“Bullshit. You say you did… but you’re still hoping.”
I sigh. “I might have done more research.”
“You need to get on with your life.”
“I am!”
“Again, I call bullshit. It’s obvious why you jump from one woman to another. You’re afraid.”
My chest tightens. I tip my beer to my lips. He’s right. But admitting to your best buddy you’re fucking terrified of something isn’t that easy. “I’m not afraid.”
“Okay. Then what’s the problem?”
“You’re pissing me off.”
“I know.” He smirks. “It’s what I’m here for.”
“I don’t want Romy to get hurt. I’ll fuck things up somehow, and she’ll be hurt and Joe and Cassie will hate my guts and…”
Garrett nods. “And…?”
And I’ll lose the only family I have… again.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t think they could ever hate your guts. If they could, they would have when you were a twat of a teenager.”
“Ouch.”
“You know it’s true.”
“Yeah.”
“So I think you’re afraid of more than that.”
My abs contract. “Like what?” I’m losing patience with this shit.
“You’re afraid of falling for someone. Because she could be taken away.”
“I’m not falling for her.”
“Uh-huh. Fine. So what are you going to do? Pretend it never happened?”
“I’m taking her out for dinner next week.”
He laughs.
Even I hear how preposterous I sound. “Don’t worry, we’re friends. We agreed.”
“Well, as long as you’re honest with her.”
“I am.”
“Are you? Have you told her everything?”
My jaw tightens.
“I’m just saying, that’s how you hurt a woman. Cheat. Lie. Hide things. Don’t do those things.”
“Sure. Sounds easy.”
“I’m not saying that. Sometimes being honest is fucking hard. But it’s worth it.”
“You’re such a wise old man.”
“Ha ha. You’re supposed to be the wise one. You’re the one with hot powers. Except when it comes to yourself.”
What the fuck does that mean? “I’m done with this conversation.” I finish my beer. “Come on, Cheddar. Let’s go home.”
I left my truck here yesterday, too, parked on the street, so I get Cheddar’s bag with her food and water bowls, toys and assorted other necessities, clip her leash on her, and head out.
17
Romy
I had a shit day at work.
We’re getting pressure from the project sponsor to add a bunch of things that aren’t part of the plan. A bunch of time-consuming, expensive things. It will impact our timeline and budget, and I had a heated discussion with my boss Tom today about how to handle it. I don’t think we should agree to the changes. Scope creep can kill you. Unfortunately, he wants to keep them happy, and apparently even the vice president of that division is on board, so Tom is leaning that way.
After I already told them no.
I wish he’d support me. He’s a nice guy, but too often he tries to make everyone happy instead of doing the right thing. Today I feel like I’ve been thrown under a bus. I tried to stand firm, but I’m not being backed up. Goddammit, it’s frustrating.
As I walk home from the L station, I hear a crying noise. It almost sounds like a child or a baby, and I frown and stop to listen more closely. It’s coming from above me, and I take a few slow steps, peering up into the big maple tree branches above me. Maybe a bird?
I squint and look higher. Oh! There… a cat. A black-and-white cat sits high in the tree, making that pitiful noise.
“Are you stuck?” I tip my head back and bite my lip. “Poor baby. Why did you go up so high?”
Another sad yowl reaches my ears.
I look around, but I’m alone on the block. Do I call the fire department? Somehow I don’t think they’ll see this as a priority. I can’t climb this tree—the lowest branches are too high for me to reach, and that would be stupid anyway.
And then I know. I can fix this. With magic.
At least I hope I can. My spell attempts have been going a little better lately. I think about what I want to do, remembering what I’ve been taught. Then I extend my arm and point my index finger at the cat.
He lands lightly on his feet at the base of the tree.
I thrust my arms in the air. “I did it!”
The cat eyes me, gives me a swish of his tail, and slinks away.
“You’re welcome,” I murmur, continuing on my way home, feeling lighter and happier. Damn, it feels good to use my magic to help someone! Or something. I like this.
Is this what I’m supposed to use magic for? Maybe I could use my powers to