carrier—I didn’t like to think of it as forcing—had become a two-person job.
“We aren’t going to the vet today. The groomer is like the spa. They’ll make your fur nice and soft and keep it from getting matted. We are both well aware of the ramifications of matted fur, particularly in your anal region.”
I needed help, but even though my friend Nora lived just two floors down, I couldn’t call her. Not after last time. My other friend Everly would have been willing to help, but she was busy with preparations for her upcoming wedding.
Other than my girlfriends, I didn’t have many options. My only close family were my parents, and they lived several hours away—and weren’t the sort of people a girl could call with no notice to help get her pet to the groomer. And although I had numerous coworkers with whom I enjoyed amiable relationships, I wasn’t close enough to any of them to ask for this sort of favor, especially on a weekend.
My circle was small, but I refused to describe myself as lonely. However, in moments like this, I did wonder if my self-imposed singlehood had more drawbacks than I wanted to admit.
There was one other person I hadn’t yet considered: Sophie Abbott. She was Everly’s replacement at her old job, and Everly had started inviting her to come running—and out for drinks—with us. Nora, Everly, and I had been friends since high school, but Sophie fit in quite naturally. Perhaps she and I had built up enough of a rapport that I could call on her for help with a minor cat crisis.
I texted Sophie, explaining the situation as briefly as I could. A few minutes later, she replied that she’d be right over. I breathed out a sigh of relief.
It was good to have friends.
“Don’t look so smug, Erwin. Sophie is on her way.”
My cat didn’t seem to think the latest addition to our so-called running club would make a difference. I hoped he was wrong.
It didn’t take long for Sophie to arrive. Her mass of dark blond curls was partially contained in a bun, and she was dressed in a black t-shirt and jeans.
“Hey.” She smiled and set her purse on the table by the door, knocking over my mail basket in the process. “Oh no, I’m sorry. Here, let me get that.”
“That’s not necessary.” I crouched down to pick up the spilled envelopes. Sophie was prone to clumsiness and this wasn’t the first time she’d bumped that table upon entering my apartment. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. What’s wrong with your cat?”
“He’s fine, other than high-maintenance fur and a stubborn disposition. I can’t get him into his pet carrier and I need to take him to the groomer.”
Sophie put her hands on her hips and eyed Erwin. “He must be faster than he looks if you haven’t been able to catch him.”
“If you’re implying he’s fat, he isn’t. He’s just fluffy.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Okay. Well, what’s the plan?”
“I’ll catch him with a towel, then you help me get him in the carrier and close the door before he can escape.”
“Got it.”
Sophie picked up the carrier and I armed myself with a thick towel.
Erwin eyed me with suspicion as I took careful steps toward him.
“Don’t pay any attention to what I’m doing, Erwin. I’m not going to scoop you up in this towel. I’m just walking toward you. There’s no reason to run—”
He darted into the kitchen.
“Really?”
I followed him with Sophie tiptoeing behind me. She had the carrier ready. For an animal who could barely jump onto the couch—he waited for me to pick him up and set him on the cushion these days—he could be surprisingly agile when evading capture.
Erwin sat next to his food dish, watching me with bright green eyes.
“Ready?” I whispered to Sophie.
“Ready.”
I bounded forward, but Erwin shot past me and ran between Sophie’s legs. She yelped and spun. I tried to chase after my ridiculous cat, but Sophie’s feet got tangled together and she stumbled in front of me. It was all I could do not to crash into her.
“Oops.” She steadied herself against the doorway. “Where did he go?”
“There.” I pointed to the dining table where he was attempting to use the chair legs for cover. “I’ll flush him out. Be ready.”
“Got it.”
I crept toward Erwin, murmuring soft reassurances and promises of cat treats. His flat-nosed face seemed impassive and for a second, I thought he might let me scoop him up in the towel