Page 124 of The Bro Pact
Walking through the apartment one last time, I assure we have everything and lock up, dropping the keys off with Pops.
“Well, looks like we’re off now.”
Pops unexpectedly pulls me in for a rare hug. “I’m gonna miss ya, Warren. Not just as my best mechanic, but as my son. Love you, kiddo.”
My throat feels clogged. “Love you too, Pops. We’ll be back, don’t worry.”
We just graduated from Haven State University together, and now we’re off to California, where Kyle’s going to law school. The plan is to move back to Haven Creek after Kyle gets his law degree and passes the bar, so that he can open his own firm, and I can eventually take over Pops’ shop when he gets older.
But that’s a long ways away, so in the meantime, I’m using my journalism degree and pursuing the blogging thing full-time.
I have so many plans for the future, including flipping houses, all of which I can do from anywhere. So, the fact that Kyle got accepted to Berkeley Law School means we’re headed back to the Pacific.
It feels perfect.
Like fate sending us back to the place we’re happiest, allowing our bond to flourish.
We’re settled into our apartment after a few days at Berkeley, and Kyle has a week until classes start. I know he’s stressed despite the fact that he’s one of the smartest people I know, so I think it’s the perfect time to give him his three-year anniversary gift.
“I’m going to run out for lunch. Chicken clubs sound good?”
Kyle nods, distracted by whatever’s on his laptop, which allows me to slip away without questions.
The shelter isn’t far from the sandwich shop, so I pick up little Boots first.
I’ve been speaking with Lynne for a couple weeks now, waiting for the kitten to get big enough to leave his mom.
Boots looks just like Socks did—gray fur with little white feet. Kyle has mentioned that cat several times since our experience at the animal shelter three years ago, so I know he’s going to be ecstatic. He’s great with animals.
Lynne has everything we’ll need starting out: a bed, bowls, toys, and food. “Take good care of this little guy,” she says with a kind smile, scratching behind his ear and making him lean into her, purring nonstop.
He’s such a sweet kitten. Kyle’s going to adore him.
“Of course. He’s going to be showered with love,” I assure her.
Lynne’s smile warms further. “There’s not a doubt in my mind. Come back anytime you want to add a sibling for Boots.”
I laugh loudly. “I think one cat’s enough for now,” I tell her with a chuckle. “Thanks for everything, Lynne.”
She gives me a wink, and then I’m out the door and back on the road, headed home to surprise my boyfriend with a kitten.
Meow.
Boots announces himself, wiggling out of my arms and clumsily prancing over to Kyle.
Kyle’s gaze darts up, eyes wide in surprise.
“I thought he would be the perfect addition to our family.”
His baby blues shimmer with tears when Boots hops onto his lap, climbing up his chest and rubbing the top of his head against Kyle’s cheek, purring loudly.
It’s a match made in heaven.
Kyle holds the kitten to his face, lovingly. “Oh my God. I love him, and I love you. Thank you, baby.”
He stands up from the couch, making his way over with the kitten in his hands.
We kiss sweetly, little Boots pressed gently between our chests where he starts to purr contentedly.
We both chuckle, staring down at the start of our future together, and it’s only the beginning.
Because this is us.
Living our truth, and living our dreams.
