{"id":33682,"date":"2023-03-02T16:18:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=33682"},"modified":"2023-03-02T16:18:11","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T22:18:11","slug":"chapter-25-tamara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/03\/02\/chapter-25-tamara\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 25: Tamara"},"content":{"rendered":"

The pink unicorn swung open the clinic door and stood surveying her surroundings. It wasn\u2019t the ramshackle hole-in-the-wall place she had expected to find her sister, she admitted to herself, noting the modern, tidily-kept office she found herself in. This was a rather posh set-up\u2026 by Tabitha\u2019s standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a mare she recognized behind the desk. \u201cTabby,\u201d Strawberry said, frowning as she studied a post-it note, \u201cI forgot to ask, are you giving Mrs. Windermare a call back, or should I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook again, Strawberry,\u201d said the newcomer, elegantly removing a pair of sunglasses as she sashayed toward the desk. \u201cDon’t you remember me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Strawberry looked taken aback. \u201cT-Tamara?\u201d she stuttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it’s me,\u201d Tamara said, folding the sunglasses and placing them in her designer purse. \u201cIs it true, this is where my sister works these days?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes… wow, what a surprise!\u201d Strawberry exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief. \u201cTabby didn’t mention you were visiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I’m not visiting,\u201d Tamara said matter-of-factly, patting her perfectly coiffed mane. \u201cI\u2019m moving back to Misty Hollow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou? Moving back?\u201d Strawberry repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door behind Strawberry\u2019s desk opened, and a second pink unicorn cantered in. \u201cSug, are you going to call–oh!\u201d She saw Tamara and stopped short. \u201cWhere did you come from?\u201d she asked cautiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabitha!\u201d Tamara came around the desk and embraced her. \u201cIt\u2019s been too long!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cErm\u2026 yes,\u201d said Tabby, extricating herself from the hug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can\u2019t wait to catch up with you,\u201d Tamara said excitedly. \u201cI just dropped in for a sec–I\u2019m meeting my realtor, and we\u2019re looking at some houses; but what are you doing tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHouses?\u201d said Tabby, dazed. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll just be hanging out at the SSSS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe SSSS? Some things never change,\u201d Tamara said, tweaking Tabby\u2019s nose with sisterly affection. \u201cVery well. I\u2019ll see you there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTabby, have you called\u2026 oh.\u201d Now, a handsome unicorn stallion appeared on the scene. \u201cI\u2019d heard that there were two of you,\u201d he said, his eyes darting back and forth between the two pink unicorns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m Tamara,\u201d she said, with just the lightest flutter of her lashes. \u201cAnd you are\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Fairfax,\u201d he said, extending his hoof. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re Tabitha\u2019s boss. Well, I\u2019m sure she\u2019s giving you a run for your money,\u201d Tamara said with a sly glance at her twin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe certainly is,\u201d the doctor agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a delight to meet you,\u201d simpered Tamara, noting the vexed expression on Tabitha\u2019s face. Oh, it was so easy to rile her up! Tamara couldn\u2019t resist teasing her just a bit. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ll be at the SSSS later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI might be,\u201d Thomas said, but he was looking curiously at Tabitha.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look forward to it,\u201d she said, caressing his hoof lightly. Tabby\u2019s eyes shot sparks, but she said nothing. Tamara would get the whole story on those two later.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you think of her?\u201d Tabby demanded when she and Thomas were alone in back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTamara? She seemed fine,\u201d Thomas said noncommittally as he studied a chart. A bit of a flirt, to be sure. It was a little jarring to see the image of one\u2019s particular interest reflected in another–but they were nothing alike, that much was obvious, even after a short meeting with Tamara.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time I saw her, I called her a <\/span>shubajira<\/span><\/i>–that’s Sasquatch for… well, there’s no direct translation, but it’s not very complimentary,\u201d Tabby said, fretting with her hooves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s normal for siblings to have disagreements,\u201d Thomas pointed out. \u201cI’m sure she forgives you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Tabby, frowning. \u201cWhat if she’s just here to make me suffer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s an uncharitable thought,\u201d Thomas chided.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just mean–I thought we hated each other, and then she waltzes in here as if nothing\u2019s wrong, and I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m supposed to do or how to act!\u201d Tabby complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t have to be anyone but yourself,\u201d Thomas said, softening, and pushing a stray hair out of her face. It was an intimate gesture, to be sure, but she didn’t seem to notice. He abruptly withdrew his hoof. She had no idea, with that piquant look, how adorable she was.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sighed in a mopey manner. \u201cI\u2019ve held her in disregard for so long, I don\u2019t know any other way to think. What if I\u2019ve been wrong about her, and she\u2019s <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> terrible?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll figure it out,\u201d Thomas said encouragingly, pleased that she was considering giving Tamara a chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby was still feeling antsy that evening, when she met Strawberry at the SSSS. (Vanguard was at a staff meeting.) Athena was there, too, and had joined the two friends. Tabby still wasn\u2019t sure where they stood, but they were currently being civil–at least as long as Strawberry was there to referee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara arrived with Moonglow in tow. \u201cSo, did you buy a house?\u201d Tabby asked directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are still a few options to review,\u201d Tamara said, sliding in next to Athena. \u201cI\u2019ll know the right place when I see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really think the split-level ranch we see in the morning will be a good fit,\u201d Moonglow assured her before excusing herself to go speak to another client.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about–\u201d Tabby started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTamara, you\u2019ve been living in Trujsis, right?\u201d Athena broke-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the past eight–no, nine–years, but the cosmopolitan lifestyle has its limits,\u201d Tamara said, pulling out a mirror compact and inspecting her makeup. \u201cIt was time for a change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have given me some advance notice,\u201d Tabby said, annoyed at having been ignored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure you cared to hear from me,\u201d Tamara said. Tabby couldn\u2019t determine if there was any real animosity or not, and debated her next move.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou make, um, videos, don\u2019t you?\u201d Strawberry asked, filling the void.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d said Tamara. \u201cMy SnapTube channel just reached two million subscribers. Speaking of which, they\u2019ll want to see <\/span>this<\/span><\/i>.\u201d She pulled out her phone to snap a photo of her kale shake, a perpetual favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were a cat breeder or something once,\u201d Tabby spoke-up. \u201cWhat happened to that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe cats are still a side hobby,\u201d Tamara said. \u201cI\u2019m developing the perfect Bengal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBengals, they\u2019re–\u201d Tabby started to say, but was cut off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Bengals? Do you show?\u201d Athena interrupted, perking up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my queen Latrice just won first place in the United Cat Fanciers Federation show,\u201d Tamara said proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d said Athena, impressed. \u201cI was researching Bengals when I first started looking for a cat, but ultimately went with a Bombay. Theo is a real charmer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Bombay, nice choice,\u201d Tamara said appreciatively. \u201cWho did you get her from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWillow Winds,\u201d said Athena.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an excellent cattery,\u201d Tamara voiced her approval.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking into matching her with a stud,\u201d Athena chatted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, there are already plenty of kittens seeking homes,\u201d Tabby said sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know your industry frowns on the practice,\u201d said Athena. \u201cBut a quality pedigree is worth striving after for <\/span>some<\/span><\/i> of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich breeder are you working with?\u201d Tamara asked, nonplused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBatista Fiorentino in Vulcanopolis,\u201d Athena disclosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBatista?\u201d Tamara scoffed. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to work with her. Her cats all have terrible recessive traits.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe came highly recommended,\u201d Athena said, taken aback.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a hack,\u201d said Tamara bluntly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, that\u2019s dreadful. I didn\u2019t know,\u201d Athena said, looking perturbed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you in touch with a friend of mine\u2026\u201d Tamara\u2019s gaze fell on Athena\u2019s foreleg. \u201cI love your bracelet,\u201d she gushed. \u201cPierre-Antoine, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Athena said, brightening. \u201cI bought every piece of his new collection.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby rolled her eyes and sank back in her seat. At this rate, she wouldn\u2019t have to contribute to the conversation at all. Her additions so far had been shot down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his best work yet,\u201d Tamara agreed. \u201cVery chic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your earrings, are they Honeylight?\u201d Athena queried. \u201cI\u2019ve had my eye on some of her designs, but they\u2019re very difficult to find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a friend who works for the company,\u201d Tamara said, preening and certainly in her element. \u201cShe\u2019s always sending me samples. Maybe you\u2019d like to see my collection.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to,\u201d Athena squealed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must come and see me once I\u2019m settled in my own place,\u201d Tamara invited.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your accommodations until then?\u201d Athena asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a suite at Regal Ridges,\u201d Tamara said. Arrangements hadn\u2019t been discussed, but Tabby felt a slight pang that there was no consideration of staying with her own twin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to waste your time there; they haven\u2019t had a remodel in twenty years,\u201d Athena protested, aghast. \u201cYou <\/span>must<\/span><\/i> stay with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s so kind of you! But I couldn\u2019t put you out like that,\u201d Tamara said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense, I insist!\u201d Athena said grandiosely. \u201cIn fact, do you have plans for tomorrow? Saturday\u2019s my day at the spa, and I could get you in, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do have a lot of tension from the move that I need to work out,\u201d Tamara agreed. \u201cThat may be just what I need.\u201d The two mares continued to chatter at a brisk pace, cementing their friendship. Tabby made a moue of distaste. Tamara didn\u2019t have the time of day for her, and she wasn\u2019t sure how she felt about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t even ask if she could stay with me!\u201d Tabby hissed under her breath to Strawberry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she just didn\u2019t want to bother you,\u201d Strawberry said reassuringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut–but–stay with Athena! I\u2019m her own flesh and blood!\u201d Tabby said, aggrieved. In a huff, she went up to the counter for a drink refill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas had arrived at the SSSS, and at the drink counter encountered Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d he asked conversationally, falling into step beside her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTamara doesn\u2019t want anything to do with me!\u201d Tabby complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe she doesn\u2019t think you\u2019re interested in spending time together,\u201d Thomas pointed out. \u201cAre you?\u201d But what was at the forefront of his mind was if Toby were here, or if Thomas could have Tabby\u2019s attention to himself–which may have been the main draw to the SSSS, despite his initial reluctance to socialize.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sighed. \u201cGrowing up, she was always there in my face; and then she wasn\u2019t there, and it was strange, but I got used to it; and now\u2026 she practically ignores me, and I don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need time to get reacquainted,\u201d Thomas suggested as they arrived at the table. \u201cMaybe have some one-on-one time.\u201d He noted that Toby was, once again, absent. Why did Tabby put up with the negligence, unless her heart was truly engaged? Or was Toby not on her mind enough to bother breaking the attachment?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ve already burned my bridges with her. Maybe it\u2019s too late,\u201d Tabby said, eyes growing wide and apparently having no thoughts of her sweetheart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara was actually just standing as Tabby slid back into her seat. \u201cTabitha, I\u2019ll see you around,\u201d she said breezily. \u201cI\u2019m going to get my things settled at Athena\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Tabby. \u201cUm, uh\u2026\u201d She was clearly tongue-tied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Tamara looked at her inquisitively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing tomorrow? I mean, after the spa?\u201d Tabby blurted out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara cocked her head, looking at Tabby speculatively. \u201cHey, you didn\u2019t want to come with us, did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d Tabby looked down at her hooves. \u201cMaybe\u2026 I mean\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be interested,\u201d Tamara said, looking surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go. I won\u2019t know what to do, but I\u2019ll go!\u201d Tabby said in a rush.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeet us there at three?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d said Tabby, taking a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, see you then!\u201d said Tamara, and waved as she went on to join Athena who was waiting by the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t so hard, was it?\u201d Thomas asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what am I in for tomorrow?\u201d said Tabby contemplatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

As Tamara was settling her things in one of the plentiful rooms in Athena\u2019s abode, she opened up a jewelry case. \u201cThis was a limited edition run last season,\u201d she noted, lifting up a gold chain for Athena\u2019s inspection. \u201cOoh, and this was a Honeylight collab with Eliza Berryton,\u201d she continued, grabbing a princess cut sapphire ring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love it,\u201d Athena said, eyes gleaming as she peeked into the case. \u201cOoh–and what is THIS?\u201d She lifted out a jewel-encrusted chain. \u201cIt\u2019s gorgeous!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s from last year\u2019s Atlantean collection,\u201d Tamara said nonchalantly. \u201cModeled after authentic relics.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never seen anything like it,\u201d Athena breathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I never felt that it went with my complexion,\u201d Tamara said thoughtfully. \u201cYou should have it,\u201d she urged, pushing the jeweled necklace toward Athena.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I couldn\u2019t,\u201d said Athena, even while eyeing it covetously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must,\u201d Tamara insisted. \u201cI have more than I know what to do with, and I can see that you would really appreciate it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you!\u201d said Athena, beaming and accepting the gift with aplomb.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 this is where we sit around with vegetables on our faces, right?\u201d Tabby asked nervously, darting glances around the softly-hued room. It was the following day, and the mares had met at the spa as planned. Tamara and Athena were both regarding Tabby as an oddity in this environment, which was accurate, but it didn\u2019t make her feel any more at ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can if you want, but I always start with the warm stone aromatherapy massage,\u201d Tamara stated with authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like a sea salt exfoliation, followed by a mud wrap,\u201d advised Athena. \u201cI do want to try the new infrared sauna, though\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I definitely need an oxygen facial before the day is through,\u201d Tamara said thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby felt increasingly alarmed, having no concept of how things worked in this environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara looked at her twin, a bit piteously, Tabby thought. \u201cPerhaps you’d like to start with a pedicure,\u201d she suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cY-yes,\u201d said Tabby hesitantly. That, at least, was something she could visualize.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Tabitha hasn’t run screaming from the establishment yet,\u201d Athena said, some time later, as the mares sat luxuriating in their treatments, \u201cso that’s something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Tamara agreed. \u201cI must say I\u2019m surprised, Tabitha. I didn\u2019t think you would do anything outside your comfort zone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cErm,\u201d said Tabby, unsure how she felt with some goo smeared over her face and cucumber slices blocking her vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Fairfax has been a good influence on her character,\u201d Athena said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like I was some wild beast,\u201d Tabby said, scowling, \u201cin need of domestication.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me more about Dr. Fairfax,\u201d Tamara urged. \u201cDoes he have a girlfriend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Tabby would have the most current information in that regard,\u201d Athena said as Tabby remained silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy should I know?\u201d Tabby protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come now. You work together all day long; he must confide in you,\u201d Athena observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby rolled her eyes, without effect since they were covered in cucumber slices. \u201cThere\u2019s no girlfriend he will admit to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, playing the field, is he?\u201d Tamara smiled. \u201cQuite dreamy, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby frowned. Wouldn\u2019t that just be a disaster to have her sister dangling after Thomas?<\/span><\/p>\n

An attendant came up to Athena with a telephone, and the pegasus took the call, frowning. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I have to go,\u201d she said, upon hanging up. \u201cMy mother is entertaining Mayor Hawthorne from Hayton, and she expects me to be there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, have fun,\u201d said Tamara. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at the house later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The attendant scurried to make Athena presentable, and the twins began to prepare for departure as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to walk down Main Street, see what\u2019s changed,\u201d Tamara chattered after Athena had left. She wiped off the last bit of her facial treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby felt a strange, warm feeling that maybe she hadn\u2019t botched the relationship, after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember the place with the chili pepper,\u201d Tamara noted as they ambled along the main thoroughfare through town. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s just the salsa shop,\u201d said Tabby without emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOoh, a dance club?\u201d Tamara perked up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they serve salsa and chips,\u201d Tabby said flatly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Tamara. \u201cWell, I could do with some refreshment. What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I guess,\u201d Tabby said with a shrug.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pair entered the establishment and seated themselves at a table. Nearby, a yellow stallion wearing a cowboy hat was wiping off a recently vacated booth. \u201cBoy howdy!\u201d he exclaimed, straightening upon seeing them. \u201cIf it isn\u2019t the Fershund twins, together at last!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara smiled at him coquettishly. \u201cHello, Mr\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeauregard,\u201d the stallion supplied, shaking her hoof heartily. \u201cNot sure we\u2019ve ever been introduced, but I remember your musical performance at the town fair in \u201899.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember that?\u201d Tamara laughed. \u201cWell, I\u2019m surprised you\u2019re talking to me; I\u2019m sure I botched it terribly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou had the voice of an angel,\u201d Beauregard assured her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a liar, but thank you,\u201d Tamara said playfully. \u201cNow, what do you recommend from the menu?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got a batch of salsa de aguacate that\u2019s going fast, heirloom tomatillos with smooth Oulejos avocado,\u201d Beauregard suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine; bring us an order to share,\u201d Tamara instructed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it, princess,\u201d he said, and scampered off.<\/span><\/p>\n

As usual, Tamara was going ahead without any consideration for what <\/span>she<\/span><\/i> wanted, Tabby thought with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I know that look on your face. What did Beauregard do to offend you?\u201d Tamara asked, turning to her sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though that wasn\u2019t the reason for her expression, Tamara was correct that there was some history there. \u201cHe\u2019s the one who put worms in my lunchbox,\u201d Tabby said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s that guy? Back in, what, first grade?\u201d Tamara\u2019s laughter rang out melodiously. \u201cWell, you probably deserved it,\u201d she observed rationally. \u201cYou never knew what to do with male attention. Speaking of which, tell me about this Dr. Collins you\u2019re seeing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby sighed. \u201cWell, he\u2019s a doctor,\u201d she hedged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t with you at the SSSS last night,\u201d Tamara said with a sidelong glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s very busy with work,\u201d Tabby said vaguely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere seems to be another doctor much closer at hoof,\u201d said Tamara knowingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was an answering blush from Tabby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it; you\u2019ve fallen for him,\u201d Tamara said, lowering her voice conspiratorially as Beauregard approached with their order. \u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby remained stubbornly silent until Beauregard was out of earshot. \u201cI\u2019m not going to <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> anything!\u201d she said, crossing her forelegs. \u201cHe has his life, I have mine. And there\u2019s nothing wrong with Toby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he make your heart race the same way that Dr. Fairfax does?\u201d Tamara asked. \u201cIf you\u2019re not happy, then break up with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that easy,\u201d Tabby said, looking down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the easiest thing in the world!\u201d Tamara exclaimed, taking a chip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what world <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> live in,\u201d Tabby snapped. \u201cThings are complicated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean impossible,\u201d Tamara said with a shrug and daintily nibbled on the chip. \u201cWhat is it? What\u2019s holding you back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, we\u2019ve never had the kind of relationship where we sit around gossiping about boys,\u201d Tabby evaded the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me, I know.\u201d Tamara tossed her mane. \u201cYou pushed me aside at every turn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>You<\/span><\/i> pushed <\/span>me<\/span><\/i> away!\u201d Tabby exclaimed. \u201cYou didn\u2019t want me; you wanted to transform me into yourself! All those makeovers!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was supposed to be bonding time!\u201d Tamara protested, affronted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you certainly never joined me in any of my activities,\u201d Tabby said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost of which involved traipsing through the woods messing up my hair\u2026 very well, maybe we\u2019re both to blame,\u201d Tamara admitted. \u201cWhat are we going to do about it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we have to learn to live with each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, we can be a bit more amicable than that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 maybe today wasn\u2019t so bad,\u201d Tabby said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be gossiping about boys before you know it. You\u2019ll see,\u201d Tamara said with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Beauregard,\u201d Tamara said, approaching the counter where the proprietor was adding receipts. \u201cI had a good time tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Beauregard looked up and smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome back any time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you ever get a night off?\u201d Tamara asked with a coquettish glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery so often,\u201d Beauregard said with a wink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tamara scribbled her number down on a napkin. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll see you around,\u201d she said, turning on her heel and walking off, looking back with a teasing look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, princess,\u201d Beauregard said, tipping his hat at her.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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