“I know I want to eat this chili, though. I worked hard on it. So let’s just eat, and go from there. One step at a time.” I grabbed a bowl and loaded it with some corn chips, cheese, sour cream, and chili, then handed it to him. He grabbed the bowl and sat at the table. I made my own, then joined him. He complimented my cooking and we chatted about what we would do tomorrow for the Gala, which started at 6 p.m. I promised to help him with a few things in the morning, but then I was going to head over to Rayne’s to get ready. I told Jake I would meet him at the Mote Marine Aquarium, then ride back with him after it was over.
“I know a good place you can get a tux, if you need one.” I doubted Jake had a tux lying around. If it wasn’t a Henley shirt, boots, or jeans, he probably didn’t ever wear it.
“I’ve got it covered.” He winked and got a beep from Derek that they needed him over by Koda’s enclosure. He looked at me like he wanted to stay and felt bad for leaving, but honestly, it was ok. I could play with the kitties, read, or pass out. I was sort of tired.
“Go, I’ll be here.” I stretched my arms over my head, and yawned. Maybe I was more tired than I thought.
“Be good. Don’t let Casey destroy the house too much.” He stood and put his bowl in the sink before heading out. I sat there and watched Binksie and Casey lying on one of the dog beds together. Two peas in a pod. I finished eating my chili, then went upstairs to shower and dress in my jammies, a simple shirt and shorts again. I spent the next couple hours watching the cats play together— it was wildly entertaining.
Jake came back in and put Casey in a large crate he had set up in the living room in the corner. It was her bedtime. She went peacefully into her quarters and I laid on the couch with Binksie and told them funny stories about my life.
Jake had once again carried me up to the bed some point in the night, because I woke up snuggled in his arms. Keeping my eyes closed, I simply listened to his even breaths, and felt his chest move with every inhale. It was peaceful enough that I fell back asleep.
When I finally woke back up again, the sun was shining brightly through the windows. Jake was missing from the bed, but Binksie had taken his spot.
“Where’d he go?” I asked the giant kitty. Binksie continued to snooze and didn’t even bother to acknowledge menthe clock on his side of the bed glowed 9 a.m. He let me sleep in? I told him I would help with stuff. On the other hand, I felt very refreshed and rested. Maybe I needed it.
