Page 113 of Pugs & Kisses

“But you just got here,” Ashanti said.

“I’ve got a presentation I need to finish up before tomorrow,” she said. “And, like I said, this isn’t really my scene.” She nodded at Evie. “You can thank me for the name with pastries from that new Black-owned bakery in Central City. Get in line early. They tend to sell out of the chocolate croissants before noon.”

“Um… okay,” Evie said.

To Thad, she said, “Good luck with”—Ridley glanced in Von’s direction—“everything.”

“So weird,” Evie and Ashanti said in unison as they watched their friend stroll out of The PX.

Ashanti tapped Evie with her elbow. “But, hey, it sounds as if your mobile vet business has a name.”

“It sure does,” Evie said. She held her hands out, as if pointing at a marquee. “Pugs and Kisses to the Rescue.”