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If I don’t feed him, who will? Just one of the many little reasons why I could never leave Columbus Falls.
I crack the can open and he immediately comes over, rubbing against my leg. I’ve never actually heard him meow, but his purr is loud.
“Alright buddy. Here ya go.” I set the can on the floor and get back in bed.
I check my phone again and notice I have a text from my friend Alex. I swipe it open.
Alex: Missed ya last night, man. Are you sure you can’t findsomeone to take over tonight and come to City Square withus?
City Square is a sports bar in downtown Breakers. Breakers is the closest “big city” to us. But it’s still an hour away.
Me: Gennie is already upset with me. I don’t think it wouldbe a good idea.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
11
Alex: Well, maybe next weekend.
Me: Yeah, maybe.
I’m not sure how much longer I can keep coming up with excuses. At least this time it’s truer than the lame reason I gave last month. I toss my phone on the pillow next to me and roll over. I need a few more hours of sleep. I don’t want to think right now.
***
WHAT THE HECK. WHY does my chest feel heavy? Is this what stress feels like? I open my eyes and see green ones looking back at me. I suck in a breath as my heart races.
“Seriously, Sharkbait, you are going to give me a heart attack.” I forgot he was in here. His tail slowly wags across my stomach, and he rubs his little nose on mine. The faint smell of salmon on his breath.
“Okay, okay, I’m getting up.” I sit up and he hops down to the floor. He’s probably been stuck in here to long; he needs to get out and explore. I’m sure there’s new alley cat things to do every day.
I saunter over to the door and open it for him. He runs out and races down the steps. “Bye bud. Have fun on whatever adventure you go on today.”
My phone rings and I see it’s Gennie calling.
“Hey Gennie, what’s up?”
“Well, it’s 2:30 and you are still upstairs.”
12
T. SPEAR
“But I don’t have to be down there until 3:00”
“It’s the third weekend of the month.”
Oh shit.
“I’m sorry Gennie. Let me throw some shoes on and I’ll be down in a couple of minutes.”
We get shipments on the third weekend of every month that I always help unload. I don’t know how I forgot.
“John will be waiting for you. I have to leave.”
“Alright Gennie. It won’t happen again.”
She hangs up the phone and I rush to throw on some real clothes and my shoes. The plus side about living in a loft above the bar, is that it only takes me a minute to get to work.
