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Jose Cuervo

‘I thought I knew you, Baby,’ said Dan worriedly, circling round the kitchen table. Baby opened her mouth, but no sounds emerged. Then she lay her head down on the table. ‘What can I do to help?’ asked Dan. Still, Baby said nothing.

‘Would a little tequila help?’ asked Dan, proffering a bottle of Jose Cuervo and pouring out a shot. This was Baby’s favorite. ‘How about some pot or a little blow?’ He asked kiddingly. Dan was getting worried at Baby’s unresponsiveness.

Dan laid her hand across the back of Baby’s neck and began kneading the flesh, the way Baby liked it. Baby reached for the liquor and sniffed. That’s all she ever did.

Suddenly the air was filled with the soft sound of Baby purring. ‘That’s a good cat,’ murmured Dan in relief.

Dan thought back about how he and Baby became family. Baby had belonged to his previous girlfriend Kelly. He and Kelly had been together for three years. They had talked about their future, but a year ago they had a fight about something stupid. Mostly they didn’t talk about politics, but Kelly had been a little right, and Dan a little left.

Dan said something about Kelly’s candidate being a stupid crook, and Kelly snapped, ‘Take me home!’ Dan thought a little cooling-off period was advised, and Kelly agreed. He gave her space for a couple of weeks, thinking he’d apologize and they then would be back together.

When he did call her, he told her ‘I’m sorry. I won’t insult your politicians again. How about a movie and dinner Saturday?’

There was a long pause. Kelly finally said, ‘Things have changed. I’ve had quiet doubts about our future for some time. I’d had a few dates with Stan before we got together. When he heard a rumor that we’d broken up, he jumped at the chance to get back together. I wasn’t sure you and I had a future, so Stan and I went to a party and…we became intimate. I confess that was all the convincing I needed. I’m not certain about my future with Stan but it looks lot better than where we were heading. I’m sorry we’re over. As compensation, keep the cat. She likes you better anyway.’

After reminiscing, Dan smiled to himself. He told Baby, ‘Looks like we were the winners. Jean is coming over tonight and will sleep over. She treats us better than Kelly ever did. You like her better too, don’t you, Baby? I’m not even jealous of Stan.’

Dan started singing ‘We Are The Champions,’ and Baby went into hiding.

About the artists

Bill Tope is a retired caseworker, construction laborer, Hilton Hotel line cook and one-time nude model for university art classes. He lives in the American Midwest with his mean little cat Baby.

Doug Hawley is a resident of Oregon, where he lives with long time editor Sharon. He does community volunteer work and takes hikes. He also has about 1,000 publication credits.