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"I just do. She's a tough little fuzzball. She'll be giving you the 'talk to the paw' against your nose for years, don't worry."
"I'm sure you're probably right. It's just always scary."
When they went to the reception desk to pay, Holly dug through her purse as he handed the woman his credit card.
"Eli, no," Holly protested. "You can't pay for this."
"Yes, I can. You don't need to worry about money on top of everything else. I've got this."
"Congrats on the Cup win," the receptionist said, handing him back his card. "My husband and I are big Kingsnakes fans."
"Thank you." He shoved the card back into his wallet. "Just make sure the vet takes good care of the calico, okay? Whatever she needs. Money's not an object."
"Absolutely," the woman replied, handing him the receipt. "The doctor will call tomorrow morning. Have a good night."
Holly sighed as they walked outside to the parking lot. "Why do they say that? I don't know how I'm supposed to have a good night."
"It's just polite. Do you need anything before I take you home?" he asked as they climbed into the car. "Any stops you need to make?"
"No. Thanks, though." Holly closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. "I hate this. I hate that she has to stay here."
"It's the best place for her right now, though," he countered. "It sucks, but she's getting the care she needs, and that's what's important."
"I know." She covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a yawn. "Logically I know that. I still hate it, though."
* * *
When they arrived back at the apartment, he grabbed the carrier from the backseat, along with two plastic bags, filled with stuff he'd gotten at the store earlier, and followed her up the stairs.
She was moving slower than usual, and he felt a tiny prick of panic. Was she just tired? Or was it her MG acting up?
Once inside, Holly flicked on the living room lamp as he closed the door behind him.
"Where does this go?" he asked, holding up the carrier.
"Just leave it by the door. I'll need it tomorrow anyway, provided she is well enough to come home." She sank down onto the couch, looking so exhausted it alarmed him.
He dropped the carrier and bags down next to the door and walked over to her.
"Thank you for paying," she told him. "You didn't have to do that."
"It's not a big deal. I know things are tight right now for you financially. And I like that little fuzzer."
"She likes you, too." A curious look crossed her pretty face as he took a seat on the other end of the couch. "Eli, why are you here?"
"We can talk about stuff tomorrow. Holly, you look beat."
"I am. My MG is kicking my ass today," she admitted. "I could barely get up the stairs. I forgot to take my medication when Miss got sick, and now I'm paying for it."
"I can go get it," he said, standing. "Where is it?"
"No, no. That's okay." Holly shook her head. "I'll take it in the morning."
"Do you want a cup of tea or something?"
"Eli, you don't—"
"Stop," he said quietly. "Just let me do this, okay? Let me do something."
