“I think so!” She laughed, flipped her hair back. Her tattoos were on glorious display. I saw my pink rose, the bouquet for our mom and aunts, our father’s orca. “I can’t wait to see you again, Evie. You’re the best sister in the world.” She dropped the bikinis and the lingerie and gazed at me through the computer screen. Her eyes filled up. My eyes filled up. She sniffled. I sniffled. She made a choking sound, and I felt my throat closing up. I blew my nose. She blew hers. Then we both gave in and cried.

“I’m getting married!”

“I know! I’m so happy for you, Jules.” My voice broke. “I know that Mack will be the best husband. He’ll always be there for you. You’ll laugh and ride motorcycles and be cool cats together.” I help up Ghost and Mars so she could see them as tears rolled down my cheeks. Sundance barked at her. I knew he was trying to make her feel better.

“I love you so much, Evie! Hi, Sundance! Hi, Mars and Ghost!”

“I love you, too, Jules!”

“Mack is so smart.” She blew her nose again. “The other night in bed he knew exactly what position I wanted to be in before I even asked!”

Now that is one smart man. Sundance barked again.

We laughed.

* * *

I had to bring Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Ghost to see Marco. Thank the Lord it was time for their annual exams and shots so I could gaze upon his gorgeousness. I am meticulous about my animals’ health. A healthy animal is a happy animal. But a healthy glimpse of Marco would make me a happy animal, too.

I made an appointment, sitting on my leather couch at home that afternoon, but Marco had no time for a week. My cats leaped onto my lap. One of them jumped off a pile of books leaned up against my pink rose wallpaper and knocked them to the ground.

“He’s jammed,” Gayle told me. “I’ve got you in for Tuesday, last appointment for the day because . . . uh . . . huh . . . because you work late!” she said victoriously. Aw, Gayle. What a pal. “I may see you tonight, Evie. I’m coming to your mom and aunts’ house for Sailor Singing Tunes.”

“I’ll look forward to seeing you.” I would stay for a while and sing along, then leave. I can handle social stuff for a while, then I get overwhelmed.

“I’ve got my sailor hat!” Gayle said.

There. I had something to look forward to. Drunken sailor songs.