Page 15 of Make You Mine

I would leave the couch and the empty desk for the movers to take away. Shouldering the duffle with my clothes and clutching Tabby’s box to my chest, I took one last look around before leaving and locking the door behind me.

The drive home was quieter than the trip to my old apartment, likely because my thoughts weren’t racing around in my head anymore. I pulled into the garage and went inside. I set the box containing Tabby’s belongings on the kitchen table, feeling the weight of what it signified along with a newfound sense of clarity.

Gazing out the window, I saw Piper step onto her porch wearing that same ratty robe as yesterday but with a different caftan beneath it, black, with multi-colored flowers in a random pattern. God, she was gorgeous, even when actively trying not to be.

Seeing her there, I felt a strange mix of anticipation and comfort, odd but welcome. I decided to get some breakfast and make coffee. As the aroma of coffee and toast filled my kitchen, I couldn’t help but glance out the window again, watching Piper as she seemed to be absorbed in her own world as she worked on her knitting, what she was working on, I couldn’t tell. Maybe someday, it would turn into a scarf.

I sat on my couch to eat, convincing myself I wouldn’t watch her from the window like a creep, even though I knew it was a lie. I shouldn’t observe her this way, but she was wearing her ratty robe, so her ex must be on the way with her dog, which worried me. Telling myself it was a valid reason, I kept the curtains open to keep an eye on her despite my better judgment.

After my first sip of coffee, I saw him pull into her driveway and frowned when I noticed he didn’t have Cody with him.

What the hell was he up to?

I watched as she walked over to him with a forced smile that she couldn’t quite make sincere.

They exchanged a few words, and her body language made it clear that the conversation wasn’t going well.

I set my coffee on the end table and walked toward the window, ready to intervene if necessary. I strained to catch snippets of their conversation, wishing I could open the window. She waved her arms to the sides in frustration while he remained smug-faced as he watched her lose her temper. The tension was palpable, even from here.

My heart sank as I watched him thrust a piece of paper into her hands before turning on his heel and walking back to his car. She stood there, staring at the paper, her face a mask of confusion and hurt. She was frozen in place, and I felt an almost overwhelming urge to rush over and offer comfort, advice, or anything to make her okay.

But I hesitated.

Instead, I moved away from the window.

This was not my business. He was gone now, and she was in no danger. Which meant if I kept watching her, I’d be nothing more than a nosy neighbor and possibly a creep.

A soft knock echoed from the entryway as I returned to my coffee, trying to forget what I’d seen.

I froze, heart pounding in my chest, before cautiously moving toward the door. Slowly, I opened it to find her standing there, clutching the crumpled piece of paper. Brimming with tears, her eyes met mine, and for a moment, words failed me.

“I’m freaking out. I didn’t know where else to go,” she whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her emotions. “Violet has a new baby, and Paige would not be rational about this. I can’t talk to her right now. And you’re just so—never mind. I’m sorry to barge in on?—”

“Shh, no apologies.” I stepped aside. “Come in.” I invited her in without hesitation. She rushed through the living room and slumped onto the couch, the paper falling to her side as I moved to join her. “What happened? What can I do?”

She took a shuddering breath before answering. “Richard said he’s considering suing me for custody of Cody if I don’t talk to him about Dana and everything that happened.” Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks as I reached out and gently squeezed her hand.

“Ownership,” I blurted as I defaulted to what I knew best rather than pull her in for a hug like I wanted. “In Oregon, it’s ownership and not custody. Pets are considered property. Do you have any receipts, vaccination records, vet bills, anything that you paid for?”

She nodded. “I have a few things. But he’s saying that since he was the one who signed all the papers at the shelter, he has the primary claim.”

I frowned, thinking through the legal implications. “It could be complicated. But having any records at all could help you,” I reassured her. “Let me help you find a good attorney who specializes in these cases.”

She looked at me, her eyes filling with hope. I would not let her down. I’d get her that damn dog back if I had to fucking steal him myself.

“Thank you,” she breathed. “I’m sorry to intrude like this. You barely know me. I just?—”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m glad you came to me.”

“Okay. Uh, yeah. This isn’t awkward at all.” She wiped beneath her eyes with the sleeve of her robe. “I’m a mess again.”

“It’s understandable. God, I’m sorry—” I came to my senses and offered her a tissue box from the coffee table. “Here, take one. Where are my manners?”

“Manners? No, where are mine? It’s not like you were expecting guests, let alone a freaked out, crying one. I’m sorry for barging in on you like this.”

I smiled gently. “Don’t worry about it.”

She took a deep, trembling breath and looked around. “It’s really nice in here. You have good taste.”

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