Hudson glances over his shoulder and rolls his eyes at me. “That was the cherry on top,” he admits. “She justlookslike a Lisa.”
Asher holds her up in front of him, taking a long look. “She does. Weird.” He sets her on the floor. “That must be how it is with parents, otherwise there’s no reason to name a baby Richard.”
Vivi laughs and walks to the island, closer to me.
“Yeah, why don’t you ask Hudson why he randomly decided to get a cat,” I tease and playfully scowl back at him.
“Why’d you randomly decide to adopt a cat?” Asher plays along.
Hudson shrugs. “The receptionist was convincing.”
Vivi’s confusion morphs into a knowing smile. “Did that receptionist happen to be a cute brunette named Vesta?”
Asher’s head whips toward his twin with wide eyes and I can’t hide my snicker.
“Vesta is the sweetest,” Vivi tells us. “She’s a senior and softball player at UCAH. She’s going through a lot though, so Tim and Selena have taken her under their wing.”
Hudson leans against the counter and crosses his arms. “What do you mean, ‘going through a lot’?”
Vivi bites her lip. “Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a few months ago, but it’s progressed too far. They’re currently in the process of transferring guardianship of her two siblings to Vesta.”
Hudson’s brows furrow but he doesn’t say anything else as he picks up Lisa and holds her to his chest.
“You wouldn’t guess that when you meet her,” I murmur. Vivi shakes her head. After a quiet moment, I ask my brothers, “Will you guys get the bags?”
Passing the cat to Vivi, Asher follows Hudson out to his SUV.
We stopped at the market so I could get white rice and chicken. Rosie does, in fact, have separation anxiety. She’s used to being away from Liam during the day, but it was her first night without him after so many other changes. Still, Adrian suggests to follow the bland diet anyway, and he’ll talk to Liam about options for the future.
I’m glad it’s nothing worse, but itdidremind me of the preservatives in her dog food again. I don’t think the two have anything to do with each other, but Adrian said making her food toppers and treats were an option.
Hudson waited in the car with her and Lisa while I went inside. I couldn’t decide if it was a silly idea or not, so I only purchased a few ingredients to try it, then I’ll make a decision.
The clinic gave Hudson almost everything he’ll need for Lisa, but I grabbed a few things. My cat knowledge is far less than dogs, and the choices were limited at the local grocery store. I was able to get the basics; a litter box, age-appropriate food, a few toys, and treats.
It takes them a couple minutes to bring everything in, and we all make small talk for a bit. I know there’s more to this visit, though. It may not have been planned, but they’ll take advantage of it being three against one.
I know my time is up once we’re sitting in the living room with our coffees. After I called Chuck this morning, he told me to take the day off. I hate leaving them right before a major holiday, but we were ahead of schedule; I can catch up tomorrow.
“Well,” I say and look around the circle. “Let’s hear it. Why are all of youreallyhere? You aren’t scheduled until this evening.” I tip my chin at Vivi.
“Checking on you,” Hudson mumbles honestly. When I meet his eye, I’m met with firm resolution.
Sighing, I promise, “I’m fine.”
“So things with Stefan are ‘fine’?” Asher cuts in, leaning forward on his knees. A few strands of his floppy blonde hair fall into his eyes. It’s more golden and sun-kissed than my red undertones, but our eyes are the same honey-brown shade.
“Saturday was nothing,” I insist.
Asher tilts his head. “Because it wasn’t the first time? Because he’s done worse?”
Out of all of my siblings, Asher knows the most about my relationship with Stefan. In part because of his relationship with Juniper, and because of how close we became after she left. My siblings and mom know I went to the clinic, and that it was my final straw, but Asher wastherewith me. He waited in the lobby and stayed the night that I had to take the second medication.
“We’re worried, Lyp.” Asher’s tone is calm but his grimace proves how concerned he is.
I’ve never regretted my decision, or felt like it was “wrong.” That doesn’t mean it was an easy choice, or that I wasn’t emotional. And Asher was there for itall.
Hudson leans forward and grabs my hand. My instinct is to pull away, but I force my stiff muscles to stay in place. “None of us want to see you in that place again.”
