Page 95 of Forever Cursed

Yes, I’ll see you there. Thank you.

Chrissy, what the hell did you do?

My question was answered the second Malik threw me the ball, and I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his face and for practice to be over. I didn’t give anyone the time of day once Coach dismissed us. I got showered and changed ina hurry, ignoring Malik’s faux positive energy. Faulkner knew something was up right away; he’s new, but he’s not an idiot. He didn’t press me, though, which earned him future brownie points.

After running to my car, I buckle myself in and drive to Tea and Kittens. As I park the car along the curb, I consider taking a moment to compose myself, but fuck that.

Careful not to scare the cats, I enter the café, but I don’t see her. She said she was going to meet me, where is she?

“Gwen?” I call out, and something in the back room tumbles to the ground.

A bang of metal clatters on the floor, jarring the room full of cats and kittens.

“Shit,” a familiar voice grunts. “Sorry, be out in a sec!”

I pace the room, looking out the window every now and then for a certain blonde to dance through the door. Instead, Gwen appears from the back room, holding a particular white cat in her arms.

“Thank goodness you’re here.” Gwen sighs in relief.

“Is everything okay?”

Gwen looks like she’s been through hell and back. Her hair is tied back, but flyaways are sticking up in all directions. Her white shirt is drenched in what I hope is water, and a new kitten just flung itself at her shoes. Korra chirps when she sees me, her lime eyes almost sparkling in reaction.

“I know you’re looking for Chrissy, but I have to ask you the biggest favor.”

“Okay . . .”

“Would you consider fostering or adopting Korra? I know it’s a lot to ask. You’re rarely home, and you’re busy with school and football. But when I tell you that this cat doesn’t calm down unless you’re here, I mean it. I mean, look at her?—”

Gwen holds Korra out toward me. The cat tilts her head, and she meows while reaching out.

I take her in my arms, and her body slumps against mine as she rubs her face on my collarbone.

“Not even two minutes ago, she chased me into the back, and I spilled my water bottle all over me. The moment she heard your voice, she relaxed. Ryan and I will do anything. We’ll give you all the supplies you’ll need. Give it a few days to a week, and if it’s not working, we’ll take her back. I just... I don’t want to see her go to another shelter. She didn’t do well in the last one she was at, hence why she’s here.”

Gwen is on the verge of tears. She cares so much about these animals. It’s no wonder Ash was drawn to her; her energy is warm and loving, just like Chrissy’s.

“I don’t know how to take care of a cat,” I say quietly.

“I can teach you. A week, that’s all I’m asking.”

Running my fingers through Korra’s velvet white fur, the tension in my muscles eases, and the weight on my shoulders starts to lessen. Maybe it’s not a bad idea. I mean, it’s seven days, right?

“Okay,” I say with a smile.

“Really?” Gwen squeals.

“Really. I’ll give it a shot.”

“Thank you!” Gwen looks like she wants to jump in my arms, but she doesn’t want to disturb Korra, who has fallen asleep cradled against my chest. “You’re going to do amazing. I just know it.”

With a small nod, I continue petting the cat as Gwen gathers the supplies. I walk over to a chair and sit down, being cautious not to wake the furball in my arms.

“Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be a diva?” I whisper on the top of her head.

With a long puff of air out of her nose, she yawns and snuggles closer. Yeah, she’s going to walk all over me. And I’m going to let her.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I almost leap out of the chair. With the amount of care I’m taking with Korra, you would think I was holding a newborn baby. But something tells me she deserves it. She seems like she’s had a rough go of things.

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