Stella suspected that Lauren would stoop to the lowest levels to quench her thirst for success, and she knew that from here on in she would have to keep an eye open for any moves that Lauren might be making.
However, Stella was determined that her entire day wasn’t going to be ruined. The presentation may have been awashout, but Stella had an appointment on the other side of town that was sure to improve her mood…
The sound of a cacophony of dogs barking and howling was like music to Stella’s ears as she stepped insideThe Dog Dendog center.
‘Stella!’ Kim cried, excitedly walking over toward Stella and offering her hand for a high-five. ‘So glad you’re here. We’ve got a new arrival called Sweetie who I think you’re going tolove.’
‘I can’t wait to meet her!’ Stella replied, happy to see Kim’s friendly face.
Kim was only a year or so older than Stella and had recently come out of a long-term relationship with her ex-forces Daddy. It was a sad break-up, but Kim was on the road to recovery and happiness again, even without a new Daddy in her life.
Kim worked full time atThe Dog Denand with her blonde surfer hair and year-round tan, she was always a pleasant sight to be welcomed by.
‘Okay, well let’s go,’ Kim said, cheerily bouncing along in her lemon-yellowThe Dog Dent-shirt and black skater shorts. ‘Before we get to Sweetie, there’s someone I want you to meet…’
‘Huh?’ Stella said. ‘If it’s another property developer trying to buy this place, I’m more than ready to tell them where to go.’
‘Ha! No, not this time,’ Kim said, her eager smile putting Stella at ease.
As Stella followed on behind Kim, she felt the good vibes and sense of relaxation she always felt when she arrived atThe Dog Den.
Sure, it was time consuming being a volunteer here. And cleaning up dog poop wasn’t exactly a highlight of the job, that was for sure. But there was something so incredibly rewarding and fun about being around so many wonderful dogs who wanted nothing more than to find their forever home.
Stella had a secret dream that one day she would be able to officially make a sizeable investment intoThe Dog Den.
With her knowledge of local government sustainability policies and access to plenty of extremely wealthy individuals, Stella knew that there was potential forThe Dog Dento expand its operation to take in even more dogs that needed a comfortable home as they waited for adoption.
But all of that could wait.
In that moment, all that Stella was focused on was meeting this mysterious person that Kim was teasing.
As Kim opened the door to the break room, Stella almost turned and walked straight out of the building.
But she didn’t.
And in fact, as soon as the shock passed over her, Stella felt a surge of sheer happiness.
‘You’re late, honey,’ Logan laughed, looking as macho as ever despite wearing a spareThe Dog Dent-shirt. ‘You’re lucky this is a volunteer position or Kim would dock your wages…’
The three of them laughed.
Stella looked at Kim and could see that Kim was into Logan. After all, who wouldn’t be? But rather than feel any kind of jealousy, Stella was just happy to be atThe Dog Denwith two of her favorite people.
Not to mention the dozen or so dogs that were eagerly awaiting Stella’s arrival in the playroom…
Kim, Logan and Stella walked from the break room and into the large, half-indoors, half-outdoors playroom and were immediately greeted by a bevy of enthusiastic and boundlessly energetic dogs.
‘Let the games begin!’ Logan bellowed, immediately announcing his arrival as the new top dog. ‘Watch out, Logan the Alpha Dog is about!’
Stella laughed uncontrollably as Logan began rampaging around the playroom, a pack of dogs following him and immediately showing him their respect.
‘I can see why you like him, Stella,’ Kim said, noticing how happy Stella looked. ‘He’s hot as hell. But don’t worry, I’m taking aseriousbreak from Daddies.’
‘I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to date Logan,’ Stella said, trying as hard as she could to sound even remotely convincing. ‘Um… I mean… I guess I’m happy that you’re not though?’
Stella and Kim laughed and started laying out a fresh set of water bowls for the dogs.
‘Guys, you go and have some fun. I’ll do this,’ Logan said, running over and immediately throwing himself into the task. ‘Seriously. Go! I might even grab a doggy drink myself. Being chased by a pack of goofball mutts is thirsty work.’
