Read Online Putting on the Dog by Cynthia Baxter - Free Book Online Page B

“his world,” I suddenly understood this serious, uncertain girl’s claim that she didn’t fit into it very well.
    Kara’s smile faded. “How’s your mom doing, Emily?”
    “Okay, I guess. Right now she’s in California, in one of those rehab places.”
    “Give her my very best, okay?”
    “Sure.” I noticed that Emily barely looked at her.
    “Well,” Kara said cheerfully, “I’d better be off. Wish Anastasia and me luck!”
    A few seconds later, I spotted Shawn Elliot sauntering over in my direction. Considering that I’d been in town less than twenty-four hours, even I was impressed by all the new friends I’d made.
    That didn’t mean my friends were also friends with one another. Remembering the iciness I’d picked up on between Shawn and Kara the evening before, I wondered if he’d been watching, waiting for her to make her exit before he made his entrance.
    “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Dr. Pepper,” Shawn teased once he reached the booth.
    “Her name is Dr. Popper, ” Emily corrected him crossly.
    “That’s okay, Em,” I told her. “He’s just being difficult.”
    Breezily, Shawn returned, “And here I thought I was being charming!”
    I decided to change the subject. “How’s Rufus? Any stage fright?”
    “Naw, turns out he’s a natural.”
    We both looked down at the heavyset bulldog with the James Cagney face who had flopped onto the cool grass. Rufus dug his chin into the soil and looked up at us with his big, soulful brown eyes. To me, he looked like the “What, me worry?” poster boy.
    “In fact,” Shawn went on, “Rufus may be getting his first acting gig. I just found out some independent filmmaker is videotaping the dog show. He’s making a documentary to show at the end—probably his way of getting an ‘in’ with some of the suits in the movie biz. Russell Bolger’s even offered to host a luncheon at his place on Sunday so everybody can come and relive their favorite moments. Hey, I wouldn’t mind seeing Rufus on the big screen.” His expression suddenly darkened. “Besides, maybe it’ll help his reputation.”
    I responded with a puzzled look.
    “I know it sounds kind of crazy...but people are starting to make comments about Rufus.” Eyeing Emily, he added obtusely, “And what happened last night.”
    She didn’t seem to notice the change in Shawn’s tone. She was too focused on his dog. “What a funny animal,” she commented, frowning at Rufus. “He looks mean.”
    “Not at all! In fact, he’s a real pussycat,” I assured her. “Why don’t you pet him?”
    She scowled. “He looks like he doesn’t like me.”
    “If you want to work with animals, it’s a good idea to get used to all kinds,” I said gently. “Go ahead. He doesn’t bite.”
    Emily hesitated before crouching down to Rufus’s level and tentatively patting his head. True to form, Rufus rolled over and lay on his back with his four legs limp, already in position for a quality belly-scratching.
    “He does like me!” she squealed happily. As she obliged the affection-craving bulldog, it was difficult for me to tell who was enjoying it more.
    “Why don’t you take him for a walk?” I suggested. “I know he looks gruff, but he’s really a teddy bear.”
    “Come on, Rufus!” Emily said, scooping up his leash. He didn’t need to be asked twice.
    Once the two of them had toddled off and were out of earshot, I turned to Shawn. “You’re kidding, right? About people making comments?”
    “I wish I were.” He sighed. “You know, to be in this business, you have to be as tough as nails. Part of the job is having people criticize you. And I thought I’d gotten used to it. But all of a sudden, people are acting really weird about Rufus—and it’s making me nuts. When you come right down to it, East Brompton is just another small town—and people are already talking about what happened last night.
    “Like this morning? When I parked near East Brompton Green and got out