So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones

Author:Jenny B. Jones [Jones, Jenny B]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian/Fiction
Published: 2009-05-04T23:00:00+00:00

chapter twenty-three

I'm sorry, the cat's not available.”

This is the tenth person I've talked to this week and it's only Thursday evening.

“What do you mean not available?”

“I'm going to be honest with you, sir.” I clench the phone to my ear. “You don't want the cat. It has a massive shedding problem.”

“That's okay. I have other cats. I'm used to it.”

“Oh, she can't stand other cats. Last time Moxie was around another cat... she ate it.” Okay, she bit it. But one could interpret it as a sign of borderline cannibalism.

“Well, I don't know about that. Muffy and Mr. Whisker Britches are gentle souls. They won't take kindly to someone coming in and taking over the herd.”

“And take over Moxie will, sir. With her teeth, if you know what I mean. Your Muffy and Mr. Whiskery Bottoms—”

“Whisker Britches—”

“—will not fare well at all. If you value their lives, I would find yourself a different cat, I'm afraid.”

“Bella?”

I jump, dropping the phone. Jake.

Hanging up, I square my shoulders and compose my most innocent expression. “Yes?”

“Was that someone calling about the cat?”

“Who, that?” I point to the phone. “Um . . . yes, but they called to say they're no longer interested.”

“We've had a lot of people back out on taking Moxie this week.”

“Indeed we have.” This guy still makes me uncomfortable. I mean he pounds people into the ground for sport. And I want to be around him because . . . ?

He pours a glass of orange juice then hands it to me. “Take a seat.”

“Oh, thanks, but I really have to go. Don't want to be late for the get-together tonight.”

“Do you want to tell your mom about intercepting the phone calls for Moxie, or should I?”

I toss back the juice and pull out a chair.

“Bella, I'm really sorry the cat has to go. But I know you don't want Budge sick.”

“Budge isn't sick. He's totally faking it.”

Jake's look is patronizing at best. “He wouldn't do that.” If he pats me on the head and calls me a silly little girl, I am so out of here.

“I'm telling you, I seriously doubt your son is allergic to my cat. He just hates me, that's all.”

“Budge doesn't hate you.” Jake steeples his fingers and inhales deeply. “This has been a tough transition for him too. But nobody wants to see you hurt over your cat. I am sorry. I know she means a lot to you.”

Tears cloud my vision. “She's totally my BFF.” Yes, that's right, Bella Kirkwood is on the verge of crying here. I don't think I've teared up since I was in diapers. No, I will hold it together. “I would do anything to keep her. Anything.”

“It's just not going to be possible.” His hand settles over mine. Actually, it covers it like a giant's manacle. “I'm sorry. I want you to be happy here, and I know you're not. I've really been praying about this, and—”

“Then pray for me to keep Moxie.” I jerk my hand away and explode from the seat.

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