Pawsitively Improvised

Disturbance in the Force

Chapter 5

Getting into the elevator of her building, she heaved a sigh as the doors closed. He hadn’t followed her. Not that she had wanted him too, just that she was a little surprised. Most of the staff lived in apartments in the high-rise.

Of course, that wasn’t true for everyone, but quite a few of the staff did. There were quarters for them on the thirteenth floor. Well, the fourteenth, but everyone knew that labeling it another floor didn’t mean it didn’t exist. Perhaps, for a superstitious person, the derailment of her day could be blamed on the floor she lived on. Good thing she didn’t believe in such things. The price was right. Especially for someone just starting out.

Luck had been on her side when Crystal had approached her about the job. The living accommodations were the cherry on the top. Free rent for employees. She was only responsible for extra utilities. Her phone, internet, and cable were her only bills. She could live with that. Superstitions be damned. Staff could live on other floors or in one of the other properties. For a small rental fee, naturally.

The doors opened, allowing another occupant in. She kept her eyes adverted in the hope that they would leave her alone. It wasn’t that she was an antisocial person. After all the enemies she had made that day, she’d rather avoid anymore interactions. Just in case.

“Rough day Kira?” Hearing her name had her snapping her eyes at the person standing beside her. Sighing, she slouched against the wall of the elevator.

“Oh. It’s you. Hi Chase.” Placing a hand to his chest, he clutched at his shirt, stumbling backwards.

“You wound me. That’s not how women usually greet me.” Shaking her head, she chuckled at his antics. Having gotten to know him in the months leading up to her move, she was used to his theatrics.

“Did you really want me to throw myself at you?” The discomfort on his face had her laughing.

“Not that I wouldn’t be flattered, but Crystal would hand me my balls. Also, no offense but that outfit doesn’t scream ‘take me I’m yours’.” Not even the reminder of her day could kill the humor of the moment.

“Thanks, I needed that.”

“I aim to please.” He wagged his eyebrows lasciviously at her, causing her to giggle again. The elevator dinged at her floor, opening to allow her to exit. Smiling back at him, she couldn’t help one last jest.

“Balls Chase. Balls.” Smiling roughishly, his quip was quick on his lips.

“Still firmly attached.” Shaking her head, she waved goodbye as the doors closed between them. She felt better after the banter. Part of the weight she had been carrying was a little bit lighter.

Coming to her door, she turned the key inside the lock. Renaldo was making a fuss on the other side. Entering the apartment, she was greeted by her dog. His tail was wagging so hard his butt was moving in time. Smiling, she dropped to her knees, roughing up his fur as she greeted him. It was the best part of her day. She giggled as he snuffled her all over, obviously investigating the new smells. She should have seen it coming since the clothing belonged to someone he didn’t know. Pushing lightly at his snout, she moved to get up off the floor.

What happened next, she should have seen coming. When she turned to get up, Renaldo took that as his cue. Hopping a bit, his paws landed on her shoulders.

“No Renaldo! Get off! Bad boy!” She screeched, wrestling the dog off her before he could really get going. It wouldn’t be the first time he had gotten so excited that he had tried to mount someone. Usually, it was a leg that he went for. It was her misfortune that she was small enough that being on the floor made her an easy target. Thank goodness she had gotten him fixed at six months or he would have christened Jude’s clothes. Regardless, she was still grossed out enough as it was. It would serve him right if she gave him the outfit back unwashed. The thought of him grabbing them and deeming them not that dirty was the only thing that kept her from doing just that. She had heard from friends with brothers how they would wear dirty laundry if they didn’t smell. Disgusting. The thought of him wearing them unwashed had her determined to put them in the machine right away.

Knocking on her door had her eyeing it wearily. It was still early in the evening, but she hadn’t been expecting company. Her thoughts ran the gambit between the angry women that she worked with all the way to Jude himself.

“Come on Kira. Open up.” Her shoulders dropped as she moved to open her door. Renaldo was hot on her heels, excited to say hello.

“Sorry I was having a bit of a mishap.” She glared at her dog as he sat there looking innocent of any bad behavior. Crystal cracked up as she entered the room, followed by Anna.

“Were you being naughty Randy?” She asked him brightly while reaching down to pet the four-legged offender.

“When you talk to him like that, he thinks he’s a good boy. And stop calling him Randy.”

“But it’s fitting.” Crystal argued. Renaldo did what he did best, only lending credence to the nickname.

“Get down. Stop doing that.” She chastised him as she worked to detach him from her cousin’s leg. Crystal lifted her eyebrows as if Renaldo had proved her point. Anna stood out of the way laughing at the dog’s actions. She turned her attention to Kira, looking her over from head to toe. Her brows rose in surprise at what she was seeing.

“I recognize those clothes. How did you get into Jude’s shorts, Kira?” Crystal snickered at Anna’s comment as the three of them moved into the living room.

“Ha, ha. Very funny.” Anna shrugged unapologetically, waiting for her to give them the details.

“Come on Kira. We’re both married with kids now. We need someone to live vicariously through.” She glared at Crystal as her cousin took a seat on the couch next to Anna. Both were seated on the edge of the cushions. Kira threw herself down into the recliner before giving in. As she told them about her day, the excited looks of the two had slowly disappeared. By the time she was done, both women looked at her in disappointment.

“That’s it?” Crystal growled unhappily.

“Thanks for your concern. I’m fine, by the way.” She grumbled back.

“Clearly.” Crystal bit out, causing Kira’s mouth to drop open.

“There’s still hope. They’re having swim lessons.” Anna pointed out helpfully, bringing a sly smile back to Crystal’s face.

“No. Whatever you two are thinking, stop. I have no plans to do anything with anyone. I don’t have the time.” No matter what she said or how she said it, they kept giggling while sending each other looks. They completely ignored anything she tried. Slumping down in her chair, she wished that Renaldo would distract them by trying to mount them both. It would serve them right. It was too bad her furry companion wasn’t getting the message she was trying to telepathically send to him. They would have to work on that.