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“You never give up.” I smile, relieved she’s switched back to the light-hearted flirting.
“Good morning,” Bella, the farm owner, says.
“Morning,” we echo back.
Sophie gets the cat food out and starts dishing it out. I finish up with the kittens before helping her. Bella takes litter tray duty, and we all get to work. After feeding time, we give the cats some love before taking a break.
I rub my back before dropping into the cheap garden chair outside the cattery building. The legs of the chair scrape against the concrete.
“Have you hurt yourself while feeding the cats?” Bella asks, observing my movements. She sits closer to the table, even though it leans so steeply that it’s useless.
“No. I couldn’t get comfortable last night.” I rub my shoulder.
“Ah. I have those types of nights,” Bella says. As well as the Cat’s Trust, she also helps her husband with the farm.
“The difference is you don’t have a bed guest,” Sophie says with sass.
“It’s about time you met someone,” Bella says. She smiles, seeming genuinely happy for me.
“Don’t get too excited. My best friend is staying for a few weeks and she’s injured, so I’m taking the couch. I’m still single and happy.” I add the last part, hoping to get Sophie off my case.
“If you’re such good friends, why can’t you share the bed? You’re a dainty little thing. Surely there’s room for you both,” Bella says.
“Lara forgot to mention her best friend is her long-term crush.” Sophie gives me the stern eyebrow.
Yeah, I can’t leave things with Sophie. Being nice isn’t working, and even though I don’t usually get tough with people, I’m going to have to tell her to back off.
“Nothing good can come from keeping this a secret. You should tell her how you feel,” Bella says, and Sophie nods with a told you so smile.
Her signals are a bit confusing. Why does she want me to tell Mal? “If I do that, it might become awkward between us. Mallory travels a lot and doesn’t want a relationship.”
“If you don’t tell her how you feel, you’ll never have a girlfriend either because you’re waiting for her.” Bella sounds like she’s talking from experience, but she has her love life under control. She’s married to a kind-hearted man.
I scratch my earlobe. While I wouldn’t agree I’m waiting for Mallory, I guess on some level it is the reason I’m not dating anyone. No one matches up to her. Not that I’m going to admit that to my work colleagues. “I’m happy the way things are.”
“When was the last time someone made you feel special?” Sophie asks.
“You guys and the cats make me feel loved every day.” I hug myself to show I’m getting the vibes. Bella copies the action.
“Not in the way I’d like to.”
“Ease up on her,” Bella says.
“Yes, Sophie. Lay off. The right girl is out there for you. She’s just not me. I won’t date a co-worker, which I keep telling you. If we fell out, it would upset the balance, and I like the way things are.” My words are careful but, hopefully, to the point. We need a clear understanding.
“I actually have been asked out on a date.” Sophie seems to be trying to save face, and I’m glad she doesn’t push me any further.
“Who’s the lucky girl?” Bella asks.
“She’s a singer, and I met her at Pride. Her name is Vanessa.”
Sophie’s a flirt and too full-on. She might want to date me, but she’s happy to explore her options. Plus, her attitude is a huge turn-off. I wouldn’t be interested in her, even if she only had eyes for me.
“I’m happy for you. Please tell me you said yes.” I muster as much enthusiasm as possible, trying to get things back to where they were before Mallory arrived.
She shrugs. “I don’t want to seem too keen, but I’m going to message her after our shift to give her the answer.”
“You tease,” Bella says, nudging her shoulder.
