Page 48 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Tenzin
“One… two… three.” I snapped the picture on Gwen’s phone, which was worse for wear.
“Thanks, Tens.” She rolled out of the headstand.
We’d finished yoga in the park. It was a lot less intense than what I did with Cooter. Gwen put our mats in the basket and waved to the instructor, who taught at her university.
“Can we have coffee at the zoo?” She was on her phone posting the photo, a tote bag slung over her bare shoulder, as she shoved her feet into some slip-ons.
“Zoo? Okay. I haven’t been there yet.” I put on my shoes.
“You can meet my tiger.” She took my hand and pulled me across the park.
Ah, yes, the tiger she’d found. I liked that she was becoming more comfortable with me. She gave me focus, which soothed some of those alpha instincts left raw by my ex.
“Is the zoo even open this early?” I asked as we approached the gates.
“With a pass like mine, yes. My treat. I get guests. The pass was my reward for returning Marty. It’s a nice place to go when I need a moment.” She scanned her phone on the turnstile.
We got coffee and muffins from a cart, and I followed her as she bounced about the zoo, giving me a mini tour. I loved how happy she looked.
Leaning against the rail of the tiger enclosure, we sipped our coffees as she named every one. Finally, she led me around to a viewing area with glass. There was a sign about mini tigers and how they didn’t make good pets.
She crouched down and put a hand on the glass, making an odd little whistle. A moment later, a young tiger bounded over, trying to nuzzle and lick the glass. He was an interesting-looking tiger, with no black stripes, just white and orange.
“Hi, Marty.” Gwen’s entire face lit up. “Marty, this is Tens. Tens, this is Marty.” Her shoulders fell. “I wish I could have kept him.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Marty,” I said to the tiger, imagining her watching TV with him in her lap or taking him for morning runs.
Some kids came over and she taught them how to play with Marty through the glass. A zookeeper walked through the inside of the enclosure and waved at Gwen. A few moments later, the zookeeper disappeared, then joined us.
“Hi, Gwen. Are you doing okay today?” She was a middle-aged omega with blonde hair in a braid.
“Hi Trixie, I’m okay. Hey, this is my friend Tens. The one I was telling you about. Can we bring Marty out for a walk today, please?” Gwen batted her eyes.
“Sorry, Gwen. Not today.” She gave her a fond look. “I can get you some playtime. Your friend will have to stay out here so Marty doesn’t get territorial.”
“Great. I’ll meet you at the playroom.” Gwen took my hand.
“De-scent yourself well,” Trixie called.
“You get to play with the tiger?” one kid breathed.
“I’ve been trained to play with the mini tigers. I’ve known Marty since he was a baby.” Gwen led me over to another viewing area. Instead of the enclosure, it was a little room with toys. “Sit here. I won’t play long.”
“It’s fine. Take your time.” I took a seat on the bench as she disappeared, leaving me with her tote bag.
A few moments later, she appeared through the glass, as did Trixie, who had Marty on a leash. I watched Gwen pet Marty, fed him treats, snuggled with him, and played games like he was a cat.
Trixie was right there with him, and the two of them were having a conversation. A bunch of children watched excitedly. I took some pictures and sent them to Cooter.
Me
She’s certified to play with baby tigers.
Cooter
She would absolutely wrestle a bear.
