We discussed Puck for a few. She wasn’t chipped and, according to Pete, no one had reported a missing mackerel tabby. He promised to be in touch if he heard anything. He’d already given us a bag for the flea prevention treatment and checked for ear mites, which thankfully, she didn’t have.
“So, what was it you were saying about making other changes?” Darcy asked when we were alone in the car once more.
I sighed as she turned into her driveway. “I never told you but…Pete asked me out once.”
She put the car in park and turned to face me with her mouth hanging open. “What? When?”
“After my accident.” I sighed. “He brought me flowers in the hospital.”
Darcy shook her head. “So why didn’t you ever go out with him?”
I stared out the window at the snow-covered crab apple tree in the neighbor’s yard. “I was still hoping Bill Tucker would show up. Say he was sorry for what happened and ask me out again.”
Darcy shook her head. “I didn’t realize you were that hung up on him.”
I didn’t want to think about Bill, the boy who had ruined my life. “Besides, I didn’t want a pity date and that’s what it would have been with Pete. By the time I was out of rehab, he was about to head off to college. And it didn’t seem like the time to start something, you know?”
Darcy thunked her head back against her seat. “Jeez, Joey. Why would you throw a guy like that back?”
“It’s not like I caught him or anything. And he sure moved on fast enough. He got married when he was studying to be a vet, But I can’t help wondering….” I trailed off, unsure of how to finish.
“What if things were different?” Darcy guessed. “I guess you’ll find out. When are you going to do it?”
“As soon as possible.”
“You okay to drive home?” She studied me. “What was that little episode earlier. Or were you just pretend tripping so Pete would show concern? Because if you were, props.”
“You know I can’t flirt worth shit. No, I got a little dizzy when the time spell ended was all.”
Darcy studied my face. “You sure this is a good idea? Every time travel story I ever heard of warns us not to muck around with time.”
So I wasn’t the only one worried about wiping out my existence. “Robin implied that it was safe.”
“That’s the other thing.” Darcy bit her lip. “Are you sure you can trust him?”
No. In fact I harbored a gut-twisting sensation that I absolutely couldn’t trust him. “It’s done, Darcy. We made the bargain.” And I had a feeling that getting out of a magical deal wouldn’t be easy.
“Okay, well, if you’re sure,” she sighed. “I better get back to work. I’ve got a Count of Monte Cristo for a Chihuahua that needs to go out in tomorrow’s mail.”
“Where do you find these people?” I shook my head.
“Word gets around. Hey, do you think Pete would let me put up a flyer in his office?”
“Maybe. You should call him and find out.”
“Maybe you should call him. Like, say, twenty-three years ago?” She waggled her eyebrows.
I got out of the car and then took the keys before giving her a hug. “Thanks for having my back. And believing my crazy story.”
“Anytime.” Darcy winked and then headed into her house.
I drove home and parked in my mother’s usual spot. After unloading Puck and setting her free to wander, I called Grammy B to let her know the cat was free to a good home.
“Did you want me to drop her off with you?” It would be hell putting her back in the cat carrier but I’d do it for Grammy’s sake.
“Thanks, but no. I just don’t think I’m up to doing all the caretaking. She’s good company. I don’t mind watching her while you’re at work.”
I screwed up my face. Work. Right. I’d better get a jump on changing my past because I really didn’t want to job hunt anymore.
Grammy cleared her throat, a horrible phlegmy sound that made me shudder. “Those cookies were terrific by the way.”
My jaw dropped. “Please tell me you didn’t eat them all already.”
“Well, I would, but it would be a lie.” She didn’t sound the slightest bit sorry. Grammy B really had no shame.
She was my personal hero. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Grammy.”
I hung up and sat on the fainting couch in the parlor.