Page 54 of Maverick

“I had a feeling that’s what you were going to say.”

“You don’t like cats?”

He shrugged. “I’m a dog person. A dog is always happy to see you. You can be gone all day, get home, fill its dish with food, but all it cares about is you. A cat would look at you like, it’s about time you got home. I hope you realize my dish is empty.”

Parker laughed. “Too true, but you’ll have to get used to—” She turned the kitten and looked under its tail. “Her.”

“Oh, sure. What’s one more female to push me around?”

Parker smiled. “You are sort of outnumbered with me and Blue, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, and now you add another female.”

“She’s so skinny. I’ll have to get her some food.”

“Well, I have our food, so how about we eat?”

“Okay. I’ll feed her a scrambled egg.” Parker grinned, then laughed when Maverick rolled his eyes.

“You should take her to Dr. Garrett and have her checked out.”

“I will. I’ll call Tess tomorrow. Maybe I can take her in on Wednesday, but I’m still going to have to buy a litter box and cat food. Once you leave, I’ll head to the Feed Store.”

“Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to rush you off, but I don’t want to be out late, and I will have to have something to put her in. There’s no way she’s housetrained.”

“Whatever you say, darlin’.” He walked to the steps, picked up the bag, then nodded for her to go up the stairs.

After Maverick left, Parker found a box to put the kitten in while she went to the Feed Store. She looked in the box.

“I’ll be right back.” She smiled when the kitten meowed at her, then headed out the door.

****

As perspiration dripped down his face, Maverick reached for a handkerchief tucked in his back pocket. The heat inside the barn was stifling, even though it wasn’t yet noon. He wished fall would hurry up and arrive. But despite the sweltering temperature, he couldn’t help but feel excited about his upcoming trip to see his parents.

“Hey, Maverick,” Wes greeted him as he entered the barn.

Maverick wiped his brow and replied, “What’s going on?”

Wes paused before asking, “When do you leave to see your parents?”

“Friday.”

“This Friday?” Wes clarified.

Maverick nodded, confused by Wes’s sudden interest. “Yeah, why? Is something wrong?”

Wes quickly reassured him, “Not at all. I just didn’t have it written down.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Grady knows.”

“Grady knows what he’s doing.” Wes grinned, folding his arms across his chest.

Maverick raised his eyebrow in amusement. “What?”

Wes chuckled. “So... Parker’s going with you, huh?”

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