Page 32 of Strawberry Cake

“So, you want to meet Mr. Grumps?”

“If that’s his name.”

“I didn’t know you were in the market for a pet.”

“Me either,” he chuckled, pulling her down for a kiss.

“He does have a cute little face, doesn’t he?” She laughed and her hand found its spot on his neck. “Have you ever owned an animal?”

“My parents used to have a dog. So if Mr. Grumps and I click, I might need your help.”

“Cats are easy. They want food, a sunny spot to sleep, and attention only when they demand it.”

“Sounds like something I can handle.”

Hope laughed, greeting a few employees as she showed him the way. While Decan thought Mr. Grumps wasn’t much impressed with him, Hope insisted that he seemed happy to be on Decan’s lap. She made sure to tell him everything they knew about his history. He’d been rescued after being attacked and they hadn’t been able to save his leg. He’d been at the shelter ever since. They did assume that he’d been a stray, but he’d adjusted rather well to being with them. He’d been chipped, neutered, and all his vaccines were up to date.

“I don’t have anything for him,” he said looking down at the cat in his lap. Mr. Grumps still looked rather displeased, but maybe that was just his face. At least he allowed Decan to pet him. “Not even food.”

“But would you like to take him home?”

“He does have a certain charm.”

Hope laughed, scratching Mr. Grumps behind the ear. “He does. We can fill out his paperwork, and we have some supplies you can take. But know that you don’t have to do anything. I wasn’t sending you the picture to convince you.”

“I know. But he seems rather relaxed and if he doesn’t mind not being able to go outside, I could use the company. I’m home most days anyway.”

Hope helped him fill out the paperwork before offering to go with him to the nearest pet store for more appropriate supplies than what the shelter could offer. She rode with him and then guided him to the cat section, pointing out the litter boxes she thought were less messy than others, before grabbing some treats and the food Mr. Grumps was accustomed to.

“What about toys?” he asked, feeling rather lost.

“You can always try these treat puzzles. He’s super smart and might like them.”

Decan nodded, choosing one that seemed easy enough. “Well, I can always come back.”

“You have a good starter pack.”

“Let’s just hope he and I get along. He didn’t seem impressed with me.”

“He was all over you.”

“Afteryou forced him to sit on my lap and endure my rather unprofessional petting.”

God,he loved hearing that intoxicating laugh. “I thought you two were rather cute. A real bromance in the making.”

“Don’t tell Marco.”

“Maybe you should warn him that he has competition. Let me send you the photo I took of you earlier.”

He forwarded the picture to Marco, and almost instantly his phone rang. “So you’re a cat guy now?”

“Hope thought you might like to know you have competition.”

“I better come around and check this new guy out.”

“I’m stocking up on supplies now.”

“Let me know when you’re home. I’ll come by for dinner. Will Hope be there too?”