The Predicament of Persians - A.G. Henley Page 0,28

never been married, no kids.”

“Kathleen wants kids.” The nuts are mostly down the hatch now, thankfully.

I nod. “Me, too.”

“But maybe not with you.”

I frown. “Why? Did she say something?”

“No. But I’ll bet you guys would have super ugly red-headed freckly kids.”

My frown deepens. I really, really want to punch this guy. How does Kathleen put up with him? I’m starting to understand on a deep and meaningful level why she’s so desperate to win the Purina sponsorship. And I’m doubly interested in helping her.

“Okay, so here’s what I asked you here for. I’m hoping you’ll put in a good word or two or three for me with your sister. She’s told me you’re her only family, and she cares about you. So, could you do that for me? Maybe let her know that you think I’m a good guy, and she should give me a chance?”

The waitress puts our drinks down. James slurps his, but as he drinks, his blue eyes narrow at me over the top of the glass. He sets it down deliberately.

“Why are you doing this?” he asks.

“I already told you.”

“Yeah, I heard you, but why do you think you need me on your side? Kathleen already seems to like you. She went out with you when you could have been an axe murderer and she had breakfast and lunch with you and stuff. What are you worried about?” He studies me, making me feel like an insect in the hand of a sadistic kid. “What are you hiding?”

I swallow hard. James might be immature, annoying, and have failure to launch syndrome, but he’s been paying attention. I keep my expression neutral.

“I’m not hiding a thing.” Lie. “I just want to have every chance to win your sister over this weekend, and I thought you could help—with the proper motivation.” I take a crisp bill out of my wallet and lazily wave it around. “I guess I was wrong.”

His eyes follow the portrait of good old President McKinley. “I could probably say a few nice things about you.”

I place the bill on my side of the table. “Are you sure? I’ll be asking her what you think of me to see what she says.”

He nods. “I can do it. I know what to say.”

I slide the bill across to him. “Thanks, James. I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” I stand and pick up my beer to take it with me.

“What about the tab for this?” He gestures to his food and drink.

I glance at the money he’s sliding into his pocket and sigh. “I’ll find the waitress and sign the tab to my hotel room.” If I don’t, he’ll charge it all to Kathleen.

“Nice doing business with you, brother-in-law,” he says.

I wink at him. Now that’s more like it.

After I hunt down the waitress, I hurry back to my room, guilt creeping through me. Now, not only am I keeping the truth from Kathleen about owning Romeo, I’m also paying her brother to speak well of me, and I recruited my cousin to pretend to be me. This could all come crashing down on my head in spectacular fashion. And I’d deserve it.

But I’m doing it all, every bit of it, to have a chance to win Kathleen. And damn it, she’s worth it.

Chapter Fifteen

“So tedious is this day

As is the night before some festival

To an impatient child that hath new robes

And may not wear them.”

- Romeo and Juliet (Act 3, Scene 2)

Kathleen

I feel remarkably calm as I rest with Juliet for a bit before getting ready for dinner and the award ceremony. Even if Juliet and I don’t win, this is a special night for us. I don’t know about her, but I’ve never been nominated for anything before, unless you count being voted Most Likely to Get a Sunburn in high school.

Juliet and I play with the duster for a while on the bed. I wish she could come tonight, but the CatFest organizers have a firm no-cat policy for the event. I guess I can’t blame them. Dining, boozy people, and live cats maybe aren’t the best combination.

The organizers had also been adamant that they would investigate the Catulet claims that the Meowtagues could be cheating. I’d made sure to tell the woman I’d spoken with, who’d seemed harried and a little distracted, that it was only a rumor, but that I was concerned. I don’t know if it did any good, but I’m glad my report is on