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She’d managed to cover most of the bruising on her forehead with makeup, but there was still a slight tinge of green that refused to be covered.
Chewy whined and avoided her gaze.
“Oh, that’s nice,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “If you think I look bad now, pal, you haven’t seen anything yet. I rarely wear makeup or put on anything other than pajamas, so I hope you keep your expectations low.”
Chewy blew the hair out of his eyes and then padded into her closet.
“What? Are you planning to pick out my clothes now?” she asked, watching him in amusement. “Maybe I need all the help I can get.”
She and Chewy had come to an arrangement of sorts. She agreed to take him out when he asked and give him treats on the regular, and he promised not to run away again. At least that’s what she’d thought the agreement had been. He was a dog with many opinions, considering he’d spent the last six months of his life in the pokey.
Zoe stood in the big walk-in closet and stared at the clothes that were hung neatly. They were too…New York. Laurel Valley was a place of color and texture—all she had to do was look at the sunrises and sunsets to know that.
She grabbed a pair of tight black jeans and Chewy whined again.
“It’s what I have,” she said. “Geez.”
She found a silky tank in the same mossy green as her eyes and held it up for Chewy’s inspection. He woofed and his tail wagged.
“Thank you. You’ve been quite helpful.”
She put some product in her hair like the salon owner had showed her, and slipped her feet into black ballet flats. She found a pair of large silver hoops—because short hair seemed to call for big earrings—and she decided probably no one would notice the slight discoloring still showing on her forehead.
Chewy was waiting by the front door for her with his leash in his mouth. He’d been cooped up as much as she had, except for his bathroom trips outside. She bit down on her lip.
“Are dogs welcome everywhere in this town? Do you like to shop?”
Chewy whined and pawed at the door.
“Okay,” she said with a sigh. “But you have to be on your best behavior. You already have a reputation around town.”
He whined again and she clipped the leash on to his collar.
“Maybe while we’re out we can get you a few new things,” she told him. “I haven’t been a very attentive dog mom. Your own bed and some toys might be nice. And a brand-new collar with your name on it. We’re both starting new lives, Chewy. It’s important to commemorate it.”
He looked at her with the wisdom of a thousand sages and trotted to the elevator.
As soon as they left the lobby Zoe breathed in the fresh mountain air. Getting out of the condo had been the right decision. Even if the streets and sidewalks were full of tourists.
“Come on, Chewy. Look like you know what you’re doing. We’re locals now.”
They waited at the crosswalk for the light to turn, and then they made their way to the center of town. Laurel Valley wasn’t a difficult place to navigate. She’d learned if you could find your way to The Lampstand you could find almost anything. Which was maybe the point of a place called The Lampstand.
She was glad she’d brought Chewy. He was so big he cut a nice path through the crowd for her, so she followed along and waved and smiled at the children who watched the dog with wide-eyed fascination.
She knew where she was going before she crossed the picnic area at the center of town. A heavy stream of customers were coming in and out of Raven Layne, and she noticed the suit she’d admired was gone out of the window.
“Sorry, buddy,” she said to Chewy. “You’re going to have to wait outside. But there’s a nice spot in the shade and a hook for your leash. And look, they’ve got watering spots for dogs all along the sidewalks. I guess this is a dog town. I’ll keep an eye on you from inside and if anyone gives you trouble just call for help.”
Chewy woofed agreeably and settled himself in the shade near the watering dish. She hung his leash on the hook provided and stepped inside the boutique.
It smelled of sage and lavender and she could tell immediately that it was a place that sold quality clothing.
“Zoe!” Raven called out, waving from behind the counter. “I’ll be right there. Don’t go anywhere.”
Zoe chuckled and weaved her way through cleverly displayed designer outfits. And then she noticed a beaded curtain that led into a back area that she assumed were changing rooms.
“I’m so glad you came in,” Raven said, rushing up and giving her a quick hug. “You’re looking much better than you did the other day.”
