19. Dustin
Chapter 19
Dustin
The weather in Pennsylvania is bipolar. Yesterday was sunny and sixty-five degrees. The perfect weather for being outside. Today is a crisp forty-five degrees with rain. The worst possible weather for doing anything outside. I hope it clears up by tomorrow for the scavenger hunt. I doubt it will.
I shut the SUV ignition off. Water droplets streak down my windshield one after another, a race to make it to the hood first.
Don’t ask me why I drove into town to walk over to Cat’s & Novel’s. I was never a cat person. If I were to get any type of pet, I would have gotten a dog—likely a lab, golden retriever, or some other type of large dog breed. But I still can’t get over the defeated look in Violet's eyes when I said no to the kitten. I don’t need a cat. I don’t have time for a cat. Okay, I’m lying, cats aren't really that time consuming. Also, that kitten gave me the most disappointing look yesterday. His eyes got all big and sappy and it ripped my heart out to leave him there. Damn, the sad looks from both Violet and Sardine were enough to kill a man. And that’s why I’m going back in.
What kind of name is Sardine anyway?
After spending the hour filling out papers, I walk out of the shop holding my new litter box, food, toys, cat scratching stand, and a bunch of other random item’s the shop owner piled on my arms. I barely paid anything, they just kept adding on more and more for free. I shove everything into the back of my car. I walk back into the store and pick up Sardine. He starts meowing the instant I walk in the door. I pick him up and carry him down the street. Doing my best to shield him from the rain. I am in over my head with this decision. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.
I walk across the street to the NSSG to find Violet behind the counter helping a customer. She’s so engrossed in their conversation that she doesn’t even notice me walk in. I sit on the green couch not far from the counter. Sardine lays across my lap, purring incessantly. I guess somebody is glad about my decision, but he sure seems to be happy to be here. My phone buzzes from my pocket with a text. I pet Sardine while I read the message.
NOLAN
How's farm life coming along?
DUSTIN
Still the same as when we talked last. Great. How’s NYC treating you?
NOLAN
I’m living large in your old apartment. Oh, btw I’m coming to visit next weekend for your final competition. Send me the details, I’ll see you then, Farmer.
“You got Sardine!” Violet shrieks and runs to greet him.
“I guess I did.” I still can’t believe it.
I slide my phone into my jeans’ pocket and lean against the back of the couch with a smug grin.
“Three questions. One, did you really get him? Two, what made you change your mind? Three, oh my god, you got him!”
“Yes. I felt bad for the kitten, so I went back to get him—I’m not heartless. Your third one wasn’t a question.” I hand Sardine over.
“You know what I mean.” She sighs at me, then proceeds to whisper loving words to the kitten like he’s the best thing in the world. I never thought I’d be so jealous of a cat.
“Do you want to go to my place and help me set up his new home?”
“Yes! Absolutely! I’m so excited. This is the best day ever. I’m closing the shop, that customer just left. I don’t care.”
“Calm down.” I chuckle.
“I can’t! Look at him. He’s the cutest little guy I’ve ever seen. Aren’t you, Sardine?” Her voice goes up an octave. She scratches behind his ears and he continues purring.
After turning off the lights and locking up she gets in the car with me. Her leg bounces with anticipation. Sardine sits on her lap sleeping.
I can’t believe I almost never adopted him.
Her hair is damp with beads of rain. She’s wearing her signature overalls over a sweatshirt. She shivers.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.”
“I can see your teeth chattering.” I say as I turn up the heated seats. I angle the vents towards her and crank them up too.
“That’s much better.” She sighs. Her eyes close.
By the time I pull in the driveway. They’re both sleeping. I want to take a picture of this moment. They look so peaceful. I wouldn’t dare wake either of them.
I shut off the engine and she stirs. Stretching her arms. Sardine copies her and stretches his paws out on her lap.
Violet smiles, “He’s adorable.”
“I know.” You are too. I want to say, but don’t.
“The front doors unlocked. I’ll bring everything in. Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks,” she exits my car and scurries inside with Sardine.
I carry the mounds of cat related items into the dining room and set it all on the table. I save the cat scratch post for last. I put it in the corner of the room. “Is this good here?”
“Yes. Perfect. You should put the litter box in your basement if you have one.”
“I do. That’s a good idea.” After setting up everything. Sardine runs around my house. It didn’t take long for him to feel right at home. He jumps through the air chasing the fake mice attached to a wand. He looks like he's doing acrobats in my living room. Violet lights up every time he grabs a new toy. Soon the floor is covered in feathers, mice, yarn, and tiny little balls.
Those are going to hurt like hell when I step on one in the middle of the night.
In no time we’re all leaning back on the couch. Sardine lays between us. Eyes closed, belly up. Soft snores escape his little body.
“That was really sweet of you.” Violet says quietly.
“What was?” I ask.
“Going back there and getting him. I’m so glad you did.”
“Me too.” I meant it wholeheartedly.