Page 63 of Grumpy Pucking Orc
“Cats are the perfect animal for people who might be gone for a few days at a time,” she countered. “You can set up an automatic feeder and watering fountain, and since they go in a litter box, you don’t need to worry about cominghome to a mess. And if you’re going to be gone more than a day or two, you can pay a pet sitter to drop by each day to check on the cat and make sure everything is okay.”
I did like the idea of having a furry little killer waiting for me at home. And while I was certain Jordan and I would return to my homeland, there were logistics that might delay our marriage and move. Even if I proposed this weekend, we had several months of games that I felt I’d made a binding commitment to. Honestly, I felt uncomfortable about leaving mid-season, even though the reason for my journey here was complete. The team needed me. Could I really abandon them?
Either way, I was not going to make a decision on a cat today.
“Is there one that you recommend?” I asked the woman. “I would want to talk to my mate before adopting one, but I would like to tell her about a specific cat in that conversation.”
The woman nodded and led me down the row to a cage toward the end. Inside was an ebony cat with startling orange eyes.
“This is Coal, although you could always change his name. He’s a relaxed and easygoing cat who would quickly adapt to a new home and would be good with other cats. He’s not going to be pushy with Judy if she doesn’t like him, but he’ll be happy to play if she wants. His favorite things are sitting on your lap, perching on top of kitchen cabinets, and his little mouse toys filled with catnip.”
She opened the cage and scooped Coal out, depositing him in my arms. The cat’s ebony fur was short, shiny, and soft. He purred instantly, staring up at me with his orange eyes before rubbing his head on my chin. I instantly loved him, and with great reluctance, put him back in the cage.
“I’ll need to discuss this with Jordan first,” I told the woman.
“Of course,” she said, closing the cage and putting steel wire between me and the cat I already felt had sunk his claws into my heart. “We always want to make sure every member of the family is on board with a new adoption.”
Chapter 26
Ozar
That evening, I texted Jordan a picture of the cat from the shelter to get her opinion. She texted me back a series of hearts along with a picture of a burger on a plate. I was confused and somewhat alarmed about what a black homeless cat would have to do with food until she texted again that she was out to dinner with her two friends.
There went my tentative plans to ask her to meet me for a late meal.
Should I adopt this cat?I texted back, not wanting to interrupt her friend-time but feeling like I should make a decision on Coal.
Yes. Always adopt the cat,was the reply followed by another heart.
Would Judy approve? Does Judy like other cats?
There were several seconds of those pulsing dots alternating with their disappearance before I got a reply.
Judy would take some time to get used to another cat, but she’s not unfriendly. I don’t want that to keep you from adopting your own cat, though.
I frowned, not sure how to read what was behind that message. It was good news that Judy would eventually warm up to a cat-friend, but the last bit of the text confused me. Of course Judy’s preferences mattered, as did Jordan’s. If they did not want a second cat, then I would not adopt Coal.
I know you’ve got some away games coming up. It might not be the best time to bring a cat into your apartment, only to leave when they’re adapting to a new home.
Oh.
She was right. As much as I wanted to adopt Coal, it wasn’t fair for the cat to be abandoned right after he was brought into a new home. And having a stranger checking on him every day probably wouldn’t help him settle in like my being there would.
Thank you for your advice. I will wait until I come home from the away games. Hopefully Coal will still be available at the homeless animal building because I like him.
His name is Coal??? Is he at BARCS? Maybe I’ll go over to see him when you’re away.
My heart twisted.If he finds a good home, then I will love and adopt another cat. The shelter-woman informed me there are many nice ones there waiting for families.
That’s a good attitude to have. Thereareso many wonderful cats that need homes. I love that you’re thinking of adopting.
The number of hearts following that text made me wonder how much Jordan had drunk while having dinner with her friends. With a smile, I told her to have a good evening, and that I would see her tomorrow morning.
My own dinner consisted of leftoverSwakegastew and a cold glass of milk. I sat on my balcony for a while, lookingout over the city, then changed clothes and walked back to the arena in search of companionship.
Sadly, the only one who was there was Eng. I really didn’t like the arrogant jerk, and doubted he’d be good company, but figured he was better than no one.
I really did need a cat.
