The Cat Savors the Anticipation

Ipop back to my house with the phone app.

Calling out to see if my crew has left yet, I frown.

No answer. What the hell?

It's barely five in the evening and they never leave for outings until later. Sauntering downstairs, I find several notes on the counter and they make me smile. I do so love my family.

Delicat-

I went out with Imelda, the kids, and their girls. Lazy said he's stuck with the writer this weekend because the coyote went to the real place for some event. He thought you should know that she went with the little fire and the knife thrower. He didn't sound happy, but that's his own sodding fault. Sonny left food in the fridge for you. Aradia was fed; don't let her fool you. He gave her Omahas galore before we left. We'll be back later. Hex said everything you need is in the main bath if you go out tonight. This means you are FREE tonight. We changed the voicemail to ‘do not disturb.'

Be careful, love.

~Victor

Circe-

Don't listen to the raging Idol. Have a good time, have a drink; hell, have all the drinks. Get laid. Everyone needs to let loose, especially you. The bleached boys don't know how to have fun. Try not to look like a ragamuffin when you do it? This one has taste.

~Philomena

Nancy-

They're all insane.

I date a riddle speaking flower dancer, so that's saying a lot.

Have a good time, don't wrinkle the pretties, and stop worrying about everyone but you.

The artist is fine, we're fine, and you need a few days off the crazy train.

~Hex

I chuckle to myself, shaking my head. I have the most amazing family. They know me like the backs of their hands. They gave me a lovely gift and then made certain that I could enjoy it.

Feeling lighter than I have in weeks, I heat the steaks Leo left for me to just shy of rare and grab a soda. I'm hoping this is fuel for this evening. Taurus didn't promise that he'd call for me, but I sensed his excitement. I can't believe he wouldn't come back right away.

I don't know what consequences my decision will bring, but I can sense that change… she's a comin'.

I'm sitting on my back veranda, sipping an exquisitely chilled martini. My young tiger is playing in the yard on the romper set I had the boys build for her.

It's been hard not obsess over what's will happen when I meet the bird again. Last night—or this morning—was unexpected. Apprehension is making my bravado flag.

I wish Philomena were here. She's the best person to have this conversation with because she pulls no punches and has zero tact. If I'm being a goddamned fool, she'll tell me straight. I need someone like that because the boys want to make me happy. They don't always give me the smack upside the head that I need when I've gone off the rails.

The Taurus phone buzzes and I frown. There's no way he's ready for me. He had to hunt and get the earring. Besides, he also had no idea what he wanted to mark me with. No way he figured all of that out in three hours.

Birdbrain: It's a sodding mess, Sandwich.

Queen Kitty: What's a mess?

Panicking, now I'm panicking. What happened? Is Talia going to kill him? Didn't he ask first? Crap, crap, crap…

Birdbrain: I can't ask the melted Crayola for a favor without one, it seems.

Queen Kitty: You asked Damien for a favor? What for?

Birdbrain: That's not important. Talia's pissed. The living room's toast and we're beat to hell.

The lack of pertinent information is making me hyperventilate. Why can't he answer a bloody question for once? No wonder Damien is beating on him.

Birdbrain: And it's HIS BLOODY FAULT!

Queen Kitty: Talia's pissed about the mess, I suppose. Why did you and Damien get into a fight?

Birdbrain: That git can't follow the simplest of instructions and then he sodding gives me lip about it. ME!

Queen Kitty: Does that mean that you have your mark thing?

Birdbrain: MAYBE. If he would tell me what the HELL the sodding thing DOES!

I close my eyes, unsure how to fix this situation. He's had a fight with Damien, pissed off Talia, and I'm betting it was actually his fault. But he wants me to make him feel better? I don't know. This is hard without visual cues.

Queen Kitty: So, stop fighting with Damien, so he'll tell you how it works?

Birdbrain: *growl

Queen Kitty: Don't growl at me, Mister. You can't do this if you don't know how it works or if you've crippled yourself to find out.

Birdbrain: Good point. See? It's good that I rang your bell.

Queen Kitty: I am the brains of this outfit. Make nice or whatever passes for it.

Birdbrain: I'm looking forward to tonight.

Queen Kitty: Me, too. Don't get beat up.

Birdbrain: Not a possibility with Crayola, pet. Later.

Queen Kitty: Later, baby.