Page 63 of A Much Younger Man
“You really don’t need to—”
“I always get one of Yasha’s cottage pies and a Caesar salad.”
He ran light fingers up my arm. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I minded.”
“All right. Thank you. I’ll have the same.”
“Good.” I made the order. “I just need to look in on Stripes, and then we can go.”
When I opened the door, I found Callie waiting patiently outside my office.
“Madame, how do you do?” Callie’s ears perked up, and Beck chuckled. “You two can head to the waiting room. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“All right.” He took off with Callie, and I stepped inside the kennel room where April was checking on Stripes’s progress. “How’s he doing?”
“He’s subdued. I really thought he’d be fussier by now.
“Is he interested in food at all?” I checked my notes and Travis’s addendums.
She shook her head. “Not yet.”
“Give him his pain meds at eleven. I’ll check back at midnight.” I put my hand into the cage and stroked his fur. Stripes simply stared, eyes groggy.
I feel you, Stripes. It’s the years and the mileage.
“Maybe a little wet food on your finger will make him realize he’s hungry?”
“I’ll try it.”
“I’m heading out, but call if you need anything.”
“Pie night?” she asked. “What are you getting?”
“I thought I’d depart from tradition and have chocolate mousse.”
“I see we’re living on the edge these days.”
“You could say that.”The edge of the known world.
I picked Beck up in the waiting room and we walked to my car.
He glanced at me hopefully. “I could drive if you’re too tired.”
“I’m not too tired for that.”
He snickered. “I’m sorry I kept you up all night.”
“I’m not. But there wasn’t enough coffee in the world for me today.”
“You can make it an early night.”
“You’re very kind.” I gave his arm a nudge. “Thank you.”
I found a space at the curb in front of Café Bêtise. I’d paid for our order online, so Beck ran inside and was back before too long. He slid in beside me carrying a large brown paper shopping bag that smelled divine.
“That place is amazing,” Beck said appreciatively. “I wanted everything in the bakery case.”
