Page 40 of Taming Georgia

“I was busy.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re here.” Ethel taps the top of his hand with hers.

Our pasta dishes arrive, and the waiter sets them in front of us.

“Would you like to order anything, sir?” he asks Wyatt.

“No. Actually, can we get these wrapped up and get the check, please?” Wyatt asks.

The server looks momentarily confused but nods and leaves us.

“What the heck, Wyatt? This is Ethel’s birthday dinner. We’re not leaving until we’re ready.” I glare at him.

“I’m sorry, E. There was an emergency rescue, and I actually came here because I need your help. Do you mind?” He looks to Ethel.

“Yes, she minds!” I scoff. “There’re always emergencies at the rescue. You can’t deal with it for an hour without her, so she can have a nice meal?”

“It’s okay, Georgia. Honestly, the salad and bread did fill me up. I don’t mind taking my meal for later. As you said, it will be better tomorrow.”

“I know.” I look to her. “But that’s not the point. You don’t have to leave just because he beckons you. You deserve a break.”

The server stands beside us with two to-go boxes atop a stand. He takes Ethel’s dish and begins emptying it into the container. We’re all silent as he repeats the steps with my meal. I’m so angry that I don’t even know what to say or do.

How dare Wyatt!

The waiter gives the bill to Wyatt.

I snatch it out of his hand. “I don’t think so. You might be ruining her birthday dinner, but you’re not paying for it,” I huff out and hand the server my credit card.

“It’s really okay, Georgia. I had a wonderful dinner. It was really special,” Ethel tells me with a warm smile.

I give her a weak grin in response.

As we walk out of the restaurant, our dinner in hand, Wyatt says, “You know there’s a lot of work to be done, dealing with the emergency. We could also use your help back at the shelter.”

I scowl. “You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

He shrugs and opens his passenger door before helping Ethel up. “All right, fine. We’ll manage without you.”

“I’ll be there,” I grumble before turning to head to my car, but not before I swear, I see Wyatt crack a smile.

I follow Wyatt’s truck the few miles to Cooper’s Place. When we pull up, I’m shocked that the entire parking lot is full of cars.

What kind of emergency is this?

There are more vehicles than I’ve ever seen here.

I follow Wyatt and Ethel indoors, and we’re practically blown away with an enormously loud, “Surprise!”

The place is decked out in everything pink and cats. There are probably fifty helium cat-head balloons accompanied by a hundred pink ones floating around the space. There’s a cotton candy machine. Fair food carts are stationed around the open space, all with a feline-related sign. The elephant ears sign is covered up with glittery magenta letters that read,Cinnamon and Sugar Kitten Paws.

I walk around, taking it all in. Most of the dogs are out of their kennels, and they’re each wearing a pink boa around their neck. They look so cute and happy. Their tongues hang out as they get loved on by the guests. There’s a huge cake with pink frosting that’s adorned with a large cat picture.

The snacks at the food table all have fun names. The party mix is labeledCat Food. The bowl of chocolates is labeledKitty Litter. All of the presents at the gift table are packaged in some sort of cat-themed paper or bag.

This is honestly the most detailed, coolest surprise party I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe Wyatt was behind it. I watch as Ethel continues to make her way around the room, hugging all of her guests. Her face is wet with tears, but she looks so happy.

I feel my eyes fill with tears, just watching her, and my heart is full of happiness. There’s a whimper at my feet. I look down to find Mila with a pink bow around her neck. She looks adorable.

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