When he trailed off and looked at me to fill in the blank, I had nothing. Did I call him my friend? My page turner? The guy I kissed once (and desperately wanted seconds)?
"I'm her maid for the week," he finished.
"I was wondering about the apron. I'm Paris. Nice to meet you." After they shook, she stepped back and said, "Sorry, if that came out weird before. I'm unloading a new shipment of heavy food bags from the truck and thought maybe?—"
"I'll help," I said, but Tolliver put a hand on my shoulder.
"Your wrist is still healing," he said.
He was right. "But..."
"You help the animals. I'll do the heavy lifting and be back soon."
Paris spoke up then. "It's time for them to be fed. I was going to do that next, change out the water, play with each of them a little. It would be a big help."
I nodded. "Okay, I can do that."
"Thank you both so much."
Tolliver thew me one last grin then followed Paris outside, and I walked back to greet the animals. They were all so excited. The barks and meows sounded more welcoming than intimidating. Although I knew they'd likely react this way to any new visitor, I smiled and moved to fill their bowls.
"Hey guys," I said. "I missed you too."
I made the rounds, pouring kibble and replenishing water, giving the dogs and cats ear scritches as well, receiving little yips and purrs that might as well have been thank yous. When one of the dogs licked my hand, I murmured my thanks and sent him air kisses in return. Once every animal had been fed, I returned to the center of the room.
"And because I know you love it," I said, "how about some dinner music?"
I pressed play on my phone, and strings filled the space.
Walking to one of the cages, I made sure she was done before bringing the little black dog out and settling her on my lap. She nudged my hand with her nose, but I shook my head.
"No live music today."
She gazed up at me, and I shrugged.
"Sorry, Raven. Maybe next time," I said.
With a content sigh, she leaned her head against my leg as I ran my fingers through her soft coat, following with the brush I had tucked into my pocket.
"What kind of dog is that?" Tolliver asked, coming to sit next to me.
"She's a terrier mix."
He reached over to pet her too, and she rolled, giving us both these soulful eyes.
"Raven loves being petted."
"She's a sweetheart," Tolliver said, rubbing her tummy.
I hummed. "They all are."
"What's with the music?"
"Vi would play cello for them." I sent him a smile. "Still does when she's here. She told me they liked it, so I usually bring my violin."
Raven wriggled happily with all the attention.
"I wish I was more like her."
