Page 82 of Forgive You

Sheknowsthis.

I’m a cat person, sue me. But before you do, just think about all the benefits a pet cat has compared to a dog? They are small, meaning they don’t take up a whole lot of space. You don’t have to walk them because they have a litter box. They don’t try to eat you. They don’t drool.

Thank fuck, this fur monster didn’t drool in my car.

‘You said you’d do anything for me.’That little witch. She knew exactly what she was playing at with her gooey eyes and sad voice. Deep down, I know she was messing with me, throwing that sad look my way. But there was this inkling of doubt, wondering if she was serious, that made me cave like an old twig.

“I’m sorry. No chip.” The vet beeps her scanner along the mutt’s neck for the fourth time, but nothing happens.

“So? Now what?” I mean, can I go?

Do I owe her money? Because I’m not a dog person, but I’m not heartless either. If she needs me to sign somewhere and pay some bills for me to be done, I will.

“There’s not much I can do. We can put him on the website to put him up for adoption, but I don’t have the space to house him so it might take a couple of weeks before I can here.”

I glance at the vet, my lashing blinking once or twice too many. She said adoption. That’s good, right? She also said she doesn’t have space. But that doesn’t mean…does it?

Her brown hair sits in a bun on top of her head, matching her brown eyes that are shielded by big glasses. She likes color. A red sweater peeks from underneath her white coat. She smiles. It’s bright, wide, wrinkling her crow’s feet a little more, and for a split second I think she’s messing with me.

She’s gonna call out‘just kiddin’any second now. But then I meet her joyful eyes again, seeing the sincerity in her expression.

Ah, fuck.

“Where is he gonna stay in the meantime?” Julie’s big eyes would’ve been adorable if I didn’t already know the answer to that question.

“I can make some calls for a foster family, but that will probably take a day or two.” The vet sets the scanner back on her workstation.

Julie’s pleading gaze snaps to mine.

Here we go.

“Jason, we have to take him.”

I shake my head. I’m not gonna cave. I donotwant a dog. I tolerate Hunter’s dog, but I’m not in the business of owning one. Not even fora couple of days.

“We? You mean you.” I fold my arms in front of my chest.

I’m not gonna cave. I’m not gonna do it. If she wants to keep him, she can take him to her place.

But you did say you’d do anything for her.Shut up, traitor.

“My building doesn’t allow pets.”

“I don’t want a dog.” I’m not doing it.

“Just until there is space at the shelter.” If her whiskey eyes could look any more like Puss in Boots, they’d be comical. “I will help you with him.”

No.

She glues her hands together, flashing her lashes at me. “Please.”

Idon’twant a dog.

But who am I kidding? Butterflies rumble through my heart, then their noses dive into my stomach at the thought of making her smile.

I scowl. “You owe me one.”

She squeals, and a giddy look sits on her face the entire ride home. Mine alternates between a glare for the mutt on her lap, and a smile when I glance at her beaming expression.

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