So Not Normal #15
I sighed, “She might tip the scales in my favor, so I might beat you to that punch.” Chase winked, “Make it a good one for me.” I grinned, “My friend taught me how to fight. She’s really good.
I could break Lisa’s nose, but I think I’ll go for hitting her so hard I break off part of her orbital socket.
Because my friend is petty, or so she says, and believes it’s better to have little pieces just float around one’s head. ”
Chase laughed. This man was easy to talk to. I definitely shouldn’t be talking about so many violent things around my boyfriend’s dad. My song was happily singing though, and Chase was laughing. So, he probably didn’t think I was full on crazy.
We arrived at the shelter. Chase held the door open for me and we walked in together. The girl at the front said, “Hello. How can I help you?” I answered, “I want to adopt a dog.” Chase chuckled quietly beside me.
The girl smiled, “That’s great. Fill out this form.” I quickly did and handed it back to her. She led us around to the back. I didn’t make it very far before I saw the dog I wanted. I asked, “What kind of dog is that one?”
The girl stopped, “That’s our Havanese. She’s the runt of her litter. The mom was here and gave birth. They’ve all been adopted except her for some reason. She’s a sweetie and already potty trained. She’s a spirited and curious little thing.”
I walked over to her cage and let her out. She was brown, black, and white. She jumped into my lap and licked my face. I asked, “Do you want to come home with me, Tatum?” Chase choked on the water he’d been handed.
The girl working here and I both looked at him oddly because Chase was now bent over laughing. I had no idea what was so funny. I wanted to honor the voice I’d heard in my head, twice. I asked, “Is Tatum a bad name?”
Chase waved his hand, “No, it’s a great name. I just know someone named Channing, it amused me.” I smiled at him. I filled out more paperwork and paid the adoption fee. Chase and I went to the pet store so I could pick out everything Tatum would need.
I went to pay but Chase stopped me explaining, “I own this store. Consider it on me.” I said, “You don’t have to do that.” Chase smiled, “What good is having a store if you can’t get something nice for your son’s ma…” He trailed off then said, “girlfriend?”
I blushed, “Key did ask me officially the other night.” Chase put a hand on my shoulder saying, “Then he’s smart.
You are good for my son. I appreciate, in a short time, the impact you’ve had on him.
I see the man I always knew was there. He’s not hunched over or standing in the shadows.
You’ve made him come into his own. Thank you, Katie.
” I really wanted him to say my real name.
Chase walked me back to my apartment then he left. I walked in and showed Tatum around. I said, “It’s bigger than most places. God, mom will probably kill me. Crap, I didn’t even ask about a pet deposit. I’ll get that figured out.”
The song in my head started to sing. I smiled telling Tatum, “You’re going to meet someone pretty special to me, so be nice.” She yipped and followed me to the door. Keaton was sniffing the air when I opened the door.
My boyfriend smiled at me. Tatum’s yip brought his eyes down to her before he looked back up at me in question. I whispered, “So Key, meet Tatum.” My boyfriend snorted, “You’re joking.” I frowned, “No, I adopted her.”
Keaton asked in a tone full of humor, “And named her Tatum?” I nodded.
He asked, “Why?” I sighed, “I’ll tell you another time.
” Tatum jumped up on his leg. Keaton bent down and cautiously picked her up.
I smiled, “She likes you.” My boyfriend sounded surprised when he answered, “Apparently she does.”
He came into my apartment. Keaton said, “So, courtwarming is in a few weeks.” I smiled, “I’ve never been.” Different schools called the dance before Prom different things. Keaton asked, “Do you want to go with me?” I smiled, “Yes.”
My boyfriend kissed me then said, “Good.” He pulled me against him whispering against my lips, “I might have stopped and picked up a few things.” I laughed, “Bigger than a dog?” Keaton smirked, “No, my Song. Check my back pocket.”
I stuck my hand into his pocket and felt the foil packets. I smirked at him. Then I panicked. I was not wearing a matching set of underwear and I needed to shave. I said, “Ok, can you take Tatum outside? I need to shower and get ready.” Keaton smiled, “I can do that. We don’t have to….”
I kissed him, stopping his sentence. I pulled back, “I want to, more than you can possibly imagine. I know it’s fast and somewhat strange, but I don’t care. I just need to shower.” Keaton kissed me then pulled back.
My boyfriend urged, “Go on and shower. I’ll take Tatum out for a little walk.
” I smiled as he put on her pink leash and collar, then left.
I literally ran into my room. Hopefully Jarchi got me cute underwear too.
This was happening. I was going to be with Keaton.
I squealed and jumped into the shower. It felt like everything was falling into place.