“Leona, I’m not in the mood for this ... a KITTEN!”
Yes, I shout, and of course, the bile rises in my throat.
“Shoot.” Holding a hand over my mouth, I make a beeline for the bathroom.
While hunched over the porcelain god, I hear Leona calling to Gabby. Seconds later, her footsteps scurry past the bathroom.
Quickly, I wipe my mouth on the back of my hand, flush, gargle with mouthwash, and wash my hands. As I rush out of the bathroom toward the living area, I catch a glance of the Hello Kitty shower curtain—and try not to think of Reid.
“Mom!” Gabby holds an orange kitten. She’s already smitten, looking like me when I think about my very own catnip, Reid.
“Leona, I love her.” She’s snuggling the poor kitten to death.
“How do you feel, honey?” I ask, ignoring the fact we have another mouth to feed.
“So much better.”
“Good. Why don’t you put the kitten away and you can take a bath?”
“I’m going to make you some soup, Gabbs. You need strength,” Leona says, inviting herself to stay and care for us.
I try hard not to sigh, but I do.
“Oh, keep your sighs to yourself, Andi. You don’t have to be Super Woman. By the way, where’s Reid?”
“Sick.”
Gabby continues to nuzzle the kitten and shouts, “I’m naming her Reese’s Cup because she’s orange like the wrapper, and also for Reid, but she’s a girl.”
“Lord, what is happening to my life,” I say aloud.
“Mom, what did I do?”
“Nothing, sweetie.” I collect myself. “Reese’s is a cute name, but put her away and let’s take a bath. Leona, do you happen to have a litter box?”
“Of course. My son told me everything to get and it’s at my place. After I put some soup on, I’ll get it.”
“I’ll help you.”
“Nonsense. You’re sick.”
“I’m fine.”
Right then, my cell phone buzzes in my robe pocket. I look at the screen and smile as I answer the call. “Hey.”
“Hey, how ya doing?” Reid asks.
“I’ve been better. I’m so sorry we got you sick.”
I look at Leona, who ushers Gabby to the bathroom and tells her she’ll give her a bath. Reese’s is tucked inside the carrier, meowing as they carry her to the bathroom with them.
“Listen, I’m really sorry, Reid.”
“You said that already.”
“Well, it probably needs to be said eighteen million times. Bet you think the whole dating-a-single-mom thing isn’t as much fun as it’s chalked up to be. Or you will soon.”
“I didn’t say that. I feel bad I rushed out and left you with a mess to clean up.”
