Aria’s face scrunches. “That’s really generous—too generous….”
“But?”
“But it’s not just about the money… I’ve worked so hard to get where I am. What if you decide to fire me? I’d lose everything. My job. My clients. Maybe I could do weekend or evening training sessions—”
I don’t know much, but I know how to get what I want. “Five hundred thousand dollars up front. Another five hundred grand at the end of the first month. We can renegotiate going forward.”
Aria’s stares at me like I’ve grown three extra heads, those smokey eyes so wide. “That’s not funny.” It’s all she says, turning and marching out the way she came. Sandra turns to follow her, but I stop her.
“I’ve got it.”
“We have other options—"
“No, she’s the one.” I chase after Aria with Bubbles hot on my heels. We catch her just as she gets to the front door. “Please wait.”
“A million dollars?” Aria turns, her eyes flashing. “A million dollars for one month? You must think I’m stupid if you think I’m going to fall for that. Who in the world would pay that much money for a month of dog care?”
“Me!”
She folds her arms over her chest. Without breaking eye contact with me, she uses her knee to keep Bubbles from jumping on her. “Why?”
I run my hand through my hair, tugging it in frustration. “Because she’s important to me! Because I promised I’d—" my voice cracks. Clearing my throat, I lower my voice. “I promised I would take care of her, and I don’t know what else to do. Six different trainers quit over the last year. None lasted more than a couple of weeks. She’s ripped drywall off its studs. She ate a couch. Look at the banister,” I say, gesturing at the chewed off spindle. Aria’s eyes follow my hand, and she winces when she sees the damage. “She’s difficult, but she’s my responsibility. I just need someone to help me. And honestly, whatever that costs, I’ll pay it.”
Aria’s hard expression melts. “She’s not a difficult dog. She knows her commands, and she’s happy to follow them. Whatever’s going on with her, you need a behaviorist, not a dog walker.”
“But she responds to you. I’ve never seen her like that with anyone. I flew a behaviorist in from Austria. Top in his field. He only lasted a week.”
Aria hesitates, her eyes moving from Bubbles’ dorky grin, to my face, and then the banister again. She nibbles on her lip. Something deep inside me stirs, wanting my teeth to be the one nibbling her, but I shove it waaaaay down deep. I need help with my sister’s dog. That’s all. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
“Please. I’m not above begging. I promise I’ll make it worth your while. Besides the money, which I’m not joking about, think of the clients that will want to hire you. I can think of at least three actors off the top of my head who have neurotic dogs. This could be a whole new business. One thatyouown. No more apps and reviews. No more bosses sending you wherever they want. You could handpick your clients.”