“I have a bag in the car. Cristie gave it to me. I’ll run get it before we leave,” Kaiser said.
“Thank you, baby,” Renata said to Cristie.
“You’re welcome. Let me know when you need some more. It’s a prescription formula and Alex keeps it on hand at the animal hospital.”
“I will. And what about treats or something?”
“You can give him a piece or two of his food as a treat, but I also have a recipe for homemade doggie cookies. They’re made with natural ingredients and there are low carbs and no sugar in them. I’ll send it to you.”
“That’d be great,” Renata said. She reached out and laid a hand on Cristie’s shoulder. “You sure you’re okay? You don’t seem like yourself.”
“I’m not. My mate showed up and I’m not up for it,” Cristie said, her voice soft and low, almost like a confession.
“Your dad mentioned something about that, but I didn’t think it would be a bad thing,” Basilio said.
“Long story, but in short, he chose someone else, didn’t show any interest in me, and now he’s here trying to win me over.”
“Oh!” Basilio said, his brows raised in surprise at her explanation.
“Do you want him to be here?” Renata asked.
“No, I really don’t.”
“Are you completely over it, or…?” Basilio asked.
“I don’t know. I walked away, and did my best to make my peace with it, and now he’s here. Turns out I’m still hurt. I’m still angry. I’m floundering to be honest, and I don’t know what I want. But I do know I’m not ready for this, and my father granted him sanctuary anyway, so I’m angry about that, too.”
“Your dad doesn’t do anything rashly. If he granted him sanctuary, I’m sure there’s thought behind it,” Basilio said gently.
“Well, it certainly wasn’t thought for my comfort,” Cristie said.
“You know you are always welcome here, baby,” Renata said. “Our door is always open if you need a respite from having to be near him.”
“Thank you,” Cristie said. “I might take you up on that.”
“Mine is open, too. Even if I’m not here, just let yourself in and make yourself at home,” Kaiser said.
“Thank you. You guys are awesome. I appreciate it more than you know.”
“It’s alright, I’m going to distract you,” Kaiser said, pulling her in for a hug.
“I think it might be impossible,” Cristie said into his chest.
“I have hypnotic abilities. Just ask any of my flavor of the weeks,” Kaiser said, starting to tickle her.
Cristie squealed as she pulled out of his arms, laughing at his tickling her.
Renata chuckled at their antics, they’d been close as children and that had never changed despite the fact that their family had only been nearby part time when Kaiser was little.
“You two are too much,” Renata said.
“It’s him! He’s too much. I’m just the same ole Cristie.”
“He can’t help it, it’s in his blood,” Basilio said, primping a bit as he looked regally around the room.
Everybody laughed.
“Where are you going to eat?” Basilio asked.
