I freeze, remembering that said “higher-ups” are my uncles and my grandfather. “Uh, yeah, I’m sure that could be arranged after the holidays. I’ll set something up in the New Year.”
Abby nods, seemingly satisfied. I feel a twinge of guilt for not being fully honest, but I push it aside. That’s a conversation for another day, not our second official date.
As we finish our cocoas, I gather my courage. “So, on New Year’s Eve, would you and Powerfluff mind staying the night at my grandparents’ house? There’s plenty of room, and that way, we don’t have to worry about driving home late.”
“Are they sure about my cat coming?”
“Yes, both of you are expected.” It’s all I can do not to hold my breath.
“Okay.”
My relief is palpable. “Great.”
And it will be great, though based on what Grandma said, she assumes Abby and I will share a bedroom. We have already at her parents’ house. I don’t know if sleeping together on her count counts since that wasn’t in her bedroom, but one night was under duress and the other due to tiredness. But I told Grandma that two rooms would be best with Powerfluff, and even though Grandma sounded disappointed, she agreed.
* * *
Before I know it, New Year’s Eve has arrived. “Can you believe it’s the last day in December?”
Abby shakes her head. “No, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the new year.”
I park next to Lizzy’s car at my grandparents’ house. “Me, too.”
Powerfluff meows from the back seat as if to let her opinion be known. That cat has such an attitude I’m relieved she tolerates me.
This time the drive was much more comfortable than our first trip to her family’s house. We were only coworkers then, practically strangers. So much has changed since then.
We step out of the car, the cold air stinging my lungs. I open the passenger door and carefully lift Powerfluff’s carrier, her disgruntled meows insistent.
As we approach the front door, it swings open, revealing Grandma’s beaming face. “Oh, you’re here! Come in, come in.”
The house is still decorated for Christmas. None of the decorations come down until after Epiphany, but black-and-gold hats and noisemakers sit on a table. There’s also a stack of board games and a karaoke machine.
I set Powerfluff’s carrier on the floor, and she paws at the door, eager to explore her new surroundings.
“John, can you set these platters on the coffee table?” Grandma calls from the kitchen, emerging with an array of colorful appetizers.
I nod, carefully arranging the snacks while Abby helps Grandma with the remaining dishes. The spinach dip, Grandma’s specialty, takes center stage, its aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread.
As I finish, Abby checks her phone and sighs.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
She looks up. “My mom texted me. She’s not feeling well, and my sister’s stuck at work.”
I try to ignore my disappointment, but I understand. That’s her family, even if they treat her like an outsider. “Do you want to leave?”
“Not really. Does that make me a bad person?”
“No, it makes you human.”
Gratitude shines in her eyes. “Thanks. I want to stay.”
Amidst the commotion, I turn my attention to Powerfluff, who is still meowing indignantly in her carrier. As I let her out,all I feel is happiness. I’m surrounded by the warmth of family, both human and feline.
“Who’s this little princess?” Grandpa exclaims, scooping Powerfluff up. She purrs contentedly, seemingly at home in the warm, festive atmosphere. I’m surprised given how she hides at Abby’s parents’ house.
As more relatives arrive, Powerfluff makes her rounds, accepting pets and treats like the feline royalty she is. She settles on the back of Grandma’s armchair with regal satisfaction.
