She rattled off the treatment for that and the price. Really, at that moment, she could’ve told me anything. Cooper was holding my hand. And not for our parents’ benefit.
He didn’t stop until I had to give the receptionist my credit card. She assured me they would call tomorrow with an update, and then we left the office—not holding hands anymore, even though I wanted to reach over and grab his again.
As we walked to his car, he glanced at my dress. Once chic, now eek. “You probably want to go home and change.”
“Yes.” Most of the grass stains had come out, but traces of blood were still evident.
“Is it ruined?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure what happens to dry-clean-only dresses when you douse them in hand soap and water.”
He smirked. “I guess one of the mysteries of your world will be answered soon.”
I plucked at my skirt like it was something that needed to be revived. “The dry cleaners will think I was involved in a crime scene.”
“That would be my first assumption.” After another moment, Cooper shook his head and laughed.
“What?” I asked, unsure what he found funny.
“You said a homecoming date should be memorable and expensive. I think tonight accomplished that.”
24
Cooper
I parked in front of Madeline’s house and turned off the car. “Do you want me to take you back to the dance after you change?” I hoped she didn’t but felt obligated to ask.
She looked down at her still-damp dress. “No. There’s no saving this night. I smell like a wet cat.”
I leaned over and sniffed her. “Is that what a wet cat smells like? Sort of like a mixture of perfume and antiseptic vet soap?”
She playfully smacked me. “Do you want to go back to the dance?”
“Nah, I don’t want to see Dahlia or explain to people why we aren’t together.”
Madeline snorted like I ought to know better. “You won’t have to explain anything because by now, she’s told her version to everyone who’ll listen. What you need is to mitigate the fallout. We should’ve thought to take pictures of Mascot. I mean, saving an injured animal should win the jury’s sympathy.”
I cocked my head. “Are you planning on being a lawyer, or are you already one?”
“I’m just the daughter of one who’s been forced to listen to cases over dinner all her life. We can take pictures with Mascot tomorrow when I drop him off at your house. What could be more moving than a kitty in a cast?”
A lot of things. “Speaking of pathetic cats, I won’t mentionMascot to my mother until you show up with him. She’ll have a harder time saying no if you’re standing on the doorstep carrying him.”
Madeline nodded. “I’ll buy some food and a litter box before I bring him over. That way you won’t have to get anything.”
I knew she was trying to be nice, but I heard what she didn’t say. You’re not wealthy, so I don’t want to burden you with making purchases.
“I can buy the cat food and litter box.”
Madeline tilted her head. “Wouldn’t that sort of be a giveaway to your mom if you did?”
Good point, good point. “Yeah, I guess so.” Somehow it still bothered me that she was paying for it. “Do you need help with the vet bill?”
Madeline put her hand on my knee. “That’s sweet of you to offer, but you weren’t the one who hit him. It’s not your responsibility.”
The feel of her hand on my knee distracted me for several moments until she lifted it. She glanced at her house. “Do you want to come inside? We could watch a movie. I feel bad for ruining your night.”
“Sure.” I didn’t want the night to be over yet. And we should talk about things, about our parents. About us.
