We all took turns changing into our swimsuits, except for Trent, who declared he was not hot tub material but would act as lifeguard instead. Darkness had fallen as we left my house and crossed the yard to the raised tub. It was glowing purple and emitting steam. I barely had enough towels for everyone but again, no one seemed to care.

Christian had grabbed the wireless speaker so the tunes cranked while we all sank into the glorious heat. A sing-along broke out with Lizzo’s “Good as Hell,” and I was enjoying myself so much, I forgot about the purpose of the evening, to draw my landlord out of his lair.

All too soon, at half past ten, Trent announced that he had to get home to the wife or risk sleeping on the couch for the weekend. The others agreed that they had to go, too. Everyone had plans for the weekend and it was time to head out.

We left the hot tub, grabbing our plastic cups as we went. I pulled on my robe, letting everyone else change first. I stood on my front patio shivering as I waved good-bye. When their cars disappeared from sight, I turned and went back into my house. It felt empty and quiet in the aftermath of the party.

I glanced at the open French doors and saw Sir. He was sitting right in the middle of the doorway, licking his chest like he always did before he entered. The boy had manners, and he didn’t seem put off by the fact that I’d had a party; at least, there was no reproving look on his face.

“I suppose you’re hungry?” I asked.

He stopped licking, blinked at me, and strolled inside.

I’d bought canned cat food at the store earlier. While it wasn’t a huge monetary investment, it was acknowledgment that I’d become attached. I wasn’t sure how I was going to convince Mr. Daire to let him keep visiting, but the truth was, I might actually move if Daire said I had to give Sir the boot.

I opened the can and dumped the contents into a bowl. It smelled fishy. I put it on the floor and then filled a bowl full of water and put that down, too. Sir did not hesitate but began to eat with gusto.

While he satisfied his hunger, I cleaned the house to a peppy Katy Perry song. There wasn’t much to clean since the food and booze had been decimated. I filled the garbage, loaded the dishwasher, and saved the rest of the chores for tomorrow.

On my way to bed, I glanced up at the big house. There was no sign of life. I tried not to be disappointed that my preemptive strike had failed.