A Struggling Dad Walked a Woman’s Dogs When She Was Sick, Not Knowing She Was a CEO Falling For Him
A Chance Encounter in the Rain
Jack Harrington had never imagined dog walking would change his life. But as the autumn rain pelted down on him while three energetic golden retrievers tugged at their leashes he found himself smiling despite the water seeping through his worn out sneakers.
The sticky note on apartment 512 door had been simple. Dog walker if interested please call. Followed by a phone number.
Jack had been desperate enough to call immediately. “Heal Winston. Easy Bella. Come on Duke.”
Jack commanded his voice firm but kind as he navigated the wealthy neighborhood that felt worlds away from his modest two-bedroom apartment across town. The dogs responded to his authoritative tone falling into a more manageable formation as they approached the park.
At 32 Jack’s life hadn’t gone according to plan. A former construction manager he’d been laid off when his company downsized 6 months ago.
With a seven-year-old daughter to support and child support payments to his ex-wife he’d been taking whatever work he could find. Handyman jobs food delivery and now apparently dog walking.
The dogs belong to Amelia Bennett a woman he’d never actually met in person. Their arrangement had begun 3 weeks ago with a brief phone call.
“I have the flu,” she’d explained her voice. “I can’t walk my dogs and my regular walker quit unexpectedly. Could you help for a few days i’ll pay well.”
Jack had agreed immediately. The few days had turned into weeks with all communication happening via text messages and payments appearing in his Venmo account.
Generous payments that had been a godsend for his tight budget. “Your dogs are living better than me,” Jack chuckled as he unleashed the golden retrievers in the empty dog park.
Despite the rain the dogs bounded joyfully across the wet grass their golden coats darkening as they splashed through puddles. Jack checked his phone.
A text from his daughter Lily’s after school program reminding parents about the upcoming science fair. He sighed.
Between job hunting and piecing together enough gig work to stay afloat he barely had time to help Lily with her project a fact that filled him with guilt. “Time to head back gang,” he called to the dogs after they’d burned off enough energy.
As they walked back toward the luxury high-rise where Amelia lived Jack wondered about the mysterious woman who could afford such expensive dogs and generous payment for their care. He pictured a wealthy retiree perhaps a widow with more money than she knew what to do with.
The dorman at the building nodded in recognition as Jack approached. “They’re looking good today Mr Harrington.”
“Thanks Carl. Still no sign of Miss Bennett recovering?” “I wouldn’t know,” Carl replied with practice discretion.
“But her assistant dropped off the key for you earlier,” said to just let yourself in feed them and leave as usual. Jack nodded taking the key and heading to the elevator.
The dogs seemed to know they were heading home sitting patiently as the elevator ascended to the fifth floor. When they reached apartment 512 Jack unlocked the door and was greeted by the now familiar elegant decor.
Minimalist but expensive looking furniture large windows overlooking the city and tasteful artwork on the walls. He unhooked the dog’s leashes and filled their water bowls then measured out their premium dog food into three ceramic dishes.
As he worked he heard a sound from deeper within the apartment. A cough followed by shuffling footsteps.
Jack froze. In 3 weeks of dog walking he’d never encountered the elusive Miss Bennett.
He straightened up unsure whether to announce himself or quietly leave. Before he could decide a woman appeared in the doorway.
She was in her early 30s with tousled auburn hair and pale skin. Despite being wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe and looking decidedly under the weather there was something striking about her.
Dark circles underlined her bright green eyes and her nose was reened. But Jack was surprised by how young she was.
“Oh,” she exclaimed startled. “You must be Jack.”
“Miss Bennett?” he asked unnecessarily. “Sorry I didn’t mean to intrude.”
“Carl gave me the key said to feed the dogs and let myself out.” “No no it’s fine,” she said then doubled over in a coughing fit.
The dogs immediately rushed to her side concerned. Jack instinctively stepped forward.
“Are you okay can I get you anything?” She waved him off.
“I’m fine. Just this stubborn flu that won’t go away. Honestly I thought I’d be better by now.”
She looked at him properly for the first time. “The dogs look happy. You must be doing something right.”
Jack smiled suddenly self-conscious about his rain soaked appearance. “They’re great dogs very well-trained.”
“Not always,” she laughed which triggered another coughing fit. “Sorry I should get back to bed. Thank you for taking care of them.”
“No problem I hope you feel better soon.” She nodded and retreated back into the apartment.
Jack finished up with the dogs giving each one a scratch behind the ears before letting himself out. As he rode the elevator down he found himself thinking about Amelia Bennett’s green eyes.
He wondered why such a young woman lived alone in such a large expensive apartment.
