Page 38 of Never Not Friends

There’s a flashlight tucked under one arm. A broom in the other hand. And a streak of gray dust across one cheek.

She looks...frazzled.

In that very Emma way.

“Oh.” Her eyes widen. “I thought Juliet was coming.”

“She sent me.” I wish there wasn’t so much disappointment in her eyes at seeing me here. “She said there was an emergency.”

“There is.” She steps aside without another word.

The apartment looks like a tornado hit only this one room. Couch cushions are scattered across the floor. A blanket hangs halfway off the couch. The mattress has been pulled several inches away from the wall.

My eyes drift back to her. “What happened?”

She points dramatically toward the bed. “Chili.”

“The country or the powder?”

“The chinchilla.”

The lowering of my brows happens slowly. “The what?”

“The chinchilla.”

“I still don’t know what we’re talking about.”

“It’s like a hamster.”

“Oh, like a rodent?”

Her lips push out. “I prefer animal.”

“Did I know there was an animal called a chinchilla? And that you had it as a roommate?”

“Vinny!” She throws her head back in exasperation. “Just come help me find him. He’s behind the mattress.”

“Wait, there’s a chinchilla loose in your apartment? How long has he been back there?”

“Twenty-three minutes.”

“I have so many questions.” I grin, but it pushes wider when she glares back at me.

“We can talk after you catch him.”

“Me?” I scoff. “He’s your rat.”

“Chili is not a rat.”

“You’re only saying that because you know I’d totally judge you for having a pet rat.”

Her arms fly out in exasperation. “I don’t have a pet rat!”

“If you say so.” My smile is teasing.

“Are you going to help me catch him or not?”

“I’m still undecided.”