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She folded her arms again. “Why not?”
“Because ‘winging’ it doesn’t mean ‘wait until tomorrow.’” Besides, if I agreed, there was a very good chance she’d change her mind.
“Wait. How are we going to take Wanda? Your car barely fits me.”
“Come see.” I led her to the front door and out to the second-floor landing, where we could see the SUV we’d be driving to New York, the only vehicle in the parking lot.
Her eyes scrunched again. “Whose car is that?”
“I took delivery of it recently.” While the statement I’d said was true, if pressed, I wouldn’t be above a white lie or two if necessary. “As you can see, it’s plenty large enough for you, Wanda, and me.”
“It’s almost too big. Won’t it cost a fortune to drive it all that way?”
“One, it’s electric. Actually, a hybrid. Two, I’ll worry about the expenses until your inheritance is finalized, at which time you can pay me back.” It was one of those white lies I wasn’t above telling. I’d never allow Sam to reimburse a single cent. Regardless of the estate’s value, my net worth was easily a thousand times greater.
I hit the button on the key fob, and the rear hatch opened. I’d parked in such a way that she could see inside.
“What’s all that?”
“I call it Wanda’s car condo. While it’s technically an SUV, I prefer the alliteration.” There was a bed large enough for three Wandas, several toys, a mat with raised edges for things like food and water, and a place for her to do her business if necessary. While the cat would be able to see us and we could see her, there was a mesh divider that kept her contained in her area.
Sam laughed, and it was music to my ears.
“You remind me of my mum,” I said, putting my arm around her shoulders. “Your laugh is nearly identical.”
“Beau—”
I leaned closer and kissed her temple. “Pack so we can get on the road.”
“There’s something I need to say first.”
I tensed, hoping she wasn’t about to say she’d changed her mind. “Go on.”
“Thank you for doing this.”
I glowed from somewhere inside. While Sam had always been appreciative of the things I did for her, with the exception of the misstep with the house, this time it felt different. More heartfelt. “You’re welcome,” I murmured.
An hour later,we were on the road. In order to get to New York and return in time for Sam to be at Stave when it reopened, we had to travel at least five hundred miles each day, if not farther. While Las Vegas wasn’t quite that distance from Cambria, it was the only place along the way where it made sense to stop. With minimal breaks, we could easily reach the Strip before nine o’clock.
I’d lowered the second-row seat so Sam could check on Wanda, who surprisingly, seemed very content. The only things in the cat’s way were our bags, both of which were smaller than the combined feline accouterments I’d secured.
“She rarely rides in the car,” said Sam, who looked behind her no less than once every ten minutes. “Usually, she pitches a fit as soon as I put her in the carrier.”
After being forewarned by the woman at the pet store about cats’ typical response to travel, I’d gone with her suggestion and purchased a collapsible tote to safely transport Wanda to and from the vehicle.
“You’re a good cat dad,” said Sam, winking.
I smiled and nodded. “Wanda and I came to an agreement quite some time ago. She’s accepted that I care about you as much as she does but am better able to provide niceties for you both—given you rarely let her out of the apartment.”
Sam laughed, again reminding me of my mum. While most reminders of her resulted in a stab of pain that felt much like a knife, Sam’s laughter was different. It wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I was filled with a sense of peace.
“I’m jealous.”
“Of?” I asked, glancing over at her.
“Wanda has never responded to any of the thousands of questions I’ve asked her.”
“Well, then, perhaps we can get her to talk to both of us on this trip.”
