Turning left toward his shop, Justin started off with a long, fast stride. Oh hell, I’m trying to stay away and ignore the damned relentless pull this guy exerts on me, and what does he do? Attaches to me with super glue! f**k it. I can’t win for losing while he holds the lousy purse strings on me.
“Hey, buddy, where’s the fire?” So far Barry didn’t seem to be breathing hard, though he had clearly noticed Justin’s speedy pace.
“Need to get back so Melly can go to lunch. She’s got a class this afternoon. I’m not going to interfere with her education. She’s a good kid. Ambitious, starting at the college already. If she goes off to the city in the fall, I’ll be up the creek, probably on my own.”
“Oh s**t, that’s a bummer. Is there enough business to keep more than one groomer busy?”
Justi
