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Okay. Act as normal as you can.
After the brief mental pep talk, I go back into the kitchen to find Matt with his elbows propped on the countertop, looking out into the living room, his coffee next to him. It looks like he’s watching Norm bounce around on the area rug. My brain latches on to the fact that a tattoo sweeps down one side of his back, and I don’t know how I missed it before when he was in the shower or parading around the kitchen.
“Here you go.” I try to smile while mentally chanting, Please don’t say anything. Please, just drop it.
“Thanks. I’ll change while you grab Norm, and we can head over to Al and Annie’s and drop him off.”
I sigh, relieved. “Sounds like a plan.”
Matt holds his clothes low in his arms, and my gaze wanders south. I spin around quickly, cheeks flaming, and grab my lunch bag, randomly throwing food in and filling a water bottle with icy cold water.
Luckily, I remembered to plug my phone into the charger last night, so it’s good to go this morning. I quickly swipe my passcode and find a missed text from the Standfords.
How’s it going with the cat?
I thought about just keeping him here with me and not telling them. Then hiring a cleaning company before they came back to the area next spring, but something about that didn’t sit right with me. They were kind enough to offer this living arrangement when I asked, so I didn’t want to be disrespectful of their hospitality.
Not too bad.I type out in response. Some friends helped me yesterday and took him to the vet while I was at work. He’s small but healthy and very friendly.
I left out that it was a new place of employment, not wanting them to think I wasn’t being responsible. Plus, they were local and probably knew Matt, so I didn’t want them to start prying for gossip.
Sounds good! Did you pick a name yet?
I was surprised they were up this early until I remembered the time difference. It was early afternoon where they were today.
Norman. He’s running around the house with a sock. Don’t worry he hasn’t been scratching or anything like that, and he’s really good at using the litter box.
I watch him shoot away with my missing sock still clutched in his mouth.
We’re not worried. We know you’ll take care of everything. Let us know if we can do anything to help while we’re gone.
I breathe deeply. They seem okay with him being here, at least temporarily.
Thank you. Will do! I think everything is good for now.
I hear Matt’s footsteps on the stairs and slip on the pair of flats I left by the door yesterday.
“Ready to go?”
My eyes scan over him, unwillingly picturing him naked since now I mostly know what he looks like under his clothes.
“I am, but I’m not sure Norm is.”
He’s a dark streak running through the living room and shooting up the stairs with the stupid sock.
“C’mon, bud, let's go,” Matt calls to the cat. To my surprise, the little imp comes padding back down the stairs and straight over to him.
“See, he’s basically a dog.” Matt grins at me before he scoops up Norm, emotional support sock and all.
I can’t help but laugh at them. “Alright, I guess we can go.”
We work together to get his car harness on him and head out.
It’s just hitting nine o’clock, and the roads to Al and Annie’s house are clear of almost all traffic. I don’t usually go out much on weekends, but I’d have guessed more tourists would be up and heading places by now.
We’re running a little late, so I wait in the truck while Matt takes Norman into the house and wave at Al and Annie when they stick their heads out. Matt strides across the yard with a self-assured confidence that probably draws more attention than he realizes. Thinking of other women looking at him sends a bolt of angry heat through my gut. He said he hadn’t seen anyone serious recently, so I clear my expression and make sure he won’t need to ask if I’m okay or what I’m thinking.
We make it to the shop quickly and part ways; Matt to open the garage and me to the store.
