CHAPTER TWO

2:30PM was all I could think of throughout the day and as soon as it came through, I made to retire. The hell load of work plus my frantic effort to get ready for the Bronx trip was a pure definition stress. So, my desire to get home was justified.

I dropped by at a pet store to get hold of some catnip but one a second thought, decided against it. Sahara, my cat, had been giving me concern, and this morning was a drastic addition to my worry. He had retched his gut out; I needed not to be told to have him checked immediately. Since I wasn't sure of the problem with him, I ditched the thought of getting a catnip. That might worsen the situation.

Being friends with a vet doctor had many pros, one of them being that I got to be properly attended to even with cheap rates. Mike's clinic had become Sahara's second home as I always dropped him there before getting to work. Hopefully, everything would turn out well with Sahara so that he could strut around as he use to.

The words, Animal Palace, boldly written on the signpost, brought a sense of familiarity to me.

"Hey." I said, shutting the door close.

"Hey...Laura."

The look on his face told me something was going on in his mind.

"What?" I shot.

"You look–"

"Heinous," I added. "Isn't it?"

"No, that's huge." He laughed light.

"Then what is it?"

"You just don't look you"

"Well, you said the same thing." He laughed again, harder this time. And I couldn't help but stare at the dimple on his right cheek.

Would it be wrong to want such, even if it's a tiny dot?

Mike was a guy with the killer looks. I didn't know about others but for me, dimples—deep dimples, a jet black hair tapering at the nape, a lean physique and most importantly, dark eyes embellished with thick bushy brows, counted as beauty...masculine beauty to me. And did I forget to mention my adversity to facial hair? Thankfully, Mike was usually clean shaven although I could see that a bit of stubble was sprouting around his jaw.

I mentally nudged myself when I realised I'd been smiling. Smiling at him.

"Uhm, how's Sahara?" I finally spoke in a desperate attempt to clear the awkward atmosphere I'd created.

"He's better now," he said as he rose to get my cat. He returned with Sahara resting comfortably in his arms and handed him over to me.

"Oh buddy, buddy, buddy. Mike took care of ya when I was gone?" I cooed, stroking his brown fur.

"What was wrong with him?" I asked not taking my eyes off Sahara.

"He had some sort of poisoning."

"Poisoning!" I yelped.

"It's nothing really serious. I'm gonna give you some medicine that'll help with the symptoms."

"I'm so sorry, buddy. Everything will be fine." I looked up from my cat and smiled at Mike. "Thanks."

"It's nothing." He flashed a smile. He got back inside to get the medicines and returned soon enough to take a seat beside me.

"You were in a hurry today," he pointed out, bringing me to recall my kangaroo hop to work, today. I'd earlier stormed into the clinic, asking Mike to check up on Sahara. I'd been consumed in my attempt to get to work in time, that I failed to properly say hello to Mike.

"Yeah. I'm sorry I didn't even say hi, earlier."

"You know you've got to take it easy...seriously. It's really tellin' on ya." He looked concerned.

"Thanks." After a pause, I asked. "Uhm, how much for the service?"

"Are you kiddin' me?"

"No, I'm asking." There went his laugh again. I couldn't help but join him.

"What do you take me for, Laura? C'mon, what the hell are friends for?"

"Friends are meant to appreciate one another." I dug my hand inside my purse and shoved some bills into his breast pocket, not minding the resistance.

"Are you for real now?"

"See you later, Mike. Thanks for everything." I turned to the door, not forgetting the look on his face.