Page 31 of Just A Little Magic

“I haven’t been out there in forever. Dad goes when he’s in the mood for fishing. You?”

“Not really. If I got the position out there, I’d need to find somewhere to live though.”

“When do you find out about it?” I asked Ryan.

“The vet said he needed some time to make a final decision. I think he’s struggling with the idea that he can’t keep up anymore and needs help. He warned me it could be weeks or months until I heard anything. In the meantime, I have my job here. On the plus side, it’s fast-paced, so it keeps me occupied,” Ryan added as he finished with Not-Lucifer’s shots. Other than a squeak, she hadn’t seemed bothered.

Ryan carefully handed the kitten back to Owen. He filled out the county paperwork, and after his eyes landedon the box, went to the small closet at the back of the room and pulled out a cardboard box that turned into a carrier.

“I know you like cuddling her close,” Ryan said when Owen looked like he would protest, “and she seems pretty okay with it all, but if she gets spooked, it would be hard to hold on to her.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.” Owen agreed. “I just don’t want her to be scared.”

“You can put the towel in there with her, and it’s not like you’re putting her in the trunk,” Ryan said with a chuckle that turned into a belly laugh at the look of rage on Owen’s face. “Just hold the box on your lap, and she’ll be fine.”

With the kitten secured, it was time to head to the pet store. Owen could call Levi from the car, and fingers crossed, his new baby would be moved in today. I pulled my wallet out, but both Owen and Ryan protested.

“Barrett, put your wallet away. It’s fine,” Ryan grumbled.

“Barrett, I can pay for my cat’s exam,” Owen objected.

“Ryan, I fully expect to pay for the exam. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Owen, it’s my welcome-home gift to Not-Lucifer.”

“Nah, I can give a freebie once in a while.”

“I can support my own cat.”

I didn’t bother to respond since neither had any interest in listening to me. I’d donate to a cat charity in Ryan’s name and claim uncle, sadly not dad, status for the cat. I intended to go with Owen to the pet store, which would be my homecoming present. That cat was indirectly responsible for the best damn night of my life, so she had queen status for life as far as I was concerned.

CHAPTER TEN

OWEN

Owen

Hey favorite landlord in the world, how’s it going?

Levi

That’s not suspicious at all, but good. What’s up?

Owen

Does my lease have a no-pet clause?

Levi

Are you bringing home a dog or a horse?

Owen

Neither. It’s a cat. A sweet little kitty who protected me from a bear. [pic of box] Look how cute she is. Adorable, I tell you, adorable!

Levi

Holy shit!A bear?!?!? Are you okay?

Owen

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