Me: Why are you looking at me so reproachfully?
Nell: These early starts are exhausting.
Me: I’ve got my Wednesday Writers Workshop this morning, so I’m up early to get everything done in time.
Nell: Why do we have to be up, too?
Me: You’re not exactly up, Nell. You’re all asleep under the kitchen table.
Nell: We might appear to be asleep, but I can assure you we’re on full alert.
Me: The puppies are snoring.
Nell: Nonsense. They’re just resting their eyes.
Me: You know you claim not to like cuddles?
Nell: I don’t.
Me: It certainly looks like you’re cuddling up to Dave.
Nell: It’s a cold morning. I’m merely enjoying the warmth of David’s coat.
Me: It’s a snuggle.
Nell: I’m a senior Labrador. I feel the cold.
Me: Well, it’s adorable. Why are you on alert?
Nell: The Cuddle Nells might arrive at any moment.
Me: I suppose they might. I hadn’t thought of that.
Nell: Apparently they want a photo of me with the Cuddle Nell.
Me: I think they want a photo of us both with her for the press release.
Nell: Press release?
Me: Yes
Nell: Are we going to be front page news in the Daily Growl?
Me: I’m not sure if we’ll make the front page, but we might get a mention.
Nell: A mention?
Me: Yes.
Nell: I’m worth more than a mention.
Me: I completely agree, but unfortunately newspapers have to cover the news.
Nell: David was on the front page.
Me: He’s the Mayor of Kingsbridge.
Nell: Canterbury Bears don’t just choose anyone, you know.
Me: That’s true.
Nell: If our agent calls, tell them our news.
Me: We haven’t got an agent yet, or the front page.
Nell: You need to Think Big.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
