Page 16 of The Holiday Exchange

I scan the enclosures along the wall and my eyes land on a pair of orange tabby kittens, two siblings who came in together last week. I walk closer and snap a picture of them eating, their extra fluffy coats portending long, silky hair when they mature. One lifts his head to look at me and I take another picture, this one capturing his blue eyes and his little pink tongue snaking out under white whiskers to lick his chops clean while his sister continues eating.

Perfect.

I send both pictures to Trevor.

Kayla

Otto Jr and Ottorina need a home.

I watch as the three dots appear under my message and then recede. He starts typing and erases his message twice more before the bubble disappears completely.

My stomach tightens with discomfort. I hope that didn’t come across as a guilt trip.

I send a follow-up message.

Kayla

Aren’t they cute? They’ll probably get adopted pretty quickly. I hope you didn’t think I was pressuring you to run over here and adopt them yourself.

I wait a few minutes, staring at my phone anxiously, but there’s no response. Great, now I’ve done it. I keep wondering why he thinks I’m the person to help him learn to communicate better. Surely he can see by now that I stick my foot in my mouth as much, if not more, than the next person.

I do my best to shrug it off and get back to work, collecting empty bowls and refilling the water in each enclosure. Finally, I set about sweeping and mopping the concrete floors, starting in the dog area. I have to admit, this is my least favorite task at the animal shelter. At least it seems like most of the dogs who are here right now are potty-trained. The enclosure with the litter of puppies is the only one that is soiled. That one will have to be hosed.

I’m moving the puppies into a temporary crate so that I can access their kennel when the door to the office opens and Sheila, the shelter director, steps out.

“Kayla, we have someone here who wants to adopt a kitten. Can you take him to the back and help him? I’m expecting a call any minute.”

“Sure!” I love helping people meet the pets and pick out their ‘purrfect match’, as the poster in the lobby says. “Is he in a hurry? Do I have time to finish this first?”

“No hurry.” A familiar voice sends a tingle up my spine as a man steps out behind Sheila.

“Trevor?” I latch the crate and straighten, surprised both by his sudden appearance and the zing of pleasure I felt when I saw him. “What are you doing here?”

He quirks an eyebrow. “Don’t sound so happy to see me.”

“Sorry.” I offer him a smile. “I am happy to see you. I’m just also surprised.”

Sheila cuts in. “Since you two seem to know each other, I think I’ll leave you to it and get back to work.”

Trevor thanks her as she sidles past him with a nod. “So,” he says, focusing on me. “Need any help with that?”

I look around and nod toward the open kennel. “Can you pull the bedding out here so I can hose the floor down?”

“Sure thing.” He works quickly and I blast the soiled spots with streams of cold water, rinsing until the water circling the floor drain runs clear.

“Thanks.” I wind the hose up and hang it in its place, then move to the utility sink to wash my hands. “So…Sheila said you want to adopt a kitten?”

“Yep.” He moves to take my spot at the sink while I dry my hands.

“Is this because of the text I sent you earlier? I didn’t mean to pressure you. I was just thinking about the story you told me about Otto and thought you might like some cute kitten pictures.”

“I did like them. I liked them so much I got in my truck and drove over here.”

“Yes, but adopting a pet isn’t a decision to make lightly.”

“Are you saying you don’t think I should get a kitten?” He crosses his arms and cocks his head, his glasses slipping slightly.

“No! I just don’t want you to rush into a commitment.” I cross my own arms and drop my eyes. “I feel like I manipulated you into being here.”

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