She's upset with me, so I don't get angry with her. I've been dodging her all week. I deserve it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. A few minutes later, she calls me.
"Hey," I say.
"I'm going to put out an ad for a new bestie, because this week, you've totally sucked."
I look at the row of taxis in front of me and stare. "I know. I'm sorry. Things were just busy with school and work."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. What's up?"
I give her a quick rundown about what happened with Grammy.
"Ram Jam!" Her tone is so apologetic that it kills me. "You should've said that in your text! Now I feel like shit."
"No, don't," I say, moving a few feet but missing the next light. "I know I've been MIA and I'm sorry."
"I was just giving you a hard time on purpose. Whatever you need, I'm your girl."
I chuckle lightly. "I'm going to need to double park
to unload the car. Can you wait by the curb with this stuff while I find a garage to park in and then we'll bring it up?"
"I'm already walking downstairs. But just so you know, I highly doubt someone is going to swipe four cats and a scratch tower taller than your fucking Jolly Green Giant ass as they walk by."
I smile sadly. "Thank you."
"I'm gonna have to hit the weed pen and get wine drunk if I'm going to live with more pussy."
"You and me both," I say, laughing.
Fifty-One
"Hey," I say, my voice groggy.
"Where've you been? What's going on? Why are you ignoring me?"
I can tell James is both angry and worried, with good reason. I know I should've answered one of his many calls last night, but instead, I put my phone on silent and set up the cats, then I had a large glass of wine with Natalie.
"I'm sorry. I had a family emergency." I yawn, not wanting to get out of bed just yet. Thank God tomorrow is the weekend. I'm so mentally and physically exhausted that I just want to sleep, but I don't know how I'll get any rest with Grammy on my mind and seeing Daniel later.
"Is everything okay?"
I hesitate. I want to tell James what happened, but I feel like if I do, that opens another door for us and I'm not sure that's a good idea. Yet, the urge to lean on him for support is strong. I want to tell him, and I want him to tell me everything is going to be okay.
"Everything is fine. I just got tied up yesterday."
"I was worried about you," he says. I can't help but wish he was here holding me.
"I'm okay." My voice is quiet. "Sorry for worrying you."
"Do you want me to reschedule your appointment?"
"Yeah, but I'll let you know when. I can't do it right now. I have too much on my plate."
"What can I do to help you? Name it."
Closing my eyes, I pet the kitty curled up on my stomach, absorbing his warmth. "Nothing, but thank you."
"Can you at least tell me what happened?"