Me: Awww, you still love me even when I’m being a raging bitch.
Rhett: Let’s hope Gregory takes after his dad.
Me: Ew. We are not naming our son Gregory. Buck will be a little psycho like his momma. Best prepare yourself now.
Rhett: Buck is a horrible name, Abs.
Me: It’s growing on you, though. Am I right?
He sends me some middle finger emojis that make me laugh. Maybe things won’t be so bad after all.
I peek out the glass of the back sliding door, watching the people walk around the pond. There’re two women—also moms—who are on their second lap. The blonde one pushes a stroller, and the tiny brunette rubs her swollen belly. I ache to go out and meet them, but I’m not brave enough. They’re dressed nicely and clearly put together. I’m nauseous, wearing the same clothes from yesterday, and my hair needs washing.
A flash of color darts across my back patio. When I lock in on the fact it’s a cat, I nearly shriek with delight. I open the door and then call to it.
“Come here, cutie pie.”
The cat stops, meows, and then trots over to me. I scoop it up and bury my face in its fur. Dad never let me get any catsgrowing up. He said they pissed on furniture, and their litter boxes were disgusting. I always swore I’d be the best cat owner, but it was never convincing enough. The answer was always no.
This cat isn’t wearing a collar. It makes me wonder if it’s alone like me. Seconds later, another cat shows up, this one gray, and circles my legs. I scoop this one up too and they both purr almost in unison.
The blonde lady leaves her stroller with the brunette and walks over to me. My heart sinks. These are obviously her cats or she knows the owner.
“That’s Rogue,” she says, pointing to the orange one. “The gray one is Runaway.”
“They’re yours?”
She laughs. “God no. We have enough chaos at our house to be adding more mouths to feed.”
“Strays?” I ask hopefully.
“They actually belong to Maggie, my neighbor, but they hate it there.”
“Maybe I could look after them for her,” I suggest, taking time to kiss each one of their heads.
“I think they’d like that.” She grins at me. “I’m Casey. My best friend over there is Clara. You’re new around here.”
“Abby,” I say, nodding.
“Rhett’s girlfriend?”
Thankfully, the baby starts crying, so it saves me from having to lie.
“Don’t be a stranger, Abby,” Casey says. “Next time we go to Clara’s for sweet treats, I’ll pop over and invite you.”
I thank her and then step inside with Rogue and Runaway. When I set them down, they both go exploring in different directions. The space doesn’t feel so lonely now. I shoot Rhett a text.
Me: I got two cats. At least until the old lady asks for them back. Can you bring supplies?
Rhett: Cats?? I didn’t pay a pet deposit.
Me: They’ll keep me company when you’re not here. Please, Daddy.
He sends me more middle finger emojis.
Rhett: Fine. But leave the litter changing to me. I read it’s bad for pregnant women.
My heart squeezes inside my chest.
