Page 41 of Offsides Attraction

“Well. I’m a tougher nut to crack than Maggie.”

More like a delusional nutcase, if you ask me, George said, hopping up on the couch and curling next to Penny. Harper laughed as she stood, while Penny scowled at the cat.

“Just be careful and call if you need anything,” Harper said as she walked out the door, leaving it open enough for a bothersome cat to go back and forth as he pleased.

“I will.” Penny appreciated the coffee, but not Harper’s concern. She was a grown woman, and she’d managed her dating life just fine without her big sister’s guidance. A big sister who’d never been in a long-term relationship.

George narrowed his eyes. A football season isn’t a long-term relationship, either. Although, for you, it’s a record.

I can take you back to Maggie’s, Penny said.

On that ankle? Doubt it. Face it, you’re stuck with me for another day.

Another endless day stuck lying on the couch with only bathroom breaks and food to break up the day. Penny jammed a pillow behind her head and sighed.

Great, isn’t it? Penny rubbed George under the chin until he purred. You could read to me?

Like what? she asked.

I’ve heard Old Yeller is good.

That’s a hard pass. I’m not that desperate.

We could binge something? George was a sucker for reality TV. He loved the Real Housewives franchise, especially since the cat fights didn’t involve cats, just poorly behaved humans.

Maybe later.

That means no. George swished his tail across her face. Penny pulled up the store’s security feed on her laptop. Get Lost would open in a few minutes and she could watch the shoppers for a while. I’m going to hobble to the bathroom. Do you need anything while I’m up? she asked, grabbing the cane her dad had brought her yesterday. She levered herself off the couch and gasped when she tested her ankle. If this cold didn’t weaken soon so Maggie could work her magic, Penny would miss another day at work.

Who’s the new guy? George asked, moving closer to the screen.

Penny looked over shoulder and collapsed on the couch. George yowled and ran to the other end.

Watch it, he hissed. Don’t squish the kitty.

Penny forgot about her bathroom journey as the screen captured her full attention. Elspeth showed Bash how to use the register and where they kept Penny’s detailed instruction manual on how to handle customer issues. It looked like she explained the customer hold area and when they disappeared briefly, Penny imagined Elspeth giving him a quick tour of the store, even though Bash probably knew its layout by heart. Bash greeted the UPS man and carried the boxes back to the storeroom. He shelved books. He helped customers find books, and it looked like he may have even upsold some of them into buying more books. Bash looked happy and at home, like he was enjoying working in a bookstore on his day off.

He’s a reader, she realized, feeling a warm glow that had nothing to do with her pain or cold medicines.

That’s good, George said, climbing up her chest and head-butting her under the chin.

Maybe.

Oh-oh, said George, looking at her.

Oh-oh indeed. Penny sighed, slumping back, and cuddling him to her chest.

“Take this,” Elspeth said, handing him a slip of paper. “It’s the code to get into the third floor so you can check on Penny before you leave.”

“I don’t want to disturb her.”

“I’m sure she’ll have her door open. She and Maggie are at the end, and they usually keep their doors open so George can harass both of them.”

“That sounds unsafe, especially if this George-character has free range.”

“He’s a menace, but they are very safe. Don’t worry. Alison and Four carefully vetted all the tenants up there. Go.” Elspeth shooed him away. “You’ll only be in my way if you stay.”

Bash nodded and went to the office to grab his coat. Snow flurries had burst throughout the day, but nothing stuck. He wasn’t ready for snow, but he was grateful that the remaining outdoor games were in warm-weather stadiums.

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