The days in Reno were usually sunny during the Spring, and this one was no exception. Art had the day off, and he knew Venti would be working at the library. So it was decided he'd surprise his jackal and take him out for lunch. He didn't see Venti at the front desk, so he walked down the isles to look for him. How hard could it be to find someone over nine feet tall?

Not hard at all, especially when he heard an unfamiliar voice whisper "Gosh, you're tall, sir." followed by the familiar deep rumble of a chuckle as a response.

Curious, Art went down the aisle next to the two who were talking. He was certain the chuckle came from Venti, but who was the other voice?

"How did you get so big?"

"I grew into it." Venti response was controlled, but Art heard the amusement underlying his tone.

A giggle, followed by "You're funny!"

"Really? I thought I was being serious."

Another titter of laughter. Art peeked around the isle to see a kangaroo about his height, wearing a sweater jacket decorated by various buttons proclaiming various slogans. "You're cute, are you seeing someone?"

Art ducked back into the aisle, and for a brief moment he wondered how Venti would answer. Would he tell the truth or would he skirt around the question with a vague answer?

"I'm seeing someone, yup."

Art slipped away from the aisle, then quietly made a beeline for the rear exit. He felt guilty for doubting Venti. Of course the jackal was going to be direct in answering that question. He wasn't the type to skirt the issue; he was sometimes so blunt it could chip the drywall like it did people's egos.

He waited five minutes before going back into the library. Venti was at the front desk, and upon seeing Art his smile seemed to light up the room. It certainly lightened Art's guilt.

Not by much, though.

<<< PREV | FIRST | NEXT >>>