“Yeah. I think Bean could use some Maeve therapy, too,” she says. “You’re his favorite.”
I sigh. I don’t understand how sweet Bean hasn’t been adopted yet.
He’s a friendly Siamese cat, and usually those are the first to be adopted out.
“I’ll be out of here in five minutes,” I say, then head to the playroom.
There are already new furry faces, even though I’ve only been gone a day. A curious young Tuxedo cat regards me with piercing gold eyes, loafing in a plastic cube. Two white kittens sleep peacefully in one of the cat condos, their breathing deep and even.
Bean rubs against my legs, weaving back and forth around me until I pluck him off the ground.
“Hi, cutie,” I say, and he immediately turns into a purr machine. I hold him to my chest and press my nose to the top of his cream-colored head, inhaling deeply.
No one else senses it, but I swear he smells the tiniest bit like a fresh cup of coffee.
Closing my eyes, I nuzzle my chin against his soft fur, sighing contentedly.
“Oh! Are you Maeve?”
My eyes snap open, and I’m met with a pair of green ones. The Omega in front of me smells like vanilla cupcakes and seems just as sweet. Her light brown hair is tied up in a high ponytail,and cute freckles complement her warm complexion. Dressed in a teal Furs and Purrs sweatshirt with torn faded jeans while carrying a large bag of cat food, she looks like she fits right in.
“Yes! Are you Charity?” I smile, already enjoying her energy.
“I am. Wow, I love your hair.”
I beam. “Thank you! Also, thanks for helping us out here.” Bean happily rubs his cheek against my chin. “We can always use more hands.”
“Oh, yeah.” She unlatches the door to the sleeping kittens and fills their bowl with kibble. “I just got out of a bad breakup, so I’m happy to keep myself busy.”
“Oof. I’m sorry.”
It’s only a first impression, but Charity seems great.
I know we’re not friends yet, but I already have beef with whoever she was dating.
“Me too,” she admits. “The only boyfriends I’m going to have are cats from now on.” She shrugs. “I’m Mari’s neighbor, actually. I’m so glad she told me about you all.”
“Yeah! Mari’s awesome.”
“Hey, if I ever want to dye my hair, could you help me, maybe? I’m looking for a fresh start, and all that.”
“Hell yes.” Placing a loud smooch on Bean’s head, I place him back on the cat tree. “Red would lookamazingon you.”
“Ooh. That’d be great.”
I want to stay with Charity, but I know Piper and Blair are right. A mild cramp makes my stomach hurt, and I’m playing with fire the longer I stay here.
After saying goodbye to Charity and Bean, and I head back to the front, finding Blair at the computer.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone,” I admit. “I’ve never had a second Heat like this.”
She shrugs. “Take the week. We can put Charity on our payroll, and then Mari will cover whatever else we need. Worst case scenario, I drag Travis in here.”
“Travis hates people.”
“That’s why I said worst case scenario.” She smirks. “Also, it’s fun to push him out of his comfort zone.”
“I do that with Logan, too,” I say, the realization dawning on me.
