“That dog’s got to be twenty by now,” Maia said.
“Not quite, but he’s close,” Cristie said. “They’re waiting in the car because T2 tries to kill Buster every time they come inside.”
“T2 tries to kill anything that’s even slightly intimidated by him. He’s a bossy old cat. Not as bossy as Trouble was, though.”
“But I love him,” both Cristie and Maia said at the same time T2, as though summoned by the mention of his name, streaked through the open foyer between the front door, the living room, and the stairwell hissing at everyone as he went.
Maia laughed. “Proof he’s a ghost. We said his name and there he is.”
“He’s a sweet kitty,” Cristie said in a playful tone.
“Yeah, okay,” Maia said. “But, listen, y’all be careful, and call if you’re going to be late.”
“Mom…”
“I know you’re old enough to do what you want to do, any time you want to do it, but I can either put you on Life360 like I did with Bastian, or you can do the responsible thing and let me know if you’re going to be really late, or even stay out all night. I’m not saying you can’t do whatever you want to do, I’m just saying let me know you’re alive and still out by choice so I don’t worry.”
“Alright. I have no clue at this moment, but I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you. Love you, my sweet girl.”
“Love you, too,” Cristie said.
“I’ll save you a piece of the apple pie for whenever you get home,” Maia said.
“A big one,” Cristie said as she hugged her mother quickly, then moved toward the door.
“Y’all have fun, baby!” Riley said.
Cristie made no reply.
“Tell Kaiser to come say hi soon,” Lucas said.
“I will, Uncle Lucas,” Cristie answered just before the door closed behind her.
Riley shook his head, his lips pursed as he did his best not to react.
“I look forward to seeing Kaiser. It’s been a few months,” Maia said.
“Me, too. He’s a good kid,” Lucas said.
“She intentionally ignored me,” Riley said.
Maia looked over at her mate from her place by the door where she looked through the peephole at Kaiser’s car as Cristie got in. “She didn’t ignore me.”
“Or me,” Lucas added.
“Well, maybe she’s not mad at the two of you. She’s obviously mad at me.”
“She answered you when she first came in,” Lucas said.
“One word answers,” Riley said.
“Hey, they were answers,” Lucas said.
“She’ll get over it. And she’ll feel better after she blows off some steam with Kaiser. I’m glad he’s here, they’re buddies,” Maia said.
“Hopefully,” Riley agreed.
