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Admittedly, Truffles is quite the cutie that folks—mostly women—get all giddy over. No wonder Jules likes to take him forwalks.

Arf.

Truffles yelps, dashing to the doubledoors.

“I’m coming, I’mcoming.”

Crap.

I left my key to the lobby doorsupstairs.

Instinctively, I pull on the door to see if I can jar itopen.

Fail. Perks of living in a securedbuilding.

I shiver, folding my arms in front ofme.

Maybe I can ring Mrs. Deveox in 1B. But she’s probably asleep now, just as ninety percent of the residentsare.

I give it a shot, pressing 1B, as I bounce up and down, in a effort to staywarm.

Arf. Truffles practically yells, paw up, waiting by theentrance.

I grimace at him, as the intercom rings Mrs. Deveox.“Bonjour, qui estlà?”

“Bonjour, Mme Deveox. C'est moi Lauren de 11A. Pouvez-vous me laisser entrer?I’ve forgotten my key to the frontdoor.”

There is an exhaustingpause.

“Je suis désolé qu’avez-vous dit? Je suis un peu durd’oreille.”

Crap. I forgot Mrs. Deveox is hard ofhearing.

“My key. I forgot it. Can you let mein?”

“Bonjour? Tu es encorela?”

Ugh. “Yes, I’m still here,” I say, bouncing even morefrantically.”

Oh, it’s nouse.

“Never mind, Mrs. Deveox.Merci.”

I run my index finger down the directory, looking for someone I think I can call to help. Then I spot 11B. Simon Hunter. My newneighbor.

I look down to Truffles, who has pooled himself around my feet in an effort to keep warm. “Shall I ring Simon,Truffles?”

Arf.

Sounds like an emphatic yes tome.

I press the button to 11B and wait past three rings when I decide to giveup.

Then…

“Hello, may I help youplease?”

God, his voice is heavenly which is good because the thoughts I have when I hear it may be viewed by some assinful.