After a long, pitiful meow, I hear paws brushing against the door. She really wants something, I guess. Even though she’s not even my cat, I’m not the kind of monster to leave a kitty crying. I drag myself out of bed and open the door. The little black cat chirps at me.
“What do you want, girl?” I ask, lowering my hand for her to rub up against it.
She just meows again.
“You should have plenty of food.” I paid enough for one of the fancy automatic feeders.
Waffle just cocks her head like,wanna bet?I groan.
“You’re lucky I like you enough to investigate, you little feline menace,” I tell her.
She just trots alongside me to the kitchen, her tail in the air proclaiming that she’s pleased I’m taking her meowing seriously. Surprisingly, she’s right—the automatic feeder is empty, and the water in her bowl is low. I frown.
“Huh. I guess you were right.”
I refill Waffle’s food and water while she gloats. Then I check the litterbox. It hasn’t been cleaned, which is weird. Pippa usually cleans it in the morning before she leaves for work, and I didn’t wake up untilwellafter that. I guess she could have forgotten—we were both up late last night.
But her bag and her keys are still on the table in the front entryway.
I fiddle with my hair, wondering if I should go check on her. I don’t think she’d want me to—but it’s weird, her not checking on Waffle. She couldn’t have even gone to the gym without her key card, so she would have brought her stuff.
As quietly as I can, I stroll down the hallway toward her room. The door’s closed, and when I press my ear against it, I don’t hear anything. Maybe she’s sleeping in—or maybe something’s wrong.
My hand drops to the doorknob. I want to open it and see with my own eyes that she’s okay. But how can I? She told me she wanted space, and I need to honor that. Especially after last night, when I practically begged her to let me fuck her. God, how weak and pathetic am I? I can’t even last a day without her touching me, apparently.
So instead of opening the door, I go clean Waffle’s litter box. Then, I make myself coffee and an omelet with cinnamon and chives. That’s a great flavor combo, no matter what Nate and Beau say. While I eat, I check the group chat, which is an instant downer.
James
Pippa ditched her date to talk to Ryan. They’ve been hooking up since after she moved in, but they broke up.
I underestimated James, the merciless asshole. I’m never trusting him with a secret ever again.
Beau
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
Your stepsister??
Luke
That’s why you didn’t want me to date her!!!
Beau
Ryan, dude, this is insane, even for you. We all thought you hated her.
Nate
Congratulations.
Even I do a double take when I read Nate’s message. I can’t imagine the face the other guys made.
Luke
…and the award for underreaction of the year goes to Nate.
Nate
