On cue, my stomach grumbles loudly.
“Shit.”
Another knock on the front door has me moving quickly to answer it.
Peering through the peephole, I squeal in delight.
“You are a godsend!” I tell him, swinging the door open and grabbing the food bags he’s holding. “I could kiss you right now but I’mreallyfucking hungry and I need to eat before I get hangry. We don’t want to see that.”
I hurry over to the couch and tear open the bag, finding fresh French fries and chicken nuggets inside.
“Oh my god. This isamazing,” I moan through a bite.
I devour another nugget before glancing up at the door, which is still wide open. Zach’s standing there, a huge smile across his face.
“Crap. I’m the worst host ever—though I am asurprisehost.” I throw him a look as I set the bag of food down and cross the living room to properly greet him.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hi.” He rocks back on his heels. “I’m surprised you walked that far away from your food.”
“Thank you, for the food, I mean. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, Delia. Do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“Hold this for me while I go grab a few things from my car.”
He hands me a leash, and at first, I don’t understand it.
Then it dawns on me who would need a leash.
“You brought Marshmallow!” I drop to my haunches and peek around the door frame.
It takes everything in me not to squeal and scare the sweet baby goat when I see him. I gingerly stick my hand out, trying to coax him closer to me.
He takes a few hesitant steps then eventually totters closer, placing the tip of his chin in my outstretched hand. He pushes his head deeper into my palm and tears spring to my eyes. I feel like a blubbering fool, but he’s so damn precious.
I gather him up and stand, holding him close to my chest.
“You have him?”
I nod. “And I’m never letting go.”
“I’ll go grab his cage and toys. Be right back.”
“What the hell happened?”
“This goat is the devil!” I point at the offending creature, holding Zach’s surprised gaze with a furious one of my own. “I let him down for two seconds—two seconds.I wanted barbecue sauce for my nuggets so I set him down, walked into the kitchen, grabbed the sauce, and returned tothis!”
“How did he eat a cushion that fast?”
“I don’t know!” I wave my arms around in frustration. “I mean, I might have turned my back for more than two seconds because I put on a pot of coffee, but it wasn’t for more than two minutes, I swear!”
Zach laughs, and I have the urge to punch him.
“You’re seriously laughing right now? You’re the worst.”
