Page 10 of Brighton

“Yes, those little claws are sharp.” I didn’t care, I was having the best time today and we’d not even gotten to the part I came for, though we were headed that way now.

“Wow, those are some big cats.” Cats of every color, every size were…everywhere. “That is a lot of cats.”

“Yes, it is. Cats are interesting. Some are full of personality while others give you looks that clearly say, don’t come near me,” Edward explained, and I recalled the articles I read that pretty much said the same.

“I want a kitty that will sit on my lap and watch TV with me and sleep in bed with me,” I rattled off. Even to me my voice sounded young, but I felt that way right now, young and overly excited.

“Would you consider adopting a bonded pair of sisters?” a woman’s voice said from behind me, and I jumped. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Ms. Kitty.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Edward has taken me all around and this place is fantastic.” She ran a tight ship and every animal was healthy and active.

“Thank you, your kind words mean a lot.”

“I’m Brighton. This is my first pet and I’m so excited.” I couldn’t help it. It was like it poured out of me now. Like I could be the little boy I was never allowed to be. When I glanced up at Edward, he smiled wide, like he held a happy secret in his handsome eyes.

“Sometimes it’s best to get cats in pairs, especially if they’re bonded. It’s hard on one if the other leaves them plus, when you’re away from home it gives them a playmate,” Ms. Kitty explained. I’d only just met the woman and I already loved her.

“Good to know. Do you have a bonded pair?”

She winked. “I have just the pair for you. Follow me.” Edward and I followed her through another door and into an equally as large cat condo area.

“So many kitties that need a home. It makes me sad.” I didn’t mean to say that aloud but it was worth it to have Edward put his arm around my shoulder as he did.

“Yes, sweet boy, it is.”

“Over here we have Maleficent and Ursula.”

“Ohh, I love both those movies.” It was like I couldn’t control myself. What the heck?

“Exactly. Maleficent is a black tortie and Ursula is a calico. We’re not sure if they’re sisters but they came to us after their elderly owner passed away. Many come to us that way.” She reached up and petted each of the girls who preened and arched up into her touch. “They are very sweet, and I’d like to see them rehomed as a pair.” I walked around the room and petted those which allowed me to and kept walking past the ones who snubbed me and landed back at the sweet girls. I reached up and let them sniff me as Ms. Kitty had and both rubbed against my hand, and I giggled again.

“Well, I only bought stuff for one cat, but I can get another bed and collar just as easily. I’d love to have them. That is, if you pretty girls want to come home with me?” The calico, Ursula, was a bit shy, but Maleficent mewed at me.

“I think that’s a yes, don’t you, Ms. Kitty?” Edward said.

“Oh, I only brought one kennel. Can they both go in it?” It was a short ride to my apartment so they wouldn’t be uncomfortable for long. “I live about ten minutes away.”

“I think they’ll be just fine. I’ll even give you the volunteer discount,” she winked at Edward. “Let’s head up front and take care of the paperwork while Edward gets your girls ready.” Edward took my car keys, and I pointed toward where I’d parked so he could bring in the cat carrier. Ms. Kitty gave me the girls’ file with their shot records and spay certificates in it along with the information for the local vet, Mr. Dak, who’d taken care of them. I’d reach out to him and get them set up for their next round of shots. Both girls were microchipped, all I needed to do was go online and change the contact from the shelter to me. I was ridiculously excited to take my girls home and watch them roam around our new place.

“They’ll likely share the cat bed so one should be enough,” Ms. Kitty told me.

“I can run and get another collar later today or tomorrow. I got an auto food feeder and water dish so at least they’re set with that.” Edward returned a few minutes after we finished up with two mewing cats inside the new carrier. “It’s okay, we’ll be home soon, girls, I promise.” I thanked Ms. Kitty and handed her the check, and then Edward carried the girls out to my car and placed the carrier in the back seat.

“Did you—” We both said at the same time and laughed.

“You go first,” Edward said.

“Did you, um…did you want to come over and see if they like it?” Wow, awkward much, Brighton?

“I’d love to.”

I visibly sighed. “Sorry, I’m new at everything it seems.”

“I completely understand. I’ll meet you there.” It took me a minute to remember how he knew where I lived and I nearly smacked my head in frustration. Edward waited for me to start the car before he walked to his truck and followed me out of the parking lot.

Was this a date? How would I know if it was? Did I want it to be? Jesus, nearly twenty-four and I had zero grip on adulting outside of having a job and paying bills. No friends. Nothing extracurricular.

I parked in my designated space in the garage and met Edward inside and together we walked to my apartment. As soon as the door was shut, I opened the carrier for the girls to come out. Slowly, they emerged, and I sat as still as I could in order to not spook them.

---