The doorbell went off, and Ernest headed to answer it. Jess, the black and white fluffball, was winding around his ankles apparently excited to see who was going to be behind the door. He pulled it open, and gave Lucy a broad smile.
In truth, he was smiling at someone who was a mere acquaintance to him, but time would change that he was sure.
"Hey, Lucy. Come on in," he told her, stepping aside to let her enter the apartment.