You can trust me.I convey it with my eyes. As if she can read my mind, she steps into my lap and curls up before licking her paw.
“What a good Zucchini.”
“Seriously, Zucchini, really?” Noah snorts. “I can’t believe someone named her that.”
It’s like the cat senses his bitterness when he drops down to try and say hi. She hisses at him immediately.
“She apparently has good taste in men because she doesn’t like you.”
“Hey. It’s not my fault the cat is a twatopotamus.”
She moves away from me and closer toward Noah, sniffing his outstretched hand.
“Well, apparently she doesn’t mind it when I call her that.”
The tiny ball of fur burrows into his hand.
“If you gave my cat a dumb nickname…”
Noah smiles at her, ignoring me. “Maybe we should adopt a cat, Graham.”
“Do you want a cat? I thought we were dog people,” he asks.
“You don’t have a dog,” I clarify, scratching Zucchini behind the ears, who hasn’t moved far. Apparently she is a daddy’s girl.
“Well, maybe it’s because we need a cat instead,” Noah points out.
“Who’s going to watch this hypothetical cat?”
I’m not looking at them as I lift Zucchini back into my arms. She curls up as I continue petting her. I can’t help but think of telling Quinn about this.
Sure, it might have been her suggestion, but really, after hanging out with this girl for a few minutes, I see the appeal. Graham and Noah are arguing about if they should get a cat or dog and I tune them out.
They have each other.
Me? I have someone on the other end of a phone that is too nervous to meet, yet has convinced me I’m lonely and need a cat.
Who knew someone I’ve never met could be right about me?
I needed a fucking cat.
“So, what do you think?” Ashley asks, coming back into the room.
“I’ll take her.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll get a copy of the adoption contract, and since you were already approved, you can take her home today if you’re ready.” Her eyes fill with gratitude and excitement.
“I have a carrier in my car. I’m all set.”
“Even better.”
“I think we know what Jasper will be like as a dad,” Noah says.
“Better than you two.” I smile as Zucchini licks my hand again. Seriously, how have I not gotten a cat before now? This is the cutest thing ever.
“Twatopotamus is going to have you wrapped around her little finger,” Noah tells me.
“Paw,” I correct. “And ifZucchiniwants something, she’ll get it.”
