Page 22 of Minnie: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

Chase nods. “We’ll figure out how to get it off Tiptoe.”

I’m not holding my breath, but I don’t tell him so.

Now, not only do I have to come up with money for cruise tickets—just so I can trail around after a lovey-dovey Amber and her men—I need to figure out how to get the collar off Tiptoe.

Which gives me an idea. “Amber told me you guys are going on a cruise.” When Chase nods, I plunge ahead. “I’ve been on a couple of those before.” And by a couple, I mean several dozen, because that happened to be one of Maude Montgomery’s favorite pastimes. Especially since the on-board child care meant she didn’t have to be watching me. “They’re not all they’re cracked up to be, Chase. Trust me.”

I don’t sound very convincing, but Formula M lets me plunge on.

“Cruise ships are crowded. Like floating malls on Black Friday. There’s no peace or quiet, and with Amber being pregnant…” I trail off, waiting for Chase to tell me they’ll think of something else. He doesn’t. “The entertainment is overpriced and mediocre. And the ocean view gets old after a few days, and then, it’s just water, water, and more water.” Plus I was sea-sick and puking my guts out, but Formula M doesn’t let me admit it.

I imagine being glued to the toilet barfing while Amber and her mates make googly eyes at each other. Then, I picture myself purchasing the tickets, only to have my credit cards declined.

I plunge on. “Not to mention the food. There’s a lot of it, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s any good. And you don’t want to take any risks with Amber being pregnant.”

Chase’s face falls. “Amber’s really looking forward to it. It’s all she can talk about.”

I shrug, and my words don’t carry any of the guilt I feel. “I just wanted to give you the heads up. But who knows, maybe your experience will be different.”

Chase perks up. “And it is a supernatural cruise line. The first of its kind. They mentioned an on-board forest for shifters, and magical medical care. I bet we won’t have anything to worry about.”

Except the cost, which will probably be quadrupled to pay for a freaking forest.

Chase starts to list all the exciting things the cruise line offers, but I can’t seem to pay attention. Especially since there’s no way I’ll be able to pay for the tickets, so there’s no way I’m going.

But just because I couldn’t convince Chase doesn’t mean I still can’t try with Wes. He’s been in protective bear mode since Amber conceived, and if anyone’s going to freak out and cancel the cruise, it’s him.

I look extra bored for the rest of my shift, then grab Natty’s wagon from the back room and go upstairs. I help myself to some of Wes’s cooking while Julian—thankfully—makes himself scarce, play with Latte—who’s got even more energy than a three-year-old—and spend ten minutes convincing Natty to use the toilet. The boy insists he doesn’t need to go, but he really does, and after he goes, it takes another ten minutes to get him to put on his shoes. Three-year-olds, am I right?

Luckily, Formula M gives me endless patience, and I’m not even the slightest bit annoyed by the time we finally make it to the door.

Amber’s still asleep and Julian’s nowhere to be found, so Wes walks us out.

“I had so much fun with you today, Natty.” He pulls him in for a bear hug. “You’ll be back again tomorrow, won’t you?”

Natty nods emphatically. “I want to play with puppy!”

“I know Latte will love that,” Wes says, getting to his feet. He turns to me. “Don’t worry about Tiptoe. We’ll have the collar off in no time.”

He sounds so sure of himself, but I’m not holding my breath.

I glance at the mouse, who’s curled up on his favorite pillow. “Good,” the mouse says.

I can’t tell if he’s good where he is, or if getting the collar off will be a good thing, but I know he’ll be safe here.

“Take good care of him,” I tell Wes.

We say our goodbyes and I lead Natty downstairs and help him climb into his wagon, which has everything he’ll need for the trek across town to Silver Springs Penitentiary.

Chapter 12

Minnie

Natty plays in the wagon while I tug it across town. Normally, I sprinkle a bunch of Cloud 9 ½ potion on my feet around this time, but I need to ration it if I’m going to save up enough money to go on a cruise.

But we’re literally two minutes away from Jewels Cafe before I can’t take it anymore. I’m already in excruciating pain and I don’t own sneakers I can change into. I have no choice. I need to be frugal, not foolish bordering on insane.

The rage I feel at my heels isn’t a good look, but Formula M’s calming effects don’t do anything until the potion’s kicks in. Then, it’s Cloud 9 and a hundred fluffy pillows, happiness, and sunshine.