Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 143

It was just a school function, but who didn't want to stand out?

On the way, Patricia chattered nonstop, gossiping about everything from the dramatic romance between the campus heartthrob and the department beauty to the school dean who got divorced, remarried, and then divorced again after finding out he'd been cheated on.

Naomi listened distractedly, murmuring every now and then to show she was paying attention.

In contrast to Naomi’s lack of interest, their driver was completely engrossed.

When they got out of the car, he looked like he wanted to hear more.

“Your university sounds so interesting! I’m going home to tell my son he has to work hard and get into your school!”

Seeing the horrified look on Patricia's face, Naomi finally burst out laughing.

“You think it’s funny to see me make a fool of myself?”

Patricia couldn't believe her gossip session had turned into an impromptu ad for the university. Her expression was priceless.

Naomi patted her hand. “Don’t worry, no one will ever know you were the one who spread all those stories.”

“Thanks, I don’t feel comforted at all.”

Realizing she'd been a bit mean, Naomi linked her arm through Patricia’s and said sweetly, “How about this? I’ll pay for whatever dress you pick out later. Consider it my apology, okay?”

Patricia knew Naomi wasn't short on cash and, being the only one who knew her friend was now financially independent, she was determined to make her pay up.

“Alright, alright! I finally get to leech off my rich friend! Let’s go, I’ve had my eye on a dress for a while now. I hope it’s still there!”

The two girls linked hands and headed straight for a high-end boutique.

Just as they disappeared, Steven and Jacob, who were coming up the stairs, stopped in their tracks. They both rubbed their eyes in unison.

“Was that Naomi?”

Jacob asked, staring in the direction Naomi had gone.

“Looked like her.”

“Steven, you have to stand up for me,” Jacob whined, clinging to Steven like a giant limpet.

Steven expressionlessly peeled him off, ignoring the drama. He turned to Naomi and asked what she was doing there.

“My school is having a mixer this afternoon. I told you guys about it.”

Steven remembered. “That’s a shame.”

Naomi paused. “Why?”

Jacob blurted out, “It’s the boss! He’s coming to the studio this afternoon and said he's bringing us snacks.”

With a hint of a smile, Steven looked at Naomi. “You were asking when he’d be coming in, so I specifically asked him. He said he’d be there this afternoon.”

“You have the worst luck, Naomi. Of all the times for a schedule conflict,” Jacob added, winking as if to say, We set up the perfect chance for you, but you missed it.

Naomi, already a bit slow on the uptake, was now too disappointed about missing Lennon to catch Jacob’s hint.