Page 96 of Ewan

Leaning back in my seat, I think about what Ezra said as the car starts moving.

The funny thing is, I have a six-year-old smitten with her in my family and a teenage son who can’t wait to see her in my life.

Speaking of feeling no pressure, right?

SCARLETT

She is such a beautiful cat.

Emily named the cat Olivia.

With the grace of an aristocrat, she lies on her pillow, snoozing and flicking her whiskers from time to time while I look out the window.

There are many things I could be doing when I pet sit. I could read, of course, but I’m too restless for that.

As the streetlights come on, a few snowflakes start swaying in the cold evening wind.

This is a beautiful house on a quiet street. An amazing spot, if you ask me. This is the other thing I love about these gigs. I get to spend time in beautiful homes.

Historical places that witnessed the lives of so many generations unfolding between their walls.

The more I stare at the view, the sleepier I get.

I almost drift off to sleep when my phone hums with an alert. Suddenly pushing upright and diving for it, I manage to startle the cat.

I texted Ewan more than an hour ago and haven’t heard back from him yet, so this must be him.

I hope it’s him.

I’m not in the mood to get disappointed.

Yes, it’s him.

I tap the screen and read his message.

Ewan: I can’t take you home tonight. I will send my driver.

My hand slackens.

That’s the thing with having mixed feelings. You never know which one prevails and why.

It’s normal not to have his schedule tailored after mine, so why am I longing to see him again?

An hour or so ago, I needed some time to figure out whether I wanted to become friends with a mobster.

And now that he can’t make it tonight––and it wasn’t a date or anything––I feel frustrated.

I don’t get it. Why do I feel that way?

He can’t make it? Fine. I’ll take the train and be home in no time. I don’t need his driver.

I start typing, relaying to him exactly that.

His answer arrives after a while.

He must be busy even now.

Ewan: You’re not taking the train. My driver will pick you up. Send me the address and an approximate time.

---