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I unlock the door and we go inside, Sharkbait leading the way.
“What’s his name?”
“Sharkbait.”
***
RILEY
When Grayson opens the door, Sharkbait leads the way.What anodd name for a cat.
And his apartment, it’s not what I had pictured. It is a wide-open space, the length of the bar. Half of it houses a pool table, a few poker tables, boxes of who knows what and a giant sign. I walk over to the sign and see that it has the name of the bar on it. I wonder if it’s the original sign for the place. The ceiling is lined with what I assume is the original tin, exactly like in the bar.
And there are four big open spaces that are blocked with wood that look like they may have once been skylights. We walk past the storage items to his living area.
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T. SPEAR
It’s essential one big bedroom. He has a bed, which is made with a red plaid comforter, a dark cherry wood nightstand and matching dresser with a TV on top. A coffee table, which looks like it’s from the eighties, is the only thing separating the sleeping space from what I can only assume is the living room space.
A plush grey microfiber futon sits on the opposite side. But beyond that, there’s a wall with two giant windows that look out over the small town.
Grayson is in the kitchen when I finally take my eyes away from everything. He has unpacked all the snacks and is grabbing a can of cat food when I walk over.
“Gotta feed my buddy.”
“Absolutely.” I say and smile. Everyone likes a man with his dog. Man’s best friend and all. But there is something about a man with a cat. Dogs love you unconditionally. Cats, not so much. It’s more of a trust building exercise with them.
I watch him as he opens the can and gives it to the cat. I can’t help but smirk a little.
“So, hey. I was thinking. I have this family reunion in a couple weeks at my parents’ house. There’s always lots of great food and games to play. Would you want to come with me? It would only be for a few hours before work.”
“That could be fun. I’ve never been to a family reunion before.
Not a real popular event with my family.”
“It's a good time.” he says and walks towards the futon, arms full of snacks. I follow behind and plop down.
“What do you want to watch first?” he asks me
WHEN YOU'RE READY
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“Well, my favorite movie is Legally Blonde.”
Grayson’s head whips around to look at me, his eyes wide and his mouth gaping open.
“I know, shocker. She’s the complete opposite of me. But there’s something about powerful blondes who learn their worth.”
“Fair enough.” he says as he runs his hand through his wavy dirty blonde hair.
We spend the next six hours watching funny movies and gorging on snacks.
“That was fun, but I expect a make-up day for fishing,” I say, as we pull into my campsite.
“Oh, absolutely.”
