“No!” Jax screamed as the cat leaped toward the parrot, her body more spring than mammal. Ramon was busy giving Jax stink eye, so didn’t notice at first and barely managed to jump out of the way. He screeched and flew up to the top of a bookcase. Lucy scrambled after him, making a low “I’m going to kill you and eat you on a taco” sound in the back of her throat. Jax lunged, Ramon screamed and Lucy jumped to the top of the bookshelf in a burst of speed and strength that sent Jax’s heart into her throat.
Jax ran to the door and held it open. “Go,” she screamed at her bird. “Go, Ramon. Hurry.”
He flew toward the door and out to safety. She slammed the door shut behind him. Lucy stayed on the top of the bookshelf, glancing around, as if wondering where lunch had gone. Her tail continued to flick back and forth, her eyes darted from side to side.
“He’s gone,” Jax said, pressing a hand to her chest as she struggled to catch her breath. “And while we’re on the subject of Ramon, what the hell? I got you to be his friend. Not kill him.”
Lucy offered her a look of disdain.
“Yes, I know you’re a cat, but I thought you were different. I thought you were nice.”
Lucy jumped to the sofa, then the floor. She walked back toward the bedroom, no doubt to resume her nap—all the while dreaming about the large African gray parrot she nearly killed. Which left Jax with two problems. First, what was she going to do with Lucy, and second, how was she ever going to get Ramon to forgive her?
Jax found Cheryl shelving cookbooks in what had been the old kitchen. They’d been selling a lot lately, especially those related to summer barbecues and picnics. Normally Jax liked to take a minute to enjoy the ambiance of the old-fashioned cast-iron stove and the displays of kitchen gadgets, candles and spices, but she was still having trouble catching her breath.
Her newest employee took one look at her, then said, “I know whatever it is, it’s bad, so tell me quick and then we’ll deal.”
“There’s no dealing, unless you want to adopt a cat. I tried to introduce Lucy to Ramon.”
The older woman sighed. “What did you expect? She’s a cat.”
Jax tried not to wince as guilt flooded her. “She could have been fine with him. Sam was.”
“I never met Sam, but he sounds like an extraordinary animal. Lucy’s more in the normal band. She’s a predator and Ramon is prey. How bad was it?”
“She practically scaled a bookcase to get to him. It was awful and it’s all my fault.”
Cheryl patted her arm. “Yes, it is, but your heart was in the right place.”
“You’re not being comforting.”
“I doubt Ramon thinks you deserve comfort.”
“Ouch.”
“I’m sorry but it’s the truth. You need to let the cat thing go. He doesn’t want one and it’s not fair to keep terrorizing him.”
Jax flinched. Cheryl certainly had a way with words. “So no on wanting a cat?”
“Correct. The shelter will take her back. Other than her very natural predatory instincts, Lucy’s a very sweet girl. I’m sure she’ll be adopted quickly.”
Jax hated the idea of having to return the cat. “I’ll ask around, but if no one will take her, then I guess she has to be returned.” She briefly thought about talking to Harris about moving Lucy to the house. The kids would love having a pet, but she was concerned about her ex being willing to take responsibility for a cat.
“I’m going to try to make up with Ramon,” she said.
“Good luck with that.”
Jax nodded then went in search of her parrot. She found him in the far corner of the children’s section, up high on a shelf. When he saw her, he deliberately turned his back on her.
She walked over and stood below him. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. You said no and I didn’t listen. That was disrespectful and violated all the rules of our relationship. I apologize and want you to know how much I regret what happened.”
She paused, hoping he would at least glance at her, but he didn’t move a feather.
“Ramon, please. I love you and I was only trying to help. But I get it now. No more cats. Not ever.”
She thought about going to get a treat but doubted he would take it from her. As far as he was concerned, she’d broken every tenet of their relationship. Worse—she’d put him in physical danger. If Lucy had caught him, she could have easily killed him. Yes, he seemed large but he was barely a pound.
Tears burned. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, her voice small and pleading. “Ramon, I’m so sorry.”
