It’s a little late for me to return the Valentine’s Day sentiment, but as it turns out, I’m right on time for National Cat Day! So, I hope you have an amazing Cat Day, and spend it celebrating the felines that make this day what it is.
I also just want to admit that sending snail mail is kind of exciting. Also, since it is National Cat Day, I included a gift that I felt would be fitting for this celebration. I hope you enjoy.
Sincerely,
Brittany
P.S. How are things going for you? I heard that Parker and Amy are finally official. I’m happy for them. Who would’ve thought my brother could actually find love?
I close the card, chuckling to myself as I set it on my counter. I then turn to the package of red paper, and tear into it. My chuckle morphs into a full-blown laugh as I uncover a Siamese Cat stuffed animal, complete with a collar and tag. I lean in and flip the name tag.
Polly
“Well, welcome home, Polly,” I say to the fake cat, petting her on the head. Honestly, I’m not a fan of cats, but I suppose a fake one isn’t so bad. I drum my fingers on the granite for a few moments, pondering over what I could do for Brittany in return.
I mean, she just sent me a cat in the mail. There’s no way I can’t not return the gesture. I’ve never had a pen pal of sorts before, but I do know one thing is for sure…
I’m going to ensure that it’sepic.
Chapter Fifteen
Brittany
This should be good enough.
I stare down into my open bag, chewing on my bottom lip as I mentally go through what I’ve packed for the trip to Florida. I think I have everything, but the bathing suits I shoved in the corner? Yeah, I’m not sure if they still fit. I haven’t been keeping up with my workout routine, and I wonder if the time off has caused my butt to grow…
Ugh. Why did we have to go to the beach?I brush my hair out of my face, and then let out a big sigh. I know I should be more excited about it, but for some reason the idea of meeting all of Harlee’s lifelong friends is a reminder that I don’t really have any.
Most of my friends moved out of the city, even the ones I had in law school. They’re the kind of people I catch up with every so often, and we chat on occasion, but for the most part, I live my life with everyone at arm’s length.
The thought makes me frown.
All the more reason to make some new ones.
I let out a sigh then zip up my bag. I drop the suitcase to the floor and pull up on the handle, rolling it toward the doorway of my bedroom.
I pause at the full-length mirror, taking in my black leggings and white graphic T-shirt. It has some sort of flower on it, and it matches the scrunchy holding up my blonde locks in a ponytail. I’m going for casual on this trip, and hoping everyone else is, too.
My sneakers squeak across the floor as I roll my bag to the kitchen, where I grab my backpack with my purse in it. I’ve tried to pack as light as possible—just a personal item and carry-on. Despite being a girl who likes to look nice, I’m kind of a minimalist, too.
I fling my backpack over my shoulder and slip out of the apartment with my carry-on in tow, ensuring the door locks behind me. A wave of nerves floods my system, but I let it be, amping myself up.
You’re going to make new friends. This is exciting. This is good!
I continue my inner pep talk as I make it to the ground floor and step off the elevator. I already know that Harlee is waiting for me outside in the Uber, I just need to get with the program and get to her. I step out and head straight for the doors.
“Hey, wait! Excuse me!” a voice calls from somewhere behind me. At first, I don’t think they’re talking to me, so I keep walking. “Brittany Harris?”
But now, I’m stopping.
“Yes?” I turn around to see a short, redheaded woman with sweat beading across her forehead rushing to me with a package in her hands. I realize it’s the woman who works the front desk and instantly feel guilty for not turning around right away.
“This came for you.” She huffs, holding it out. “It got here about fifteen minutes ago, actually.”
I nod slowly, eyeing the smallish white box in her hands. I don’t remember ordering anything right off the top of my head, but then again, maybe I forgot.
“Here.” She basically shoves it into my arms and scampers off, muttering some version of what I think is, “Have a good day.”
