“Then I would take it.”
“Look at the pictures first. You need to like it.”
“Marcus, I appreciate your concern but it’s a sink and a few drawers. I don’t need to be emotionally committed.”
“I’ll bring by pictures.”
“You’re very thorough.”
“I try to be.”
Just then there was a flutter of wings as Ramon flew over. Jax watched him pointedly ignore her and settle on Marcus’s outstretched hand before walking up to his shoulder.
“Mr. Darcy,” the parrot said loudly as he didn’t look at her.
She tried to ignore the stab of pain. Marcus shook his head.
“I’m Marcus.”
“Mr. Darcy.”
Jax told herself she wasn’t going to cry. “He likes you,” she said quietly. “It’s a big deal that he calls you Mr. Darcy. It’s a thing.”
She looked at her bird. “I am sorry. I wish you wouldn’t try to hurt me, but I get it.”
He turned to her. “May the odds ever be in your favor.”
“You know, nearly everyone died inHunger Games.”
Ramon snorted, then flew away. Marcus watched him go.
“So it’s really bad between the two of you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault. I messed up. So now I have to deal.”
“If I can help,” he began.
She shook her head. “This is on me. Hopefully, with time, he’ll forgive me.” She didn’t want to think what would happen if he didn’t.
Chapter Eleven
“Ramon doesn’t hate you,” Ryleigh said firmly. “You’ve been his person for nearly thirty years. He’s upset, but he’ll get over it.”
Jax, huddled in her office chair, shook her head. “He’s so upset and I can’t blame him. He could have been killed. If she’d gotten ahold of him, she could have maimed him for life. Everyone said not to get a cat, but I didn’t listen. I thought I knew everything.”
Ryleigh reached across her sister’s desk and grabbed her hands. “Stop,” she said softly. “Beating yourself up doesn’t fix anything.”
“But I deserve it.”
“You did what you did out of a full and loving heart. You would never purposefully put Ramon in danger. You love him and he loves you.”
“Not today.”
“Today was a mistake. One you won’t repeat.”
Jax drew back and wiped her eyes. “I feel sick to my stomach.” She sniffed. “Thanks for coming by.”
“Always.”
