on pins and needles

 "Weren't we just here?" Bentley carried the cat carrier. Hopefully, they wouldn't see Penny, but then again it made him happy at the thought. No way would he ask Liam if this were a bad thought because Liam was sure to tell him to stop thinking about her.

Liam wrestled the ragdoll trying to get her into the cage with no luck. He was no lion tamer. Finally, Bentley took the cat and snuggled her with a smile as if he loved her more. Of course, he was thinking of Penny and he knew he probably shouldn't. Yet in his heart, he hoped he saw her again. 

He could worship Penny from afar without getting tangled up with her. 

"Stop playing around," Liam demanded as he went to shovel in all of Sadie's cosmetics in a backpack. Hopefully, he got what she wanted. He opened her undie drawer and pushed in as many panties as he could find. "I'm done."

Bentley told the cat they'd be home soon as he put her in the cage.

"You don't think people will think we're thieves?" Bentley asked on the way out.

"If you keep your mouth shut, how will they know?" Liam asked back ever so quiet.

Any moment, Bentley was waiting for Penny to pop out and ask a silly question, but she didn't. It was smooth sailing as the snow started to fall lightly then more heavy as they got back to the comic book store in the dead of night.

"Now, I'm going to bed," Liam shoved the backpack to Bentley. "Don't bother me."

Bentley only yawned and took the cat and the backpack to Sadie, who of course was waiting for her furbaby in the back of the store.

That's when she left him a list of all the foods and toys that Hilda liked. "I trust you," she said as she nuzzled the furbaby up to her cheek. "You can't let anything happen to her."

Bentley only looked at her wide-eyed as if he would try his best.

"I know Liam doesn't like cats," Sadie said. "But I can tell Hilda likes you."

Bentley smiled wondering if he'd have to sleep with her, too.

"Penny will find you," she told him.

"Penny?"

"Yes, she loves Hilda too. But you can't let her give Hilda any treats. I can not have a fat cat while I'm away." She went on with more instructions.

Bentley blew a breath hoping he kept it all straight.

"Penny's older than you, but only a few years. She might have eyes set on Liam, but she'll come to you to talk too." Sadie told him.

"How do you know all this?" Bentley squinted thinking Mannie had found himself a psychic after all.

"Oh, I know these things. She's my best friend. A little whacky, but she has a good heart. She longs for Mr. Right, but she won't find him. I guess you'll  have to do." Sadie smiled and Bentley looked at her as if he knew he was not up for the job, but a part of his playful self said YES.