Page 21 of Hot Under the Collar

“Cut in half, butter, and toast for thirty seconds. Don’t let them burn.”

“Got it.”

Leo disappeared to finish the food, and when he was done, he brought out her plate and sat on the floor across from her, his back propped against the wall. They both took huge bites, spicy mustard dripping from one side of his mouth and ketchup dripping down hers.

“We look absolutely feral right now,” Leo commented. “See, Mama? You’re in good company.”

The creamy, melted cheese hit her tongue, and she let out a small moan. “Mmm. Leo, you’re hired.”

“Those pretzel rolls were a good call. Why don’t you serve all your burgers with that?”

She tried to talk with a full mouth, and everything came out a bit garbled. “Meh. They’re really meant for that Irish cheese dip we serve as an appetizer. See how they’re in Celtic knots?” He nodded as he chewed. “We have to special order them. So it would jack up the price of burgers. No one in Autumn Ridge wants that. But when I make a burger for myself, this is what I use.”

“Well, maybe someday you can test-drive a burger special with this, see how well it sells. I mean, I’d buy it.”

She shoved another bite into her mouth. “You’re just full of good ideas tonight. Aren’t you?”

“Only when I’m properly fed.”

She snickered. For a while they sat in silence and just watched each other eat and glance at the litter nestled up against Mama. Eventually Leo stretched out a hand and grabbed her plate.

“So about those good ideas. Why don’t you let me try to coax them upstairs for a bit? Alone? No offense. Mama may prefer it.”

She eyed Mama, who made airplane ears at her the longer she stared. “None taken, I guess. We can try it your way. I should probably finish setting up things in the guest room for when you succeed anyway. You probably will.” She sighed. “Wanna trade? Your stray for this one here? I think Fred’s adopted me already—or at least he’s adopted my couch. It’s all the same thing, though, isn’t it? Human equals couch?”

“To cats, yes.” He got to his feet, stacked the plates in one hand, and helped her up. “Let me just get these cleaned, and I’ll see what magic I can make happen with the cat food.”

Lynne fought the urge to clean up after Leo. After all, he’d made them dinner. But if the grill was off and the dishes were in the sink, she could handle the rest tomorrow. Tomorrow. That word still formed a tight knot in her stomach. Except now the knot wasn’t hollow. It was filled with cheeseburger.

She took the bags upstairs one by one, leaving some canned kitten food for Leo’s solo attempt, then proceeded to set up the guest bedroom. Minka had tagged O’Donnell’s in that social media post earlier today, and although it was a pain to keep checking the numerous comments that kept appearing, she had to admit one or two comments had been helpful. A couple linked to some cat rescue vloggers who shared their own stray kitten litter setups. All she had to do now was replicate it with what Ethan and Cali had purchased. One big pile of pee pads, blankets, shallow bowls, food, Tabitha’s playpen, and other purchases were rearranged and laid out so the litter had a cozy corner to nest and Mama had non-clumping litter nearby.

By the time she glanced down at her watch again, an hour had gone by. She texted Leo—All ready here. Any luck yet?

He didn’t reply. So she trudged downstairs and saw him sitting just outside the utility door, half-eaten can cupped in one of his hands.

“Well, that’s promising at least.”

“We’re just talking,” he told her. “Mama said she needs to know a little more about me first before I’m allowed to touch the kittens.”

Lynne grasped and twirled her pendant in her hands. She felt bad for keeping him here. “It’s getting late, Leo. Mike’s probably expecting you back soon. I should just text Ruby and bounce off the idea of keeping O’Donnell’s closed until Monday. Maybe when Cali’s rescue friend comes tomorrow, they can help move the litter.”

“Mike already texted. He’s fine. I can stay.” He gestured to the spot beside him in the hallway. “Want to sit for a bit?”

She felt less guilty about that option, and so she slid down the wall beside Leo. She tried to stay hidden from Mama’s sight while he whispered sweetly to her. Mama didn’t hiss once at him. Minutes stretched quietly, the building settling around them, Leo’s voice dropping softer and softer until it blended with the hum of the vents.

Next thing Lynne knew, she was waking up. Her head rested on Leo’s shoulder. She must’ve dozed off.

“Shit. What time is it?” Lynne asked him.

“After midnight. I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Oh no. Leo, I—”

“Shh. It’s okay. I’ll take the night shift. You go sleep.”

“But don’t you have to work tomorrow, too?”

“Yeah. But I can’t shake the feeling it’s just a matter of time here. Look.” She peered around him at the box. “See? The kittens are already asleep. I just need Mama to get tired enough to do the same, and I’ll move them.”