Page 49 of The Hellkeeper

“Girl, are you okay?” Ruby’s voice is clouded with concern. “Why weren’t you answering my texts?”

I groan, rubbing my temple. “I’m really bad with messages, you know that.”

“You’re awful, Amelia. You stress me out. Anyway, what’s up? Are you at work?”

“Uh, no, I’m… at home.” I glance around the restaurant. It’s the closest thing to home I’ve ever had.

“Perfect! I’m at that cute little café down the street from the restaurant. Can you come?”

I hesitate. I could stay here, stewing in my own thoughts, pacing until Damien returns. Or I could get out of my head and enjoy myself a little.

“Yeah, I can come.”

“Great! Oh, but—” Ruby pauses. “My brother’s with me. That cool?”

Her brother? What does it matter? I need a distraction. I need to be anywhere but here.

“No problem,” I say.

“See you then!” she says excitedly.

On the way there, a flicker of movement catches my eye.

“Hey, little guys,” I coo at the group of stray cats huddled together, already reaching into my purse.

I always carry cat food with me. As soon as I tear open the bag, more cats start appearing. One, two, three—oh my God—four.

Five.

Six?

Are they multiplying? Did I just summon an army?

I crouch down, pouring the food onto the pavement. “Okay, okay, everyone gets a turn. No shoving.”

They pounce on it immediately. One with a torn ear rubs against my ankle.

“I’d take you all home if I could.”

But I can’t. I don’t even have a home to myself. Maybe this is why I have such empathy for strays; I feel like a stray myself most days.

With a sigh, I leave the entire bag and keep walking.

***

I walk into the café, immediately spotting Ruby near the window. She’s waving frantically.

I rush over, and she pulls me into a tight hug that I return with the same vigor.

“I missed you too,” I laugh.

“Why do you disappear like that? I was so freaking worried about you.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say sheepishly, rubbing the back of my head. “I’m just… really bad with messages.”

“You’re lucky I love you.”

“I know.” I grin.

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