“It’s a cat,” Jax told him. “Her name is Lucy and she’s very sweet. I thought you could see if she might be a good friend for you.”
“No cat.”
Jax pointed at him. “You loved Sam. You could love Lucy.”
Ramon gave her a little side-eye, then flew away.
“He’s just so excited,” Ryleigh said. “It’s touching to see.”
“Stop it! He’ll be fine. He just has to get used to the idea.”
She and Jax went upstairs to the apartment and into the spare bedroom. There were two twin beds for when the kids wanted to spend the night in the bookstore and a small three-quarter bath. They set up the litter box in the bathroom and put out water in the far corner of the bedroom to give as much space between the two as possible.
Ryleigh settled on the floor by the carrier. So far Lucy had been quiet. No doubt she was scared about what was happening.
“It’s okay, pretty girl,” she said softly. “This could be your new home. Or my sister’s attempt to control everything may have you back at the shelter in a week.”
“Stop that!” Jax told her. “You’re not helping.”
“That’s only true if Lucy speaks English, which I kind of doubt. Ready?”
Jax nodded.
Ryleigh opened the carrier. Lucy looked out, her blue eyes wide as she glanced around. She took a few tentative steps toward Ryleigh.
“Hi there, Lucy.” Ryleigh held out her hand to be sniffed. “How are you doing? It’s okay. You’re safe here. My sister’s an idiot, but you’re safe.”
“Hey!” Jax said loudly, which caused Lucy to bolt under the bed.
“Let’s use our indoor voice,” Ryleigh murmured. “You scared Lucy.”
“I’m sorry.” Jax peered under the bed. “Lucy, I’m sorry.”
“We should let her be,” Ryleigh said. “She needs to adjust and that’s going to take some time. You want help taking care of her?”
“I can do it.”
“I know, but she’s sweet and I wouldn’t mind. I could come by a couple of times this week after school and hang out with her. At least until Thursday.”
Jax’s mouth twisted. “That’s right. You’re off on your long weekend trip on Friday.”
They stared at each other. Ryleigh braced herself for Jax’s criticisms or complaints but her sister only nodded. “I’d appreciate any help with Lucy. The sooner she gets used to being here, the sooner she and Ramon can become besties.”
“Then I’ll be here tomorrow after school.”
“I’ll let Lucy know.”
Chapter Eight
Jax finished her drive through town. She’d stopped to make notes several times and while she knew that some of the guys on the list weren’t going to work for Ryleigh, at least she was making a start. She’d barely put her bag into her desk drawer when Cheryl walked in.
“I’m getting requests for after-hours engagement photos. I guess it’s the season or something. I wasn’t sure if it was okay to book them, what with the construction and all.”
Jax thought about the work being done. “I have no idea if Marcus needs to take it down or not.” She pulled out her phone. “Let me text him and ask.”
She shot off a quick text, asking about the book-created heart in the back of the store. Marcus replied with an equally quick,I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ll be right there.
She smiled at Cheryl. “He’s coming right over.”
