Page 85 of By Rude Strength

“What? You mean embalming? No.”

“Did you forget how to do the services?”

“No.”

“Did you hit your head and your brains pooped out everything you’ve ever learned from all those many, many years at the funeral home?”

“No!” LA narrowed his eyes and stared at Cass. “What are you talking about?”

Cass smiled warmly. “Elly, sweetheart. Even if you don’t have the position that you wanted, you still have all those years of experience and knowledge at your fingertips. I am very sure you could find a way to apply that toward a new career. Yes, it may not be what you want, not exactly, but you’d still be using everything you’ve learned.”

LA took a deep breath. “Like what?”

Cass blinked. “Oh, I don’t know!” He beamed once more. “But we won’t know until we look.”

“We?”

“Of course.”

“Do imps of strength help job hunt?” LA rolled his eyes.

Cass giggled, and he looked downright bashful. “Well, boyfriends would.”

LA’s heart unexpectedly thumped. “Yeah. They would.” He touched Cass’s face, pulling him in for a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

Cass purred, returning the kiss sweetly. “Of course, Elly. I’m here for you. I meant that.”

“So.” LA stroked his furry cheek. “I guess this means you’re sticking around, right? Even after I regain my strength or whatever?”

“As long as I am welcome.” Cass purred louder. “Then yes, I will be here.”

“Sounds like you’ll be stickin’ around for a while.” LA smiled. “I mean, you’re talking about being upgraded to boyfriend status and shit. Seems pretty serious.”

Cass kissed LA’s forehead. “It certainly has potential.”

“Fuck yeah, it does.” LA took a deep breath, hoping to cleanse out the remaining urge to burst into tears. “So. Shit.”

“Shit what?”

“Well, I was hoping we’d be celebrating me getting some good news from the lawyer.”

“We can still celebrate!” Cass said cheerfully.

“Yeah, what?”

“Anything you want.”

LA snorted. “How about we just get drunk and order more takeout?”

“Drinking is not good with your medication, and we’ve had a lot of takeout.” Cass wrinkled his nose and then immediately brightened back up. “How about I cook for us?”

“You cook?” LA grinned then. “Thought you just baked?”

“Well, casseroles count as both cooking and baking. And I know how to make a pretty spectacular cheeseburger casserole.”Cass purred proudly. “If, uh, you think that’s something you would be interested in.”

“Is it all right if I sit here on my butt because the chairs in the kitchen hurt my ass?”

“You know I could literally change the shape of your kitchen chairs to ergonomically fit the curvature of your very, very perfect ass?”