Pawsitively In Love

I. Beginning.

It was the perfect day for the people in the small town of Springfox to walk their dogs. The weather hadn't been like this in a while. Warm and sunny with a light breeze. It was heavenly and one of it's residents made sure to take advantage. "We're almost there buddy. Some more walking and we'll be there in no time." AJ said as he walked his light brown labrador retriever Arrow who was right by his side like he was his premier sidekick. Of course, Arrow was being walked on a leash like any other dog that was going for a walk with their owner. AJ and Arrow were headed to their favorite coffee spot Sunny Bliss Bistro for a treat. The place itself was always pretty busy being the only cafe spot in town and also every now and then had group of tourists coming in. The doorbell to the entrance rang as AJ entered the cafe with Arrow and walked up to the front. 

"Hey, Julian! How's life treating you these days?" AJ asked with a smirk before lightly drumming a hand on the counter. Julian was the main guy in charge of Sunny Bliss Bistro. He adjusted his hat and turned towards AJ and Arrow. "Life is just fine and dandy." He remarked in a sarcastic tone. Julian didn't like his job all that much, but it paid his bills so he just stuck it out. AJ chuckled. "Don't be like that man. Be grateful that you have a job." He stated, trying to throw some positive vibes at Julian who was always moody anyways. 

Julian shook his head. "I want a job in Hollywood, AJ. Not a coffee shop. So I'm assuming you want the usual?" He asked as AJ pulled out his credit card. "A regular brew for me. A cup of the puppacino for the little guy." AJ replied as he looked down at Arrow who's ears perked up, beginning to wag his tail and get all giddy over the thought of getting his daily puppacino. "See? He's excited now." AJ chuckled.  Julian put the order in and AJ swiped his credit card. "Amounts up to 4.79. I'll be back with your order." Julian quickly walked off, tripping over something and almost falling for a second before catching his balance. AJ smirked and couldn't help but let a faint chuckle escape his lips, being witness to Julian's clumsiness. "He stays being clumsy.." He muttered to himself as a female with long, brown hair and her beagle on a pink leash walked in, making their way up to the front counter. AJ gave Arrow a few gentle pats on the head and rubbed behind his ears to which Arrow responded by closing his eyes, his tail wagging happily. AJ smiled before the female spoke.

"That's a pretty dog you have right there. Labrador Retriever, right?" The woman asked out of curiosity. AJ turned his attention from Arrow to the woman. "Yeah, how'd you know?" He was surprised to see how quickly the woman could recognize what specific breed of dog Arrow was. "I'm a big dog enthusiast. I also have one myself so y'know.." The woman said with a smile, looking down at her beagle who began sniffing Arrow. Arrow began sniffing the beagle back as AJ chuckled.

 "Looks like they seem to be getting along right off the bat." He said before looking up at the woman. "Oh, name's AJ..AJ Watson." He said before holding his free hand out to the woman to shake. The woman smiled and gently took AJ's hand, shaking it, "Lauren Knight. Nice to meet you, AJ. You come here everyday?" She asked. "Pretty much. Me and Arrow here pretty much make it a routine." He said.

 Lauren crouched down and began petting Arrow who kindly accepted the pets as his tail began wagging furiously. "Aww! You're such a good boy!" Lauren exclaimed happily in a babyish voice as Arrow almost gave her a smile, his tongue hanging out. "He likes you too." AJ replied as Lauren's beagle began walking up to AJ, sitting down as she stared up at him. "And who's this?" AJ asked with a smile as he crouched down to pet the beagle. Lauren smiled. "That's Bella. She's pretty spoiled..acts just like a princess." She replied with a laugh as AJ laughed as well. "I bet. Arrow gets pretty spoiled sometimes too, but that's mostly on me." Julian soon came back with AJ's order as he set it down. "Here you go, sir. One regular brew and a puppacino for the furry friend." He then turned his attention towards Lauren. "What can I get for you today, mam?" Julian asked. 

"Can I just get an espresso? A small puppacino also, please.." Lauren asked softly as she reached in the pocket of her jeans. Her heart sank. "Oh my God..I forgot my wallet. Ugh.. this always happens to me.." The brown haired girl muttered to herself. Now she felt bad knowing that Bella probably wouldn't be able to get her puppacino now. Bella whimpered and rubbed her head against Lauren's leg. "I know..I'm so sorry, Sweetie. Mommy forgot her wallet." Lauren replied with a soft sigh. "Hold on.." AJ said before he pulled out his wallet. "Let me pay for you." He said, smiling warmly at Lauren who's eyes lit up. 

"Oh..you don't have to do that." Lauren insisted as AJ shook his head. "Nonsense. I got it. Besides, I'm feeling charitable." He winked with a chuckle before Lauren smiled. "Well..if you insist." She replied. The two soon got their stuff and walked out with their dogs. "Thanks again for doing that. That was nice of you." Lauren said, being thankful for AJ bailing her out that time. "Poor Bella would've had her heart broken if she wouldn't had been able to get her puppacino."

AJ smiled. "It's all good. And don't worry about paying me back. It was on the house." He joked as Lauren giggled a bit. "I appreciate that. Where are you headed right now?" She asked. AJ shrugged while holding Arrow's leash. "Just walking to work. I work with dogs and stuff." He said as Lauren listened. "Oh, neat! I do too! Somewhat..I work with dogs that have behavorial issues. Separation anxiety mainly being one of those issues I deal with the most.  I help them through those issues." Lauren replied as she crouched down to pet Arrow again, who took a major liking to her. AJ chuckled. "So you're like Dr. Phil..but you're dealing with dogs instead of people." He chuckled. Lauren smirked and rolled her eyes at his comment. "Yes..I'm basically Dr. Phil for dogs. You can say that. You work with dogs too, huh?" 

"Everyday. Mainly dogs with a lot of pent up energy. Puppies and all..they're literally little balls of energy. Just like how Arrow was when he was a puppy." AJ stated. "I did eventually get him fixed and now he's calm for the most part. I'm headed to my work right now if you'd like to join, maybe?" He asked. Lauren thought for a second before nodding, a smile formed on her lips. "Sure. I'd like that. Bella wouldn't mind a walking partner, would you sweetie?" She asked, looking down at Bella as she gave her some pets behind the ear. 

"Alright! Follow me and Arrow then!" AJ replied in a cheerful manner as he and Lauren began walking down the sidewalk in the lovely weather. This could possibly be the start of a beautiful friendship.