Page 29 of Until Joy

“I saw a pineapple upside down cake with my name on it. Trust me, I’m not going for thirds today, just so I make sure I have room for two pieces,” Jax said.

“My Joy made that.” Graham put his arm around me.

“It looks awesome,” Ellie said.

“Joy is one hell of a baker,” Kayan chimed in. “She bakes up a storm and brings in treats all the time to the clinic. She works with July and me.”

“Very cool.” Ellie nodded, then she turned to me. “What do you do?”

I grinned. “I’m the night tech. I basically get to play with the animals.”

“You get to play with animals?” A little girl who looked like Ellie popped up at my elbow. “What kind of animals? Elephants?”

“Are you Hope?”

“How’d you know my name? What’s your name? Is it true you play with elephants?”

“Who plays with elephants?” A dark-haired little boy tugged at Hope’s shirt.

Hope pointed at me. “She plays with elephants.”

By that time, the entire table of adults was laughing.

“Okay. I’m sorry to tell you, there are no elephants where I work.”

“How about gorillas?” another little boy asked.

The laughter continued. It took everything I had not to giggle so I could answer his question.

“I get to play with dogs and cats, and sometimes rabbits and turtles.”

“I like turtles. Are they big or small? Big ones are called tortoises, right?”

I stared at Hope. Where were all these questions coming from?

“You’re right, Hope. Big turtles are called tortoises, and I’ve never had one come to my clinic. Joy works with me. Have you properly introduced everyone?” July asked.

Hope looked up at me with big eyes. “Oh. I’m sorry. I’m Hope Mayson. These are my cousins. This is James Mayson and he’s Dean Mayson.” She pointed to the boy who looked a tad bit younger.

I smiled. “It’s nice to meet y’all.”

“Joy baked a chocolate cake,” Graham spoke up.

All three of the children spoke up at once.

“She did?”

“Yay!”

“I love chocolate.”

“If you let her finish eating, she will probably cut you a piece,” Ellie told the trio.

“Are you going swimming? I like your swimsuit. It’s pretty.” I loved Hope’s smile.

I looked over at Ellie, who just rolled her eyes. Apparently, there was no stopping Hope.

“Yes, she’s going swimming after dessert,” Graham answered for me.