Now I look like a creep.
“I honestly don’t know why she did that,” I say, lifting my hands in surrender. “I’ve never met her before, but I’ve heard of her. I’m Ryland, by the way.”
“I’m Maeve. And the person that ran after Blair is Piper.” She furrows her brow. “I’m not sure how long they’ll both be gone, but I can definitely help you find a cat. I do have to ask you some questions, though.”
“Sure.”
My main motive coming here today was to finally see Blair and figure out what all the fuss was about—but also, itistime for our home to have a pet. There’s no reason for our packhouse to be so empty when we have the space and opportunity to offer a safe space for an animal.
Also, a cat could be a calming presence for Rowan.
We all came to the conclusion a while ago that we should get a pet, and today I’m taking the initiative.
We didn’t all necessarilydecideon a cat, but I know if I brought one home, everyone would become agreeable.
And if they aren’t, that’s too bad, because there’s already one rolling around on my sneakers, giving me a view of a grey striped belly.
“Oh, hey!” Maeve exclaims. “Alvin likes you! That’s a great sign.”
I crouch down to gently pet the grey tabby cat, stroking under its chin. A rumble of a purr vibrates in his throat as he slowly blinks at me, content.
At least one of us is calm.
I’m trying not to hop over the front desk and run to find Blair. Her scent still lingers in the air, floral and sweet and breathtaking, and it’s difficult to keep my composure.
But Maeve already has her suspicions about why Blair is acting so weird, and I can’t imagine how awkward it would be for me to outright say that her coworker is my scent match.
So, I somehow have to play it cool and not act like I’m about to claw through the drywall to get to Blair.
“So, like I said, we always ask a couple of questions to our potential adopters,” Maeve says when I stand back up, smiling softly. “The first and most important one.Whydo you want a cat?”
“What?”
“Why do you want a cat?” she repeats.
“I mean, why does anyone want a pet?” I look at her, confused, and her smile falls.
“No. Why do you, specifically, want a cat? Why not a dog? Or an iguana?”
“Or an iguana?” I repeat. “Why do I want a cat over aniguana?”
I’ve never been asked that type of question before, but I’ve also never been to a cat rescue.
Maybe this is normal.
Or maybe, I blacked out after finding my scent match and am hallucinating having a wild conversation with Blair’s coworker.
“Okay, here’s an example answer,” Maeve chirps, pointing to herself. “Iprefer cats because of their demeanor and temperament. I would want a cat because they’re independent enough to be left alone for hours on end while I work but still offer companionship and cuddles.”
I nod. “What you said. All of that. Because of all of that.”
She narrows her eyes. “That’s not an answer.”
I’m hallucinating, for sure.
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “I am looking for a cat because my pack and I could use the companionship. Like you said, cats are independent enough to not need constant interaction but would make good company when they feel like it. Is that enough?”
That’s all I’ve got, really. I want a cat. I plan on taking care of the cat. If any vet bills come up, my pack and I will pay them, as well.
