Page 44 of A Taste of Chardonnay

I laughed. “I may have lived here my whole life.”

“I know, but it makes me feel better to say it.”

She motioned for me to leave and held the cat up. “Does it have a name?” she asked.

“Fanny. Don’t ask. I don’t know.”

“Hi, sweet Fanny. Aren’t you just precious?”

“Oh yeah, she’s a fucking delight.”

“She’s a black cat. Kind of like kindred spirits.”

Normally I’d make a quip, but Chardonnay was saving my ass right now.

“You sure this is okay?” I motioned to Jack and the cat.

“Yes, now go.” She all but pushed me out the door. “Oh, wait!” She turned to the entry table and grabbed a bag, thrusting it at me.

“What’s this?”

“Some snacks, a bottle of water, a phone charger, hand sanitizer, and some singles, in case there’s a vending machine.”

“I’m going to the emergency room, not an overnight hike.”

“By hour two of sitting there, you’ll thank me. Now go.”

“Call me if—”

“I run an entire vineyard. I think I can handle a dog and a cat. Just text me and let me know how Ron is.”

“I will. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Take your time.” She hurried me out and shut the door. I headed to the truck, jealous of a cat.

***

Chardonnay’s bag of tricks came in handy by hour three. They had taken Ron in almost immediately, but they left me in a hallway while they took him for a million tests. My stomach growled, and I shoved a Kind bar in my face, followed by strawberry yogurt bites that were surprisingly good.

I sent Char a text, asking how everyone was. She quickly responded, and I laughed at the screen.

Chardonnay: We’re all cuddled on the couch.

I texted back.

Me: Are you reading?

Chardonnay: Maybe.

Me: Want to share with the class?

Chardonnay: No. Though, I’d like to remind you, you owe me a pair of underwear.

Me: I looked them up. I refuse to spend two hundred dollars on a pair of drawers.

Chardonnay: They are not drawers!

Me: I prefer you bare.

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