Stella By Starlight

Ch. 1: Stella by Starlight

I could feel it immediately. The wetness that was now seeping into my clothes and down my legs. But when i looked down at the big hazel eyes of the creature that caused the mess I couldn't help but laugh.

"Let's try to keep the water IN the tub next time, shall we?" I asked Bruce, the Australian Shepard that i was currently bathing as he wagged his tail eagerly and flinging suds from left to right.

It was part of the job, I suppose. So i couldn't get too upset that my clothes were drenched. I always brought a spare to change into before going on walks. You get used to it when you've been working part time at a pet daycare and groomers going on 5 years now.

I finished rinsing the rambunctious dog before toweling him off and letting him loose in the sun room to dry off with his fellow pup friends. I had just enough time to change before I had to leave for my afternoon dog walking appointments.

Grabbing my bag from a nearby chair, I headed to the employee bathroom, making sure to check and see that Joelle was at the counter first before disappearing. She was new at the shop, so she definitely needed all the help she could get. I wouldn't want to leave her high and dry...ironically considering dry is the exact opposite of what i was.

She seemed to be handling her current customer well, thankfully. Locking the door behind me, I quickly stripped out of my clothing and toweled the remaining dampness away. I then slid on a pair of black jeans, and a deep yellow cold shoulder sweater. I took a glance in the mirror at my hair to make sure my loose braid was still intact before heading back into the shop, trying to keep the time away from Joelle to a minimum.

She was trying to towel dry a Pomeranian and had the phone propped against her ear with her shoulder at the same time. Based on the amount of water everywhere, the Pomeranian was winning.

"Yes, thank you i will let her know. Have a great day!" she finished hurriedly.

I gave her a gentle smile as i noticed her silent cry for help from across the room. Grabbing the phone from her, i placed it back on the receiver and she let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank god, i thought i was about to drop it into the bath water if i held it there any longer" the Pomeranian licked at her chin as she dried her off.

"Anything i can help with before i head off? Rick should be in soon to help"

The shop owner was the most punctual person I had ever met. He was 43 and well groomed and had grown to almost be like a second father to me while i have been here for university.

"It's almost 9. He should be rolling in with--"

"One Mocha, one Frappuccino, and one Earl Grey Tea WITH honey has arrived" he announced as he walked in the door and set the drink tray down on the counter.

Joelle eagerly thanked him before grabbing the frapp and dipping her finger into the whipped cream.

"I can always count on you, Rick. Thank you" I said as I grabbed the still warm tea and letting the warm scent wash over me before taking a sip.

"aye, there's a bit of a bite to the air so the tea will be great for your walk"

"OH!" Joelle said quickly swallowing what was in her mouth, "That reminds me, Stella, there was a phone call while you were in the back. We have a new client that needs some doggy care and wants you to stop by today to meet the dog. I wrote the address down here" she explained pushing a piece of paper into my hand.