Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 104

He would even say she had terrible taste.

He would barely glance at the food she had painstakingly prepared, and would complain to others that it was the same old stuff every year, completely uninspired.

Everyone else knew how much effort she put in, but only Zebulon would trample her affection under his feet.

"I'm sorry, I've been so busy with work that I completely forgot. But with Carter and the others helping you, and your family as well, you probably don't need me."

"I have to get to work, so I'll be going now."

Naomi's words made Zebulon's eyes widen.

"Naomi!"

He caught up to her, his face a mask of disbelief and accusation.

"Do you really mean that? How can you do this to me?"

"Have you forgotten how you were always involved in my birthday planning before?"

"What is wrong with you, Naomi? Are you still mad about all that stuff from before?"

As he spoke, Zebulon's own anger flared. "How many times do I have to tell you? If you're upset, just say so. I can apologize. We all grew up together, you know we like to joke around. Why can't you take a joke?"

"And even if it was all my fault, how can you choose work over my birthday?"

Naomi almost laughed at his ridiculous words.

He was the one who had hurt her time and time again, yet not only was he unrepentant, he was throwing around phrases like "Fine, it's my fault, okay?" and "What more do you want from me?" Naomi was truly and utterly exhausted.

"I'm really busy."

"I just started this job, I can't be asking for time off when I haven't even been there a month. How about this: you can tell me what you'd like, and I'll put some thought into getting you a nice gift."

Zebulon was stunned.

Naomi had never spoken like this before.

Naomi's little act was surprisingly effective; Zebulon was actually getting emotional over her.

This wouldn't do. She had to step up her game.

Once she was out of Zebulon's sight, Naomi let out a huge sigh of relief.

It used to be torture not seeing him, but now, dealing with him felt like a chore.

Sitting in the car, she pulled out her phone, casually found a new watch on a shopping app, placed the order, and put her phone away.

In previous years, he’d probably just given her gifts away anyway. This time, she'd just get him something appropriate for his status and save herself the trouble of agonizing over it.

Even though Naomi rushed, she was still late to the studio.

However, no one seemed to notice. They were all gathered together, not working.

Naomi walked over, puzzled. "What are you all talking about?"