>>13239660>He just smiled his infuratingly smug smile.>"Furry Palmer and her four sisters for a week again?" he asked teasingly. "You almost made it through a whole day last time.">Judy grrr'd and Nick laughed warmly.>"Come here and get a hug, Fluff.">Judy lifted her chin and shook her head, looking miffed.>Nick sweetend the deal.>"And a kiss.">Judy ran to him like she was shot out of a cannon, then wrapped her arms tightly around him and hugged with all her might.>"I was worried something had happened to you," she confessed.>Nick rubbed her between her ears and laughed again. He held up the bag.>"Last bottled in the whole city!" he proclaimed proudly, handing the bag to Judy.>She quickly pulled out the bottle, read the label, then frowned.>"Senior Jose Hangover's Faux-Paign?" she said with obvious distaste.>"All they had," Nick said apologetically.>"'Keep away from children, pets, the elderly, the infirmed, or open flame. Not for intentional use as an emetic, no matter what happens after you drink it.' Judy read aloud off the label.
>"Nothing but the best for my Carrots!">"You're still in trouble, you know. And where's my kiss?">Nick lowered himself to his knees, then lowered his head.>"Not there!">He did, anyway.>"Nicholas P. Wilde! Just because it's New Year's Eve doesn't mean you can take liberties!">He took the liberty of another kiss, then sniffed.>"Wow, you really -have- missed me," he said.>"Get your nose out of my business!" an exasperated Judy said; "We're going to drink a toast to the New Year and then we're going to bed.">"That sounds fun!">"And sleeping," Judy amended. 