Chapter 3
“So, what led you to volunteer for the shelter?” After Rudy asks, he uses the tip of his tongue to collect whipped cream from his moustache.
We’re huddled around a small table in the busy coffee shop, all three of us enjoying decadent peppermint mochas that came topped with not only the aforementioned whipped cream, but also miniature chocolate chips, red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint, and a candy cane.
Though I’m still not feeling the Christmas spirit, this drink is doing its best to get me there.
Rudy also insisted on buying a cupcake for me after I commented on how good they looked, and I’ve been insisting that he and Nick share the oversized spiced apple-cranberry confection with me.
“I adopted my cat from the shelter, and the people there were so nice. She’s my first pet, and they were really helpful in getting me all set up to take care of her,” I explain. “Plus, it makes me sad to think of how many animals are there, waiting for homes.”
Nick breaks off a bottom piece of the cupcake with his long fingers. “What’s your cat’s name?”
“Cupid.”
“Like the cherub, or the reindeer?” Rudy asks.
“Oh, good question. I never made the connection to the reindeer, but I don’t know. She got her name from her previous owner, who brought her to the shelter when he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore.”
“That’s good of you to give her a new home,” Nick says.
“What breed is she?” Rudy asks.
I bite my lip and shrug. “I don’t know. She has short hair, brown and black with some white patches.”
Rudy nods, and I’m not expecting any more followup questions on the topic, but he asks, “Is she a senior cat?”
I pause before taking my next sip. “I guess you really like cats?”
Rudy and Nick exchange a look, their friendly smiles shifting into knowing grins. “We’re veterinarians,” Nick says. “We share a practice in Whitman.”
“And yes, we really like cats. And dogs, and all animals, though we mostly only treat small ones,” Rudy explains.
“I love that! I took Cupid to the vet here on the island, but maybe I can bring her to your practice for her next checkup.”
Rudy waves off the idea. “We’re not trying to win your business. The Four Points vet does a fine job, but we’d be happy to see Cupid if you ever need us.”
“That’s so great that you both help animals. What a noble profession.”
“I don’t know about noble,” Rudy says, “but it feels good when we’re able to help people’s companions.”
“What about you? What do you do for work?” Nick asks.
“I work at the Four Points Library.” When Nick’s brows lift, silently asking for more detail, I add, “I’m a librarian.”
“Impressive,” he says.
“And how nice to be surrounded by books every day,” Rudy says.
“It is. Do you like to read?” I direct the question at both of them, but it’s Rudy who nods.
“I don’t make time for it as much as I’d like, but I love a good thriller.”
I smile to myself; though it shouldn’t be surprising that thrillers are his genre of choice, both of these men look and act more like they stepped out of a sweet romance novel.
We talk about our jobs for a while, as the three of us slowly whittle away at the cupcake.
Occasionally, the men’s fingers brush against mine, and each time, their warmth seeps into my skin.
They’re easy to talk to, and I feel comfortable with them, even though they’re so good looking they also make me a bit nervous.
“So how does someone as pretty as you have any free time to volunteer for the animal shelter? I’d expect your weekends to be full.” Nick’s blue eyes twinkle as he lays on the charm.
I decide to sidestep his implication that I’d be busy with dates. There’s no point telling these nice guys that I’ve given up on men, and I don’t want to talk about the reasons why. Besides, the more time I spend with Nick and Rudy, the more I’m rethinking my resolution.
“Outside of work and volunteering, I actually have a quiet December planned. My friends are busy with their boyfriends and husbands, and my parents are in Germany for the month, awaiting the birth of their first grandchild. My sister lives there with her husband.”
“You’re going to be alone for the holidays?” Nick looks as dismayed as someone who just found out Santa isn’t real.
“I wouldn’t say I’ll be alone, but I don’t have any specific plans for Christmas. Not yet.”
“How about Thanksgiving?” Nick asks. “Would you like to come to our house for dinner?”
An invitation to spend the holiday with them, when I’ve only just met them, takes me by surprise. But it’s sweet of him to offer, and it makes me sorry I’m not available. “That’s so nice of you, but one of my coworkers has already taken pity on me and invited me to their house for the day.”
“We usually have dinner late, around six. Maybe you could come over after you eat with your coworker,” Nick says, teasing. “Have a second feast.”
I nudge the plate that’s between us toward them. “I might still be full from this giant cupcake, but thank you for your kind offer.”
“We’ll see you on Saturday at the park, then,” Nick says, as his brother pops the last chunk of cake in his mouth and quickly swallows it.
“We’d like to get together with you soon, too. Maybe take you out for a non-holiday dinner?” Rudy says.
“With the both of you?”
“Sure, if you’re up for it,” Nick says easily.
I give them both a smile. “I’d like that. I’d be happy to go out with you sometime.”
As these two gorgeous men smile back at me, my plans for a no-date December become a distant memory.