Chapter 48
Lauren stood in Sierra’s kitchen, staring at Salem like they were in some kind of standoff. With obvious disdain, he sat on the counter, tail flicking, green eyes narrowed in judgment.
“Come on, buddy.” Lauren pulled out a bag of his favorite salmon treats from behind their back. “I know I messed up before, but I’m here to stay this time. I promise.”
Salem’s ears twitched, but he didn’t move.
Lauren shook the bag, and Salem’s resolve cracked. His head tilted toward the sound, and Lauren couldn’t help but grin.
“Oh, so now I have your attention?” They opened the bag and held out a treat. “These are the good ones. The expensive stuff Sierra pretends she doesn’t spoil you with.”
Salem stretched forward, snatched the treat, and retreated to consider his options.
“And.” Lauren pulled out a small container from their other pocket. “I may have brought a tiny bit of catnip. Just a pinch.”
The moment the lid popped, Salem’s entire demeanor shifted. He began purring so loudly it sounded like a small motor, then flopped dramatically onto his side and rolled around the counter like he was having the best day of his entire life.
“Oh my God!” Sierra laughed from the doorway. “You furry little traitor. All this time giving Lauren the cold shoulder, and all it took was bribery?”
Lauren cracked up as Salem rubbed his face against everything within reach—the coffee maker, a stack of mail, Lauren’s outstretched hand. “I think we’re officially friends again.”
“He’s going to be high for hours.” Sierra scooped up the now-blissful cat. “Look at him. He’s gone.”
Salem purred and head-butted Sierra’s chin, then reached out a paw toward Lauren like he was trying to include them in the love fest.
“I missed this.” Lauren scratched behind Salem’s ears. “All of it. This mess, this joy, this ridiculous cat.”
“We missed you, too.” The weight of those words settled warm and perfect between them.
Later that afternoon, Lauren practically vibrated with nervous energy as they created a temporary group chat, carefully excluding Sierra from the members list.
Anniversary Planning Committee ??Members: Lauren, Thalia, Tobias, Calliope, Raven, Jett, Ellis
Lauren: Okay everyone, I need your help with something important, and Sierra absolutely cannot see these messages.
Calliope: Ooh, secret mission vibes. I’m already in. What’s up?
Lauren: It’s almost exactly two years since Sierra and I first met and we’re approaching a year since we got back together. I want to do something special to celebrate, but I need it to be perfect.
Raven: Aww that’s so sweet! What are you thinking?
Lauren: That’s the problem. I don’t know. Last time we tried to surprise each other simultaneously, and it was beautiful chaos. This time I want to plan something meaningful.
Jett: Okay, we’re definitely helping. Ellis, you’re about to get a crash course in Sierra appreciation.
Ellis: I’m honored to be inducted into anniversary planning. What does she love most?
Thalia: Photography, obviously. Art. Her students at the community center. Us. Good coffee. Salem being dramatic.
Calliope: Don’t forget she’s been talking about wanting to have another gallery showing of her work.
Lauren: Wait, she did? She hasn’t mentioned that to me.