We both get in the car right before it pours.
“We will have to go to the grocery store and get snacks. But” I reach into my backseats floorboard “I have an umbrella.”
“Phew” she says and brings her across her forehead. “I could melt out there.”
I shake my head and smile. I drive the short distance to the grocery store. I get out and round the car, I open Riley’s door and hold the umbrella over it, so she doesn’t get wet.
90
T. SPEAR
“Why thank you, kind sir.” she says and nods her head once.
“No thanks needed, madame,” I say and give a small bow.
We both laugh and smush together to stay under the small umbrella. We take our time in the grocery store, hoping to wait out the downpour.
“Cookies. I need cookies.” she says matter-of-factly.
“Of course. What kind do you like?” I turn on my heels and head towards the cookie aisle. Riley in tow.
“Oreos,” she says as we turn the corner and get to them
“Shut up. Me, too. But wait.” I turn towards her, blocking her from the yummy goodness. “Do you dunk or twist?”
Her eyes squint at me, and I cross my arms over my chest.
“This could make or break our day, ya know,” I say to her.
“I like to drown mine in milk.”
I purse my lips together and let out a sigh while shaking my head.
“You twist them? I knew there was something off about you.”
I laugh. “I would never. Youhaveto dunk them. Who twists them?”
“Right!” Riley grabs a pack of Oreos. We grab a few more items, including milk and go back to my apartment.
As we get to the door, I shouldn’t have expected anything less.
Sharkbait is sitting, looking at me with obvious kitty disdain.
How dare I have the audacity to leave him out in the rain?
WHEN YOU'RE READY
91
Riley stops and points to him. “Is that your cat?”
“Technically, he belongs to the streets. But did I give him a name, a warm place to rest and food twice a day.”
Riley laughs and takes a couple steps towards Sharkbait before bending down and giving his noggin a scratch.
“So, the short answer is yes,” she says
“Yeah, yeah.”