Admittedly, Truffles is quite the cutie that folks—mostly women—get all giddy over. No wonder Jules likes to take him forwalks.
Arf.
Truffles yelps, dashing to the doubledoors.
“I’m coming, I’mcoming.”
Crap.
I left my key to the lobby doorsupstairs.
Instinctively, I pull on the door to see if I can jar itopen.
Fail. Perks of living in a securedbuilding.
I shiver, folding my arms in front ofme.
Maybe I can ring Mrs. Deveox in 1B. But she’s probably asleep now, just as ninety percent of the residentsare.
I give it a shot, pressing 1B, as I bounce up and down, in a effort to staywarm.
Arf. Truffles practically yells, paw up, waiting by theentrance.
I grimace at him, as the intercom rings Mrs. Deveox.“Bonjour, qui estlà?”
“Bonjour, Mme Deveox. C'est moi Lauren de 11A. Pouvez-vous me laisser entrer?I’ve forgotten my key to the frontdoor.”
There is an exhaustingpause.
“Je suis désolé qu’avez-vous dit? Je suis un peu durd’oreille.”
Crap. I forgot Mrs. Deveox is hard ofhearing.
“My key. I forgot it. Can you let mein?”
“Bonjour? Tu es encorela?”
Ugh. “Yes, I’m still here,” I say, bouncing even morefrantically.”
Oh, it’s nouse.
“Never mind, Mrs. Deveox.Merci.”
I run my index finger down the directory, looking for someone I think I can call to help. Then I spot 11B. Simon Hunter. My newneighbor.
I look down to Truffles, who has pooled himself around my feet in an effort to keep warm. “Shall I ring Simon,Truffles?”
Arf.
Sounds like an emphatic yes tome.
I press the button to 11B and wait past three rings when I decide to giveup.
Then…
“Hello, may I help youplease?”
God, his voice is heavenly which is good because the thoughts I have when I hear it may be viewed by some assinful.
