Ophelia took the crate and set it on her kitchen island. As she peered into the container, she saw brilliant marigold andturquoise eyes staring back. She knew Avery was giving her the cat so she’d have something that externally motivated her to do things, and so she’d have a cuddle buddy that came with unconditional love. However, cats weren’t typically cuddly. She wondered if Avery had ever owned a cat before. Probably not.
“Is it trained?” asked Ophelia curiously.
“Yep.”
“Where is it from?”
“Well, it was Lauren Cash’s cat, the woman who…” Avery trailed off. “Anyways, her parents kept her for a while, but her dad is allergic. They posted about it on Facebook, and I snagged her up for you.”
“Her, huh? Does she have a name?” Ophelia asked as she opened the metal door of the crate.
“Tigger.” Avery chuckled. “Like from Winnie the Pooh. Apparently, she’s very goofy.” Tigger gingerly stepped out of the crate onto the kitchen counter. She looked around, observing Ophelia, Avery, and her new surroundings, then she leapt from the kitchen counter to the sofa, which she barely made, tumbled onto the cushions, and did a cute little hop as if to celebrate her feat.
Ophelia observed the little creature. She was orange with black stripes, hence the name, and she had the sweetest little face with a tiny pink nose. Ophelia supposed that having another tiger-like creature around wouldn’t hurt. Tigers were just her thing now.
“She can stay,” Ophelia smirked tiredly at Avery. “But if she scratches up shit, you have to find her a new home.”
“Easy.” Avery walked to the porch and returned carrying several bags. “Here’s the leftover cat food Lauren’s parents had and the litter box.” He put the items in the corner of the kitchen out of the way and then placed a brown paper Prytania Botanica shopping bag on the counter.
“Also, I made these cleansing bath salts for you. You don’t smell or nothin’, but you gotta get your energy right. Clear yourself of that soul-succubus juju.”
Ophelia managed a half laugh. “I’ll need a year’s supply, but thank you.”
“When can I start putting you on the schedule at Botanica again?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“Okay, but don’t forget about wanting to treat people at the shop. It’s still on the table. You just need to start practicing, get the word out, commit, ya know?”
At the mention of treating, Ophelia pressed her hand to her chest. “I know. I just need more time.”
She could feel the discomfort of her magic building up in her chest, anxious to be used, but she pushed it down. She wasn’t ready.
“That I understand. Grief takes time. I just want you to know that I’m here. Prytania Botanica is here. Whenever you are ready. Now, come give me a hug.”
Avery opened his large arms and pulled Ophelia into one of his infamous hugs, enveloping her in his scent of incense and fresh fruit. Her heart tightened at the thought of how much she loved him.
“Thank you, Avery. I mean it. I know I’m not the best friend or employee right now.”
Avery pulled her back from their embrace and leveled a stare at her. “If anyone gets it, it’s me.”
She nodded and squeezed his hand. “I love you bunches,” she said and kissed his cheek.
“Love you too, girl,” Avery said as he blew her a kiss on his way out the door.
Ophelia and Tigger silently stared at each other as if they were both asking,So what now?Tigger answered by catapulting off the back of the couch into Ophelia’s arms.
CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Life went on. How? Ophelia wasn’t quite sure, but the sun rose and set every day, and people still did the things they always do. Even Ophelia. She went to work, was put back on the schedule at Prytania Botanica, folded laundry, cared for Tigger, researched the Cutthroat Killer’s cases religiously, and attempted to feed herself.
October came and went, and a humid chill clung to November that perfectly fit her mood.
Evangeline’s wedding was at the beginning of November in Costa Rica. It was a lovely, tropical affair at a boutique resort. Mawmaw had never planned on attending. With her age, it was hard to travel, but being with all the Bordelon women and Oubre sisters, Ophelia felt the loss of Mawmaw acutely.
Ophelia went through the motions of being a happy bridesmaid and supportive sister. Faking it was the least she could do for Evangeline on her special day. Jolie and Ophelia had yet to tell Evangeline about their magic, deciding to wait till after the wedding. Ophelia was adamant about giving Eva the space to shine.
The rest of November rolled by slowly. Ophelia felt as if the monotony of her empty life would never end. She continued to work, research clues about the serial killer, and sleep. Herresearch was fruitless. She called NOPD constantly for updates, but they had none. She only knew that they believed the Cutthroat Killer had murdered her grandmother, and not a copycat, since the writing and method of killing were the exact same. She stayed up late looking at deranged forums from people who were obsessed with unsolved murders. They didn’t have a clue who the killer was, but the amount of information these people had about the case helped her own investigation.
