Page 5 of Tiger Bitten

“Mmm hmmm. Did I mention he’s a Cat?”

Mom jerked her attention over to Ren and lowered her reading glasses. “Come again?”

Ren rested her elbows onto the counter next to the cash register and sighed. “He’s definitely a Cat.”

Mom seemed shocked into silence. “Why didn’t you mention that yesterday?”

“Because I didn’t know how I felt about it, and I didn’t want you voicing your opinions until I thought it over for myself.”

“Cats are dangerous—”

“I know exactly how you feel about them.”

“You know what I’ve been through—”

“Mom,” she said in a soft warning. “You have your past with Cats. I am not you.” Ren pressed her palms against her chest. “It’s not okay for you to hate Cats when I’m literally one of them. We’ve talked about this before. I get that you love saying your opinion on Cat culture, but I’ve walked the line pretty well, don’t you think? I don’t need a lecture. I’m too old for those now.”

“So, he’s here for you?” Mom gritted out, sliding a narrow-eyed glance to the window. “What about Abe?”

“Mom, we broke up a year ago.”

“But he still texts you.”

“But never when he’s sober.” Ren blew out a breath and closed her eyes, prayed for patience, and then looked at her mom. “Abe isn’t it. He will never be your son-in-law. I need you to listen to me on this. He cut me loose. He’s with someone else. He’s not it for me.”

“Because he’s human?” Mom was trying to bait her into an argument, but she was way too well-versed in this conversation to fall for it.

“Because to him, I was boring.”

“You think this guy is going to be better than Abe?”

“Literally didn’t say any of that, Mom. I don’t know this guy, and clearly,” she said, pointing to him, “he’s got some problems he’s dealing with.”

Outside, Mars was griping at someone on the phone.

“Abe drives a truck too,” Mom muttered.

Ren swallowed down a growl and stood. “I’m going to inventory our record players.”

“Oh, don’t be angry.”

“I’m not. I just don’t want to talk about my ex anymore.”

“Okay, well I want grandkids, Ren.”

“It’s not going to happen with me. You know that. I don’t know why we keep circling back to this conversation. You know that can’t happen.”

“Well, at least settle down and get a dog or something!”

Okay, now she was getting angry. Ren tossed her a fiery look and headed right for the door.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking my lunch break.”

“Ren!”

Ding.