I’m an adult who can make up my own mind, and they can kiss my ass. I’m only going along with this to save his job. You’d think he’d be more grateful.
“Ugh,” I push away from my desk and run Felix’s tail over.
Again.
“Oh, come on, buddy! You can’t lay on the floor behind me like that.” I pick up the big orange ball of fur and check his tail.
His loud meow brings everyone to check out what’s happening.
“Not my fault! He was behind my chair again.” I swat them out of my way as they start to wind in and out between my legs.
“I can’t feed you if you trip and kill me.” I laugh as I walk into the kitchen to get their food ready.
My tuxedo cat, Angel, jumps on the counter and eyes my coffee cup with a look of destain.
“Don’t do it!” I scream as she swats it off.
I long ago switched to plastic cups when I realized six months into adopting her that she hated cups. Now, I just have to clean up the mess instead of replacing my glassware.
“Naughty pussy,” I grab a dish towel and throw it over the spill.
“Chow time,” I call out before pouring the food into their bowls and then cleaning my floor up.
I make myself food next, and I’m just about to start eating when my computer dings. I roll my eyes as I walk over to it. I’m sure it’s my father again, but when I see it’s an email from Maddox marked urgent, I frown.
I read his words slowly.
“No,” I snatch my phone up and dial his number.
“Hello, Dove,” I grind my molars.
“You can not cancel.” I seeth into the phone as my knuckles turn white around the device.
“Family comes first. I’m needed in Vegas, and I can not avoid it.” This can not be happening.
I need him. He’s the only way out of this mess.
“I will issue you a complete refund, of course,” I snap out of my head.
“NO! I’ll pay you double to fly here after.” The phone goes silent.
“Fine. On one condition.” I can hear the smirk in his tone.
He has me by the ovaries, and we both know it.
“What?” I bite my lip.
“Instead of paying me, be my plus one.” I shake my head.
“Excuse me?” He laughs, and it does a strange thing to my stomach.
Heat builds, and my spine tingles as I listen to him chuckle.
“A date Dove. Be my date to the wedding.” Ah, I see now.
“Fine.” I keep my tone clipped so he hopefully can’t tell how nervous that makes me.
I despise social gatherings and avoid them like the plague. I have never been any good at small talk, and always manage to say or do the wrong thing.
