to my face, and I feel a little of the weight on my shoulders lift. This is why I do what I do—because it makes me happy, and because I love giving these dogs a safe, fun place to stay.
I’ll be able to start my real dream job sometime in the future, I hope.
Just as I’m about to head into the kitchen to grab some treats for the dogs, I realize I never even checked my mail yesterday. I pull the front door open so I can slip out. But Scout is faster than I realized.
“Scout, no!” I shout, rushing forward, but Scout has bolted. Samson circles me, unsure of what he’s supposed to do. Should he chase his new friend or stay with me?
Panic grips me as I sprint after him, my heart racing. “Scout! Come back!” Samson stays in the yard, barking at the excitement.
But Scout is already halfway down the driveway, heading straight for the road. I can only hope that the puppy doesn’t get too far before I catch up to him.
This is the last thing I need right now—a runaway dog on my watch. My mind races with worst-case scenarios as I chase after him, praying that I can catch him before something terrible happens.
But then, he disappears around the corner of some bushes, and I can’t even hear him anymore. Oh crap. Now, I’m in real trouble.