But you can go ahead and say it if you want.”
Garrett chuckles. “It’s great what you’re doing. I’m sure you’ve changed a lot of lives for the better.”
She smiles, taking us both in. “Now that we’re international, we’ve placed nearly half a million shelter dogs.”
“I didn’t realize these were shelter dogs,” Garrett says. “That’s even more impressive. So you have some kind of training program for the dogs?”
I listen proudly as Carol shares how they choose the dogs for temperament and how eager they are to do the work. It gives them purpose. It’s a win-win for the dogs and the lucky people who get to have them.
“Do you ever place puppies?” he asks.
“We do. Those require a foster family to socialize them until they’re ready to begin training.”
“I’d love to do that,” he says, and my heart squeezes. That’s exactly what I did back in LA before I started working steadily. “If I were home more, I’d sign up for that. I’m gonna mention it to my parents. They’ve got an empty nest and a lot of love to give.”
I’m beginning to suspect he has a heart of gold. I really hope that’s the case because I’m all mushy inside.
Carol beams a smile at him. “Go to our website and tell them to fill out the volunteer form. Oh, here, I have a card.” She pulls one from her purse. “Give this to your parents. Tell everyone you know. The city shelters are too full as it is.” She smiles at him some more. He seems to have that effect on people. “So nice to meet you, Garrett.” She turns to me and whispers in a conspiratorial tone, “I like this one.”
“Me too,” I whisper back.
She smiles, her eyes dancing merrily as she waves farewell, off to mingle with someone else.
Garrett’s arm drops over my shoulders, and he kisses my temple. “Sweetheart.”
A laugh bubbles up. “Lamb chop.”
“You said you were gonna be so tense tonight because of your speech, but you seem happy.”
It’s you. “I’m in denial.”
“Ah. Acting skills pay off.”
“Come on, I’ll introduce you to the board of directors and everyone else I know.”
“Sounds like I passed the Harper Ellis test. You didn’t even prep me.”
“You’re a natural.”
And he is. I can’t even believe how well he’s working the room—smooth, sincere, enthusiastic about the cause. And with me? He’s warm and affectionate. I may have brought the perfect date. A trickle of unease goes through me. No one is as perfect as he seems. There’s got to be a catch somewhere. I need to be careful he doesn’t take more from me than I want to give.
I won’t be betrayed again.
6
Harper
We’re sitting at the head table now, and they served us our dinner first. I can barely eat, knowing I’ll be called up to the podium for my speech soon. I force down some rice, my movements jerky, every muscle tense. Garrett hasn’t noticed my quiet meltdown as he eats his meal with gusto. I wish there were a magic button I could push to fast-forward to after my speech. Nothing could quiet my nerves now, not even the gorgeous man at my side. I can only pray I don’t hyperventilate halfway through my speech.
Please, God, let me be coherent for the cause.
A large hand lands on my shoulder, and I jump. Garrett speaks under his breath. “Hey, just your three-week boyfriend here touching you like normal.”
“Sorry. It’s almost time for me—” my voice chokes on my own spit and I cough “—speaking.” I grab my glass of water and guzzle it.
He gestures toward the death grip I have on the index cards in my lap. “Lemme see the speech.”
I open my hand, revealing several crumpled index cards. “I should review them.” I smooth them out as best I can with trembling hands and flip through them, barely comprehending the words.
“Maybe you should’ve had a glass of wine. Or two.”
I exhale sharply. “It’s ridiculous that I still get stage fright. But it’s me, not tough Amanda up there, you know?” I push my plate back and set the index cards on the table, staring at them. There’s several crossed-out words and arrows pointing to new sentences. I should’ve started a new set of cards so there wouldn’t be any confusion.
Who am I kidding? I could have the most perfect speech in the world, and no one would hear it over my reflexive coughing, stops and starts, and occasional squeaky voice. Why is this so hard? I make a