Could I do that with a psychology degree?
The sudden thought is a shocking one. Maybe I should’ve had it when I first picked my major, but that was never why I registered for college. I did it because I was good at it, because it was fun and gave me something to do with my time. I didn’t have apurposewith it.
Now I’m wondering if I should.
I’m shaken from my thoughts when another volunteer appears from the kennel and asks Nico, “I’m so sorry, would you mind shooting one more? I just had an idea that might really help the organization out.”
Nico doesn’t even hesitate. “Of course. What do you need?”
An excited grin appears on the girl’s face. “How are you with cats?”
Ten minutes later, I, along with three other volunteers, are trying desperately to smother our laughter as we watch Nico crawling with kittens. There’s one on his shoulder, one hanging from his shirt, two in his lap, and two in his hands.
“Ow! Motherfu—” He catches himself before we can let our laughter explode. With a glare at the offender, he gently extracts the kitten that just hooked onto his nipple. “We might need to hurry this up,” he mutters. “I think I may have just discovered I’m not a cat person.”
The girl who brought us takes two of the cats from Nico with a chuckle. “Maybe we just leave the one sleeping in your lap and give you one to cuddle.”
Nico sighs. “That might be a good idea. My nipples thank you.”
One of the volunteers takes the two orange kittens wreaking havoc on Nico’s clothes, another one trying to climb on his head, and I grab the black one trying to escape from his hold. Once he’s left with two kittens, he’s able to record a somewhat peaceful adoption video.
When the volunteers take the last two kittens from him to put them back in their crates, I take the opportunity to sidle up to Nico and murmur in a voice only he can hear, “So does this mean pussy doesn’t like you?”
His eyes widen as he turns to me. I’m trying to bite down on my smile, but I can feel that I’m failing. For a moment, he only stares at me.
“I’m still trying to figure that out,” he finally says.
It’s so obviously aimed at me that I duck my head with a smile and shift away.
I’m trying to figure it out, too.
FOURTEEN
NICO
By the time the cats are all put away, we’ve officially reached the end of our volunteer obligations. And as we walk back to the front desk area, I start to sweat.
Because I’m running out of time to ask Scarlett—her name is Scarlett—on a date.
This is the best opening I could ever hope for. Accidentally running into her, in public, in a setting that has nothing to do with her job or our previous interactions…it’s the best chance I have. Especially now that a dozen animals have softened her.
Especially knowing she trusts me enough to give me her real name.
I can’t believe she gave me her real name.
When we reach the front desk, I’ve reached a state offuck it. I’m just going to ask her.
But just as I open my mouth, a girl walks through the front door who immediately captures everyone’s attention.
It’s not just the combat boots, all-black clothes, or fishnets showing through ripped pants—it’s theI don’t give a fuckattitude emanating from her. Which triples when she sees mestaring, digs her hands into her sweatshirt pockets as she looks me up and down, and snaps, “Can I help you?”
My gaze shoots to the ceiling. “What? No, I’m good.”
I hear a snicker beside me.
The girl trains her attention on the front desk staff, popping a large bubble with her gum. “I’m here to pick up a cat.”
“Uh…okay. Any particular type of cat?”
