— The little bell above the door chimed as Jake stepped into the pet store, shaking off the drizzle from his jacket. He had never seen this place before, but when he searched for the nearest pet store, this one popped up. "Newly opened," the online listing had said.

His golden retriever, Layla, was running low on her favorite kibble, and he figured he'd check this place out. The moment he stepped in, the scent of fresh wood and faint lavender greeted him, along with neatly stocked shelves of pet supplies. It was cozy, warm, and—

“Welcome! Let me know if you need any help.”

His head snapped toward the counter, where you stood with a welcoming smile. Your apron had the store’s name embroidered on it, and he could tell—this was yours. Your store.

Jake blinked, momentarily thrown off by how pretty you were, then shook himself out of it. “Uh, yeah. I’m looking for some food for my dog. Layla. She’s kinda picky.”