“It means he sneezes when he’s near her. And his eyes get swollen.”
Alia had noticed but wasn’t sure if Kean had. His observational skills pleased her and she patted his shoulder lovingly. “Good boy. You can understand how hard it was for Sloan to agree for you to keep the cat here, then. It makes things very uncomfortable for him.”
“He’s getting a needle he said. Will he be better then?”
“I don’t really know, honey. But I think he’s being very generous, so we can’t take his kindness for granted. You do as he says and keep the kitten here or in the garden for now. Once Roy is better, he can take her home.”
Kean’s face fell but he nodded. “Maybe when we move back to our house, we can adopt her. Can we, Mom?”
Not wanting to disappoint her son, she used the same answer that all mothers fell back on. “Let’s wait and see, okay?”
He looked at her closely, so she made her expression firm. “We’re going to the hospital now. You behave for Les and go straight to sleep. Promise?”
“I promise. Me and Kitty are kinda tired.” He got into bed, and before he lay down fully, he lifted his head for her kiss and she gladly co-operated, and then tucked him and the tired little animal into the covers.
Once she stepped out of the room, she followed the sneezes to the kitchen. “I’m ready. And we should get you away from this house.”
“I took an allergy pill. It’ll kick in soon. Les has a visitor. You went to Kean before you saw her. Come meet her before we go.” He motioned toward the sitting room where she heard a woman’s voice and Les laughing.
Libby?
The blonde turned from where she sat on the couch next to Les and stood when Alia dashed into the room.
“What the fuck? How did you get in here?”