A Much Younger Man - Z.A. Maxfield Page 0,20
“But honestly, most people don’t know how to read a cat’s little feline signals. If you expect it to act like a dog, then you’ll be disappointed, but when you get to know cats, they’re just as awesome.”
“They have signals?”
“Sure.” I finished feeding Rose and got us both warm, wet cloths to help them eliminate. “Cats blink at you, very slowly when they feel comfortable around you. They’ll groom you with their paws and their tongues. If they believe they can trust you, they might relax and let their bellies show. Rubbing, head butting. Interrupting you to get your attention. All good signs they like you.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“And if they like you but think you’re kind of hopeless or you can’t provide for yourself, they’ll kill something and leave it for you.”
“No way.” He looked like he didn’t believe me.
“Absolutely. They want you to learn to hunt.” I made a funny voice, “Poor ungainly human, can’t even catch a lizard. So sad.”
He laughed. “That’s hilarious. I’m glad Callie doesn’t do that.”
“She’s got her little signals too, you know. Being adorably cute, she’s helping you get bigger tips. Aren’t you girl?”
Beck made a “speak” sign, and Callie gave a woof.
“Oops.” My poor kitten jumped out of her skin.
“Rose! I’m so sorry we scared you.”
I petted her soft ears. “She’ll settle back down.”
“Are you going to take one of the kittens?” Beck asked. “I bet Rose would love to go home with you.”
“Can’t. I have a bird that likes to spend lots of time out of his cage when I’m home. It’d be savage island if I brought home a cat.”
“You think a cat would hurt it?”
“I’d put my money on the bird.” I crossed my legs and leaned back, cat in my lap. “He’s a cockatiel. I’ve had him forever, so he’s got a little attitude.”
“What’s his name?”
“Don’t laugh. Promise?”
He crossed his heart solemnly. “Promise.”
“Rico Suave.”
Of course, he laughed. “Oh my. You have had him for a while.”
I heard April’s key in the lock. “April’s back.”
“I guess I should go, then.” Beck glanced at the door. April stepped inside and put her purse and coat on the rack.
“How are my babies,” she rubbed her hands together.
“We’re fine.” I winked at her. “Did you get something nice to eat?”
“Kayla met me, and we shared a pot pie at Yasha’s place.”
“That sounds pretty tasty. I have white chicken chili in the Crock-Pot at home. I should probably head out.”
“You walking?” Beck asked without actually looking at me. “Because if you are, Callie and I are heading home. You’re on the way, right?”
“Yeah. I think a walk will clear my head.” I held my kitten out for April. “April, Beck’s kitten—”
“Blanche,” he supplied.
“Blanche has conjunctivitis. I took a sample, but my money’s on a bacterial infection. Keep an eye on the others.”
“Sure thing. I’ll make sure she gets drops.” She stepped past us and looked at the cages where we normally kept animals that needed monitoring overnight. They were currently empty.
“There’s nobody here?” She turned to me, and her face fell. “Oh no. Digger?”
I shook my head. “Tough decision for the family.”
“So that’s three?” I nodded grimly, and she gasped.
“Three what?” Beck asked.
I took my jacket off the coat rack. “Let’s go. I’ll tell you on the way.”
“Okay.” We gathered our things and left out the back. I listened for the deadbolt that signaled April had locked up. She’d have turned the alarms on as well.
The parking lot was empty except for April’s car, an older model white Mazda. Because we left from the back of the clinic, I crossed the alleyway to get to Church Street. It was a little less busy. Together, we turned away from the beach for the walk home with Callie sniffing ahead like a scout.
For a while, I forgot the thing I was supposed to tell Beck. Maybe it was the alcohol making my head fuzzy. Maybe I just wanted to forget.
“Three what?” he asked again.
“I euthanized three animals today.” That felt too much like ripping off a Band-Aid. My ex Nick would have been shrill with me if I’d said that to him. He always complained I lacked the finer feelings. Who has time for those?
Beck glanced my way as he stepped over the curb, still graceful despite carrying his backpack and guitar. “You had to though, right?”
“I couldn’t help them anymore, and they were in pain.” I tried to rub the day off my face, but my fingers just irritated my summer-dry skin. “The families