Page 84 of Until Joy

“Oh honey.” July set down her clipboard and came around the reception desk. “I'm sure it was hard telling them about London after all this time.”

“It was. But it felt good too, you know? Like I could finally breathe again.” I fiddled with the strap of my purse. “They want to have Dad and the guys talk to Graham as soon as possible.”

Kayan snorted. “I bet they do. When's that happening?”

“Tonight. Graham's setting up a video call.”

“Your brothers?” Kayan's eyebrows shot up. “The overprotective ones you told us about?”

“Seth and Randy. They're going to lose their minds when they find out about the stalker.”

July squeezed my shoulder. “Graham can handle them.”

“I hope so. Seth's already suspicious because Graham belongs to a motorcycle club.”

The three of us were still talking when the front door chimed. Glenda walked in, her face lighting up when she saw me.

“Joy! I called this morning and Kayan said you were working days, so I decided to pop in when you were on duty. I have a question about Rosebud.”

I walked over to greet her. “What's going on? Is she okay?”

“Oh, she's fine. Perfect, actually.” Glenda gave me a brief hug. “I've just been wondering about her food. Should I be cooking fresh meals for her instead of using the commercial kitten food?”

The question caught me off guard. Most new pet owners were worried about their animals eating enough, not whether they should be preparing gourmet meals.

“That's really thoughtful of you,” July said, grinning as she stepped forward. “I don’t think any other client has ever asked that before. But high-quality commercial kitten food is actually better for her nutritional needs right now.”

Glenda smiled at July gratefully. “Thanks, July. I just want to give her the best. She's so precious.”

“She is,” July agreed. “You should have brought her in.”

“She was napping in her little bed by the window. She looked so cute that I didn’t want to disturb her.”

“That’s sweet.” I smiled. “Don’t worry, Glenda, the food July recommended has everything she needs for healthy growth.”

“If you want to supplement,” Kayan added, “small pieces of cooked chicken or fish are fine as treats.”

Glenda beamed. “You're all so knowledgeable. Wasn’t I lucky finding the same place where this songstress worked.” She grinned at me. “Speaking of lucky, we should plan another girls' night soon. I had such a great time last time.”

“That sounds fun,” I said to be nice. With everything that was going on, I wasn’t feeling like going out, but then again, maybe a girls’ night out would be a good thing, and Glenda meant well.

“Perfect! Maybe this weekend?” Glenda's eyes sparkled with excitement. “I know this great little wine bar that just opened downtown.”

“I'll have to check my schedule,” I hedged, hating to disappoint her.

I saw Glenda’s expression dim, before the bright smile returned.

“Of course. How are things going with Graham, by the way?”

Now that was something I was happy to talk about. “Good. Really good.”

“That's wonderful.” Glenda tilted her head and looked me straight in the eye. “I’m so glad he's not like my ex-boyfriend. Rob was so possessive and controlling. Always wanting to know where I was, who I was with.” She shuddered and I watched her light dim. “Men like that can be dangerous, you know?” she said in a soft and nervous voice.

My stomach twisted. “Graham's nothing like that. As for Rob, I say it was a good day when you two broke up.”

“You can say that again, sister.” Kayan grinned. “Men like that are the worst.”

Glenda glanced around to give a shaky smile at the three of us. “Well, thanks for the advice about her food. You three are the best.”