When Birdie Babysat Spider Read online

  When Birdie

  Babysat Spider

  A Jayne Frost Short

  Kristen Painter

  When Birdie Babysat Spider

  A Jayne Frost Short

  Copyright © 2017 Kristen Painter

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real person, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

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  Table of Contents

  WHEN BIRDIE BABYSAT SPIDER

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  About the Author

  Jayne’s apartment was adorable. Young and hip and with a slightly eccentric vibe that Birdie had fallen in love with the first time she’d seen it. She even loved the small velvet Elvis-as-a-cat painting that hung over Spider’s eating spot. Spider was Jayne’s cat and the reason Birdie was here.

  “You’re sure you want to do this?” Jayne asked.

  Birdie smiled at the Winter Princess. She was a sweet girl, and one of Birdie’s favorite people. And not just because she was royalty. “You bet I do.”

  “Okay, I just want to be sure you didn’t offer just because it’s some Southern hospitality thing.” Jayne tucked a loose strand of blue hair behind her pointed ear. “I don’t want to put you out on my account.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m happy to do it! That’s what friends are for. And I’ve never cat sat for a princess before. Truthfully, you’re really doing me a favor.” Birdie waved her hands enthusiastically. “I can’t be in my house while they’re repainting it. Not with my delicate werewolf senses. The smell would kill me! Of course, if you’ve changed your mind about having me here, I can always stay with Hank. Or Titus.”

  Jayne’s brows lifted. “I’m sure either of your nephews would be happy to have you, but isn’t Hank’s house a little full what with the baby and Charlie?”

  Birdie nodded. “It’s a little hectic, but Ivy might appreciate the help. Or not. I’m not always what everyone considers help. Not that Ivy’s ever said a word in that direction. Of course, I’d never say no to more time with my grandniece and grandnephew either, but then who would watch your baby?”

  Jayne laughed. “I could get Juniper and Buttercup to look after Spider.”

  “Yes, but he’d still be alone for most of the time and they have the shop to take care of.” Birdie hitched her purse up higher on her shoulder. “As for staying with Titus, since he became single again, he spends all his time at the fire station. I’m afraid to think what his house looks like.” She grimaced. “That one needs a woman in his life pronto.”

  Jayne laughed. “You mean you’re not working on that already?”

  “Oh, I’ve tried. But he’s got such high standards after Zoe.” Birdie cleared her throat. “Between us, I don’t think he’s ever quite gotten over his fiancée leaving him like that.”

  “Poor guy. I know how hard breakups can be.” Jayne sighed, then shook off the memories. “Well, if you’re happy to cat sit, I’m happy to have you. It’s one less thing my employees have to take care of while I’m away.”

  “Then it’s settled. I’m staying here and watching Spider. You get peace of mind and I get to escape the paint fumes without disrupting anyone else’s schedule.” Birdie was very proud of her nephews, Hank the sheriff and Titus the fire chief, and she loved them very much, but she liked time to herself too. Staying in Jayne’s apartment would give her that.

  “Perfect.”

  “You know, it’ll be fun being right in the heart of town like this. The sheriff’s department is only a few blocks away. I can walk to work from here.” Birdie patted her hips. “Just think what that will do for my girlish figure.”

  Jayne snorted. “Your figure is plenty girlish. I see the way the older men in town pay attention to you. Not that you seem to give them much serious consideration.”

  Birdie shrugged one shoulder. “I’m picky.”

  “Apparently. You and Spider will get along famously.”

  “Don’t you worry about a thing while you’re gone. I’m gonna take such good care of that little baby.” Birdie looked around. “Speaking of Spider, where is the little man?”

  “Sleeping on the bed. He had a hard morning of murdering catnip mice.” Jayne’s mouth bunched to one side. “I hope he’s okay being watched by a werewolf.”

  “He might not like the wolfy aura I put off, but I promise I’m not going to shift in front of him or anything. You want to wake him up and give it a test run?”

  “No, I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s only for four days, right? Wednesday through Saturday. Nothing to it.”

  “Right.”

  Jayne’s gaze tapered down. “I just have one question, Birdie.”

  Birdie nodded. “Shoot.”

  Jayne tipped her head to the side and narrowed her eyes even further. “Why is your hair blue?”

  “I thought you might notice that.” Birdie sighed. “I promise I’m not pulling a Single White Female on you. I tried a new hairdresser over at Curl Up & Dye. I just asked for a rinse to brighten things up and this is what I ended up with.”

  Jayne smirked. “It is almost the same color as mine.”

  “I wish it was that pretty.” Birdie shook her head. “She said I have to live with it for a week to let my hair recover enough to have the color taken out. Shampooing is supposed to help it fade, but so far not so much.”

  Jayne snorted. “Well I like it. But then blue hair is pretty standard in the winter elf world.”

  Birdie smiled again. “Thanks. Maybe people will think I’m you.” She winked and laughed. “Okay, I’ll be here tomorrow morning to drop off my bag, then I’ll probably come over on my lunch break to check in on Spider and make sure he’s not out of food. Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the airport?”

  “No, it’s a super early flight and I’ve got the Ryde driver scheduled. And you’re doing enough for me already.” She dug into her pocket. “By the way, here’s your key.”

  “Thank you.” Birdie took it and tucked it into the interior pocket of her purse. “Your employees know I’m going to be here?”

  “They do. And if I know Juniper and Buttercup, they’ll probably rope you into a movie night.” Jayne made a funny face. “Just be sure to tell Buttercup no horror. Unless you like that kind of thing. She’s on a slasher kick.”

  “I’d love a girls’ night with them! But no horror. I’m too delicate a flower for that.” Birdie got serious. “But my first priority is Spider.” She didn’t want the princess to think this visit was going to be all fun and games.

  Jayne laughed. “He’s not that much work, I promise. Feed him, keep the litter box clean, and give him some attention and you’ll be best friends for life.”

  “You got it. Have a great trip.” Birdie gave Jayne a hug. “Have fun with your folks. Tell your mom and aunt I said hi.”

  “Will do. See you when I get back!”

  Birdie headed for the door. “We’ll go to breakfast when yo
u get home and you can tell me all about it!”

  “Deal.”

  With a wave, Birdie headed out. Cat sitting for Jayne was a big responsibility, but Spider was one little cat. It wouldn’t be a big deal to look after him. And Birdie would escape the painting fumes. It was a win-win. And would probably turn out to be one of the more relaxing spells she’d had in a while.

  Jayne walked to the bedroom where Spider was napping in the center of the bed. She sat down next to him and scratched his little head. “Hey, baby. Mama’s leaving tomorrow, but Aunt Birdie’s going to be here to take care of you, okay?”

  His eyes blinked open. “Bird?”

  “Bird-ie. She’s a person. Like Mama. And she’s going to look after you and stay here while I’m gone.” And hopefully not turn him into a fat little chunk with too much extra food and too many treats.

  He stretched, then sat up and stared at her. “No.”

  She laughed. “What do you mean no?”

  He pushed his head into her hand for more scratches. “Mama no leave.”

  “I have to, sweetness. I’m going home to see my parents for a little bit.” It was just a short visit, mostly to see her father and uncle since she’d seen her mother and aunt at the Black and Orange Ball. She’d catch them up on things at the store and spend some quality time with them, too. Now that Christmas was over and the rush behind them, it was the perfect time for a quick trip.

  Spider gazed up at her, his green eyes bright. “Take Spider.”

  She leaned in and kissed his head. “It’s a long flight, baby. You wouldn’t like it. I don’t like it. But next time I go for a longer visit, I’ll see about bringing you, okay? In fact, I’ll try to get Uncle Kris to fly down in the sleigh and pick us up. It’s much faster and you won’t have to be in a carrier under the seat for the better part of a day.”

  His eyes narrowed down to slits, then he stood up, turned in a circle and settled back down with his back to her.

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be mad. I’ll bring you a present.”

  His ears twitched. and he let out a long sigh. “Two.”

  She snorted. “Okay, two presents.”

  He opened one eye to look at her. “Birdie nice lady?”

  “Aunt Birdie is a very nice lady.”

  “Aunt Birdie knows Spider loves Chicken Party?”

  “I told her all about your favorite foods, including treats and Chicken Party. She knows.”

  His head sunk lower into the comforter and he let out a grumpy little sigh that seemed like a reluctant acceptance of the situation. “Spider loves Mama.”

  “And Mama loves Spider.”

  Birdie let herself into Jayne’s apartment for the second time that day. Wasn’t surprising that the place smelled like a sweet shop. The winter elf had a sugar tooth like no one else Birdie knew. She grinned, happy to be here and happy to help. Jayne was the Winter Princess, after all, and being of service to royalty was an honor as far as Birdie was concerned. But Jayne was also a good friend, which was reason enough to lend a hand.

  However, as Birdie stood in the middle of the apartment, she couldn’t help but be aware that this was not her space. Oh, Jayne had done a wonderful job of making Birdie feel welcome. That wasn’t it at all. It was just that sort of feeling that came over a person when they were treading on another person’s territory.

  Birdie snorted softly. “You’re being silly.” Feeling that way was probably just a wolf thing. Werewolves, such as she was, were very territorial creatures. Being in either of her nephews’ homes was different. That was her family. Their homes were essentially an extension of her territory.

  But her territory was currently getting a fresh coat of paint. Much needed too. Her little cottage was long overdue for a sprucing up.

  And this was only a short trip. Jayne would be back Saturday night. In time to enjoy the next day, New Year’s Eve, with the new man in her life, Sinclair Crowe.

  Birdie wheeled her small suitcase (which she’d left by the door earlier that morning) into the bedroom. “Spider? Aunt Birdie’s here, baby. Just came to check on you during my lunch break.”

  He was sleeping in the middle of the bed, but opened his eyes when she walked in. He jumped up and blinked, arching his back for a second like a Halloween cat. Then he relaxed and sat down. But his gaze stayed fixed on her.

  “Hi, Spider baby. I’m your aunt Birdie. I’m going to take good care of you while your mama’s away, okay?”

  He just stared. To Birdie’s eyes, he looked, well, skeptical.

  “It’s okay, sweetie. I know I’m not your mother. But I think you’re a very handsome boy and I want us to be friends.” She reached out to him, her fingers curled under for him to sniff. She hoped that was a non-threatening gesture. Cats were not her area of expertise. “What do you think? Can we be friends?”

  Spider leaned toward her hand. His nostrils flared, then he jerked back, hissed, and ran into the closet.

  Birdie sighed. “I guess I do smell like wolf.” She leaned toward the closet. “I’m not a quitter, little cat. You’re going to like me, you’ll see. I’m going to spoil you silly. That’s all I’m here for. To take care of you. Cats and wolves can be friends.”

  She made a face. At least she thought cats and wolves could be friends.

  She left her bag in the bedroom and went back to the kitchen. She picked up the canister of treats and gave it a loud shake as she announced, “Mmm, these Kitty Krunchers look good. Guess I’ll just leave a few out on the floor.”

  She shook the container one more time with vigor, then opened it and tossed a few of the treats near Spider’s dining area. The velvet Elvis cat stared down at them unblinkingly.

  A couple seconds later, Spider appeared at the entrance to the living room.

  Birdie pretended not to see him and fixed herself a cup of tea with the teabags she’d brought. She snuck a glance at him as she carried her cup to the counter.

  He was sitting in the middle of the room, wide-eyed, his gaze focused on…her hair? She couldn’t be sure.

  “Not Mama.”

  Birdie jumped, almost dropping the cup as tea sloshed over the side and onto the floor. “Did you talk? No, of course you didn’t. Cats don’t talk.”

  He was still staring.

  It was very unsettling. Well, she had tea to clean up. Not the best start to the cat sitting. She put the cup down, grabbed a kitchen towel and started cleaning up the mess. “Oh my stars, that blue dye has sunk into my brain. Now I’m hearing cats talk.”

  Spider came around the corner of the breakfast bar, sat down at the edge of the cabinets and watched her.

  She glanced at him. “I’m sure you think this is funny.” She shook her head. “Maybe I’m getting senile. Hearing words instead of meows. Sad. I always thought I’d be older when I cracked up—”

  “Blue hair but not Mama.”

  Birdie went backward onto her rump, the tea-soaked towel clutched tightly in her hand. Her heart beat a little faster in her chest as she stared at the black cat steadily eyeballing her. She pointed at him. “Okay, I know what I heard and I heard you talk.”

  Spider stared at her a second longer, then walked over toward his bowl and ate the treats she’d scattered on the floor.

  She sat there a second longer, watching him, waiting, but if he had spoken, he was silent now. “I’m losing my mind. Did you say something or not? Fess up, now. Did words come out of your mouth? You can tell me. I’m a werewolf. See? We’re sharing.”

  He kept eating treats. Ignoring her.

  “I’m losing it.” She finished cleaning up the tea, then got to her feet. “You can’t talk, right? I mean, there’s a lot of curious stuff that goes on in this town, but talking animals wasn’t on that list last time I checked.”

  He said nothing, just ate the last treat, then wandered over to the window, jumped up onto the sill and started cleaning himself.

  “Seriously, if you can talk, it’s okay. Just say something and let me kno
w because otherwise, I’m going to have to get my head checked out.”

  He stopped licking his paw to look at her. Then he stretched up onto the window and meowed.

  An actual meow. That was a standard cat noise. Even if it did sound a little like the word out. Maybe she had been hearing things. “You want that window open, baby? I don’t know if that’s okay or not. Let me look at the instructions your mother left.”

  Birdie glanced down at the printout on the counter. Jayne had texted that she was leaving the info for a handy reference, but Birdie had noticed it this morning, but hadn’t read it yet.

  “Huh. There you go. Number three. It’s okay to crack the window a bit for Spider. He likes the fresh air.” She looked at the little black beastie who was now pawing at the glass. “All right, I’m coming.”

  She opened the window a few inches, glad there was a screen in place. The air was cool, but to Birdie it felt good. She imagined Jayne liked the cool air too, being that she was a winter elf.

  Spider laid down, put his face up to the screen and started to purr.

  She smiled. Maybe that would help him like her, although they seemed to be doing all right since the hiss. “Okay, I have to get lunch and go back to work. You be a good kitty while I’m gone okay?”

  He said nothing. Thankfully.

  She returned to the sheriff’s department, stopping at Howler’s on the way to pick up the lunch order.

  The owner of Howler’s, Bridget Merrow, was also the sister to Hank and Titus and therefore, Birdie’s niece. That made getting lunch from Howler’s a twofer—good food and a chance to see Bridget. The pretty redhead greeted Birdie with a wave from the bar. “Hey, Aunt Birdie. I’ve got your order right here.”

  “Thanks, honey. Hi there, Sam.”