That’s kind of the idea.“Not to worry, I’ll tell you who did it.”
A few minutes later, she’s snoring away when my phone buzzes.
Text from Vincent:Managed to get owner of Pet Life to open shop. Stand by for photos of possible options.
Putting my phone on silent, I watch as the photos start coming. Holding the phone so Tessa won’t be able to see it should she wake up, I scroll through them, my heart pounding in my chest. Bollocks. None of them look quite right, and by the time I’ve looked at all the choices, I’ve completely forgotten what Chester looked like.
Me:Damn. They all look the same to me.
Vincent:Is that really a bad thing?
Me:Good point. Take number three.
Vincent:I’ll be there in twenty-five minutes.
Me:You’re a life saver! Text me when you get here. I’ll meet you in the hall outside my apartment.
Twenty minutes later, the show’s over. As soon as the closing credits start, Tessa wakes up. “Did I miss the end?”
“Afraid so. The butler did it.”
“I don’t remember a butler...” She sits up and yawns. “Sorry. I just cannot stay awake these days.”
“Perfectly understandable. You’re making two people, so that’s bound to tire you out.” I stand and hold out my hand. “Here, I’ll help you to bed.”
“You’re so good to me.” Tessa accepts my hand, and we start for the bedroom when my phone buzzes.
“Oh, is that your work thing?” Tessa stops walking.
“Yes, most likely.”
“Just kiss me goodnight here. I don’t want to hold you up.”
I lower my face to meet hers, feeling like a total cad as I bid her a good sleep. I then wait for her to shut the door to our bedroom before rushing to the front door. When I open it, I don’t see anyone, so I go out into the hall, closing the door behind me as quietly as possible.
“Vincent?” I whisper. “Are you here?”
He steps out from behind a suit of armor, holding the bag in his right hand. The expression on his face is the closest thing I’ve ever seen to disgust from him.
“I know. You don’t have to say a word. It’s completely the wrong thing to do, and I feel just awful.”
Vincent hands me the bag and pivots on his heel, then walks away without a word.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “See you tomorrow.”
He keeps right on going, waving one hand in the air, and if I’m not mistaken, his middle finger may be higher than his others.
Three minutes later, Chester the Second is exploring in his bowl, the Pet Life bag is deposited in the same garbage bin as the spoon, and I feel like a total shit. I watch him swim around for a few minutes, then, confident he’ll be all right in his new home, I shut off the light and go to bed.
***
THE NEXT MORNING WHENI get back from my workout, Tessa is standing in front of the bowl with a confused look on her face. “Arthur, when’s the last time Troy changed Chester’s water?”
“Not sure, really. Is he overdue for a good cleaning?”
“No. It looks clean. I don’t want to accuse Troy of anything, but something has definitely happened to Chester.”
“What do you mean? He looks fine to me.” I walk over and squint.
