Page 103 of I Wanna Text You Up

My mom shakes her head. “We tried to stick to the alternative and grunge, but she just couldn’t give itup.”

“I like a good beat,” I say matter-of-factly.

“Whatever you say, dear. We’re going to get off here. Just wanted to tell you we love you and sorry we couldn’t be there to greet you. We’ll be back before you leavethough.”

“It was great meeting you, Rafe andSofia.”

“See ya later,Caleb!”

My mom holds up her hand and gives us a peace sign. “Mamaouttie!”

“Wait! Wait! Where’s the new key?” I manage through a giggle. My mother has obviously goneinsane.

“We slid one inside the fire pit outback.”

“AndMagnus?”

“He’s locked in our bedroom, so be sure to let him out soon. He probably has to potty bynow.”

“I’ll make sure to let him out ASAP,” I assureher.

“And, Zoe, for the love of all things holy, please stay away from the kitchen. I do not want to get a phone call from the fire department again.” Caleb falls into a fit of laughter. “See, I can tell he knows just what I’m talkingabout.”

“Oh, I do,” he tellsher.

I swat at him. “Both of you stop! Go enjoy your night away. Love youguys!”

“Love you too. Great meeting you, Caleb! Enjoy thebeach.”

I disconnect the call and peek over at Caleb. “Well, those are myparents.”

“They seemfun.”

“Oh, they’re something.” I grab my bag that’s been lying by my feet and haul it up onto myshoulder.

I walk over to the fire pit and laugh when I see the key sitting in plain sight, not at all hidden from potentialburglars.

“They could have at least thrown a few logs in there or something,” Icomment.

I push the key into the lock and twist. I’m met by the sound of Magnus going crazy inside my parents’bedroom.

“Want me to go grab him?” Calebasks.

“Sure. It’s just straight down the hallway. I’ll hold on to Mittens forsafety.”

Caleb hands over his cage and I let him out, wrapping him tightly in my arms as Caleb navigates his way to thebedroom.

About ten seconds later, my parents’ sixty-pound boxer comes barreling out of the bedroom, jumping and licking at me. Mittens lets out a loud hiss and tries to scurry up my body farther, hoping to escapehim.

“His leash is hanging right there.” I point to the wall beside the back door. “Just run him out while I get Wolverine over here settleddown.”

“Onit.”

Caleb manages to get the leash on Magnus and out the door they go. I grab the cat bed and hustle Mittens back to the bedroom we’ll be sharing, only letting him loose when the door is closed. He immediately curls into himself, staring at the door with wide eyes and perked-upears.

“Just watch, you two will be best buds by the time this isover.”

I leave the door cracked and walk back into the living room, where Caleb’s just taking the leash off Magnus. The moment he’s free, he darts down the hallway, and I can hear him and Mittens getting acquainted with oneanother.

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