by Jinty James
“Like I’m Lauren’s cousin,” Zoe put in helpfully.
“Want this one.” Molly pointed to the gray and white kitty. “Pwease?”
“Would you like to hold her?” Rebecca, the shelter volunteer, offered, her blue eyes sympathetic.
Claire hesitated.
“Pwease, Mommy,” Molly begged.
Claire sighed. “Okay.”
Rebecca unlocked the cage and gently lifted out the kitten.
“Hold her carefully,” she advised Molly. “And be gentle with her.”
“Just like you are with Annie,” Claire added.
“I will.” Molly’s face lit up as she nursed the little scrap in her arms. She kissed the top of the kitten’s head. “Molly have?”
“I don’t know what your father is going to say.” Claire closed her eyes for a second. “You have to promise to look after him – or her.”
“She’s a girl,” Rebecca informed them.
“Just like Annie.” Molly beamed.
Claire eyed the array of kitten food, bowls, and crocheted mini blankets next to the cages. “I guess we’d better buy some food for her as well.”
“She’s been spayed and has had all her vaccinations,” Rebecca told them. “We’ll change over the microchip details as well.”
“This is such a cute blanket.” Zoe picked up a multicolored crocheted rectangle, holding it out to Claire.
“Our volunteers crochet them, using their own wool, and we sell them for a few dollars to help raise funds,” Rebecca said, her tone hopeful.
“This one!” Molly carefully pointed to the blanket Zoe held, still holding the kitten securely.
“Okay.” Claire gave in.
After filling in the questionnaire and being approved, paying the adoption fee and buying a few tins of food and the little blanket, Claire looked panicked. “How are we going to carry the kitten home?”
“I think they sell carriers, too,” Lauren replied.
“Under here!” Zoe ducked under the table and pulled one out. “This should be perfect for her.”
Claire handed over her credit card again.
Annie watched over the proceedings, a pleased look on her face.
“What are you going to call her?” Zoe asked Molly.
The little girl thought for a moment, looking at Annie, then down at the fur baby in her arms, and back again. “Kitty!”
CHAPTER 2
“NOW WE ONLY NEED TO find eight more homes,” Zoe said as Claire, Molly, and Kitty left the café.
“We need to serve customers,” Lauren replied, suddenly noticing the line at the counter.
“Oops.” Zoe zoomed over to the crowd, apologizing.
“Brrt?” Annie asked, still sitting on the chair at the adoption table.
“You can keep the kittens company,” Lauren told her softly. “Or if it’s too much, you can go home whenever you like.”
“Brrp,” Annie said thoughtfully.
“I want to look at this one.” A smartly dressed woman, her hair a wavy mix of gray and blonde, a popular new color, bustled up to the table, pointing to one of the red kittens. Her elegant silver earrings shone from her lobes. “I saw it when you brought them all in, but that child and her mother took up most of the space and I couldn’t get a good look at her.”
“He’s a boy,” Rebecca, the volunteer, told her. “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”
“Are you sure?” The woman frowned. “It looks like a girl.”
“I saw him at the shelter last night,” Rebecca replied. “He’s definitely male.”
“Is there a problem?” Ed suddenly appeared. Lauren had been so caught up with looking at the kittens, and Molly falling in love with one of them, that she hadn’t noticed he’d vanished.
The woman eyed Ed. “No. I just want this cat.”
“You need to fill in the paperwork.” Ed handed her a form and a pen. “If you rent, you need to already have your landlord’s approval for a cat.”
“Ridiculous,” the woman grumbled. “I own my own home, so that doesn’t apply to me.”
“We’re trying to put the cat’s welfare first,” Rebecca said quietly.
“He will have a wonderful home with me. He’s the best looking one out of this lot.” The woman’s gaze swept over the others, as if she didn’t think much of them.
“Are you sure you want a kitten?” Ed asked. “It’s a big commitment. And cat food can be expensive. Plus litter.”
“I’m sure,” the woman said dismissively, scrawling her signature on the form.
“Nellie, what are you doing?” A neat looking woman of medium height walked up to the table. Her gray hair was styled nicely in a short cut, layered ends brushing over her earlobes, and she wore dove-gray slacks and a cream turtleneck.
Nellie suddenly looked guilty, her gaze shifting around the room. She dropped the pen with a clatter. It rolled under the table.
“Nothing,” she replied sulkily. “I can have a cat if I want. And I want this one.” She pointed to the red male kitty.
“No, you can’t.” The older woman replied. “You know my son is allergic to cats. He’ll be sneezing non-stop, his eyes will get red and itchy, and he’ll break out in hives. You’ve been married to him long enough to know that.”
“He could take some pills,” Nelly replied dismissively.
“He did that in the past. Also shots. They never worked.”
“I just read an article about a new desensitization therapy. I thought he could try that if pills don’t work this time. I really want this kitten.” She pointed to the red feline, who looked a little confused at the proceedings.
“Have you spoken to my son about this?”
“Not yet,” Nellie replied.
“I think you should, before you do anything final, like adopting a cat,” the older woman advised. “Oh, I see you’re wearing my earrings. I’d like them back, please, as I’m attending a function on the weekend, and I’m planning on wearing them.”
Nellie touched one of the silver earrings.
“All right,” she said reluctantly. “I don’t know why Richard can’t buy me my own, though.”
“They were very expensive,” Deborah’s tone was mild. “An anniversary present from my late husband.”
“I thought you were interested in this kitten,” Ed murmured to Rebecca.
“I was,” Rebecca replied wistfully. “I saw him for the first time last night when I helped out at the shelter after getting back from vacation, but how can I deny someone else taking him home if they really want him?”
“I think you should adopt him right now,” Ed advised.
“Maybe you’re right.” Rebecca still hesitated.
Ed picked up a pen from the desk and quickly filled in a form. “There. He’s all yours.”
Rebecca’s face lit up, and she opened the cage. Carefully cradling the red kitten to her chest, she crooned to him.
“Meow,” the kitten said softly, and buried his head in her sweater.
“It’s a perfect match,” Ed told her.
Rebecca blushed and looked down at the kitten, as if not knowing what else to do.
“Do you need a carrier for him?” Lauren ducked down and pulled one out from under the table.
“Yeah, best to stow him somewhere out of the way,” Ed added.
“Maybe I should take him home and then come back,” Rebecca suggested.
“No worries.” Ed nodded. “I can look after things here.”
Rebecca looked relieved and gently placed the kitten in the carrier. “Oh, I must pay the adoption fee.” She swiped her card on the little machine.
“Now he’s all yours,” Ed said in satisfaction.
Nellie broke off her discussion with her mother-in-law.
“Where is he?” she demanded, eyeing all the kittens. “That’s not him.” She pointed to the other red kitty.
“He’s just been adopted,” Ed said gruffly. “Sorry.” He didn’t sound apologetic.
“What?” Nellie scowled. “I said I wanted him!”
“I’m sorry,” Rebecca said, “but ...” she trailed off, looking to Ed in appeal.
“The shelter staff have the final say on adoptions,” Ed told her. “Based on what we heard your mother-in-law just say to you—”
“That was a private conversation,” Nellie flared.
“In a public place. I’m sure we weren’t the only people to overhear it. And believe me, we didn’t want to,” Ed replied. “We thought it best that the kitten was adopted by someone else.”
“You!” Nellie suddenly noticed the red kitten in the carrier. She pointed at Rebecca. “You stole him from me!”
“I ... I...” she looked helplessly at Ed.
Lauren knew she had to speak. “I think Ed told you the staff have the final say on adoptions. I also think you’re disturbing the kittens.”
“Brrt!” Annie agreed loudly. She’d been watching the proceedings with wide green eyes.
“Well! I never—”
“You’ll never have a cat while you’re married to my son,” her mother-in-law added, “unless you can find a foolproof allergy remedy for him.”
“We’ll see about that!” Nellie stalked toward the exit.
A wiry man entered the café. Of medium height, with receding hair, he looked unhappy as his gaze landed on Nellie.
“This is all your fault,” Nellie scolded him in a disgusted tone.
Lauren felt like blushing for the man she assumed was Nellie’s husband.
“What have I done now?” the man asked in resignation.
“I wanted that beautiful kitten and now someone else has adopted him! All because you’re allergic.”
“You know medication doesn’t work on me,” the man replied.
“It’s not fair I can’t have a cat – or a dog,” Nellie continued. “What use are you?” She strode out of the café.
The man hurried after her, his head down.
“I’m sorry you had to witness that,” the older woman said. “My daughter-in-law gets a little carried away at times.” She gazed after the couple. “I don’t think she realizes how lucky she is to have married my son Richard. I’m Deborah, by the way.”
Her gaze landed on Rebecca, murmuring to the red kitten in the carrier. “I wish she was more like you, Rebecca.”
Rebecca looked up at the mention of her name.
“Oh. Thank you, Deborah.” She smiled.
“Rebecca and I know each other from church,” the older woman continued. “And she used to go to school with my son.”
A vigorous waving from the counter caught Lauren’s eye.
“Excuse me, but my cousin needs me.” She hurried over to Zoe. “Sorry,” she apologized, sliding around to the employee side. “I got caught up in—”
“The kitten drama,” Zoe finished. “Yeah, I watched it from over here, while making lattes. I’m glad I’m not married to that cranky woman with the greige hair.”
“Nellie? Me too.”
“I bet the guys would say the same thing.” Zoe’s mouth twitched for a second, then she grew serious. “Okay, we’ve got seven lattes to make, one cappuccino, and one mocha.”
“Yes, boss,” Lauren teased. It was usually the other way around.
They worked in companiable silence for the next few minutes. Customers ate, drank, and chatted, as well as walking over to the adoption table to ooh and ahh over the kittens.
Lauren glanced at the adoption table. Annie still presided over it, along with Ed. There was no sign of Rebecca, the shelter volunteer. Perhaps she’d taken the red kitten home?
Finally, there was a lull with the orders.
“Thank goodness.” Zoe stretched.
“Want a break?” Lauren asked. “I can take care of things.”
“Thanks.” Zoe grinned. “I think I need a mocha first, though.”
“Good idea.”
She’d just sat down on a stool next to Zoe, when Brooke and Jeff strolled in.
“Hi, guys.” Brooke, the local hair stylist, greeted them. She wore jeans and a black sweater, the colors highlighting her rich chestnut hair, cut in a long bob with feathered ends.
“Let me look at your ring again. I never get tired of seeing it.” Zoe leaned over the counter.
“Me either.” Brooke held out her hand, the cushion-cut diamond sparkling in the overhead lights. “I can’t believe it’s only been a month since Jeff asked me.” She gave him an intimate smile. Jeff’s cheeks held a hint of crimson.
“Are you here to look at the kittens?” Zoe asked.
“We couldn’t resist,” Jeff replied. His sandy hair was cut neatly, and he wore jeans and a tan sweater. His blue eyes were framed with square, navy metal glasses.
“I’d love to have one,” Brooke said longingly.
“You know we can, if we find the right one.” Jeff smiled at her.
“Little Molly has already adopted one,” Zoe called after them.
Jeff gave them a thumbs up at the news.
“Hopefully after they choose one, there’ll only be six homes to find,” Zoe mused.
“Let me guess – you’re going to personally find homes for all of them?” Lauren smiled.
“If I have to.” Zoe grew serious.
Lauren touched her cousin’s arm. Zoe had a good heart.
“I think Annie might help you,” Lauren told her.
“Awesome.” Zoe glanced over at Annie, still presiding over the kittens.
Lauren watched Brooke and Jeff look at each feline in turn, before Ed opened one of the cages and handed a black and white baby to Brooke. Their friend’s expression melted as she gazed at the furry bundle in her arms. Jeff wrapped his arm around her, while looking at the kitten as well.
“Yep.” Zoe nodded. “There’s some kitten magic going on.”
Mrs. Finch came in, tapping into the café with her walking stick.
“Hello, dears.” She beamed at them, the orange rouge on her cheeks reminding Lauren of California poppies.
“Hi, Mrs. Finch,” Zoe greeted her cheerfully. The crowd had thinned a little.
“Where’s Annie?” their elderly friend asked. Usually, Annie trotted to greet her, and led her to a table.
“Watching over the kittens,” Lauren told her.
“I would like to see them,” Mrs. Finch replied.
“Are you thinking of adopting one?” Zoe’s eyes lit up. “The shelter has everything you need right here – food, toys, blankets, even a carrier.”
“I’d love to,” Mrs. Finch said wistfully, “but I think a kitten might be too little for me. I wouldn’t want to accidentally tread on her – or him.”
“I understand,” Lauren said sympathetically.
“Why don’t you go over and take a look,” Zoe suggested, “and we can start your order.”
“You’re very kind,” Mrs. Finch replied. “A small latte and one of your wonderful cupcakes, please, Lauren.”
“Coming right up,” Lauren promised. She watched Mrs. Finch walk slowly over to Ed, presiding over the adoption table. Rebecca hadn’t returned yet.
As Lauren made the coffee, she saw Annie greet her friend. Mrs. Finch stroked her with a wobbly hand, Annie “talking” to her in a series of brrts and chirps.
“I bet Annie’s telling her all about the kittens,” Zoe said.
“I think you’re right.”
Lauren chose a triple chocolate ganache cupcake for their friend, noting that they were almost out of cakes and pastries. Usually that would make her pleased, but right now she worried she wouldn’t have anything else to offer their customers – especially if the adoption event drew more people in before they closed at five.
After a few minutes, Annie slowly led Mrs. Finch to a small table near the kittens.
Lauren and Zoe brought over their friend’s order.
“They are all delightful,” Mrs. Finch told them. “Annie told me about each one, and how she wants to help them all find good homes.”
&
nbsp; Lauren glanced from her fur baby to Mrs. Finch and back again. There was no doubt in her mind that Mrs. Finch spoke the truth.
Brooke and Jeff stopped at the small table, their chosen kitten in a carrier.
“Isn’t he adorable?” Brooke made it more of a statement than a question.
“Meep,” the little tuxedo cat spoke, peering out with big green eyes. “Meep.”
“What’s his name?” Zoe asked.
“We haven’t thought of one yet,” Jeff admitted.
“But we’ll have lots of fun finding the right one for him.” Brooke smiled at her new fur baby. “Won’t we, little guy?”
They waved goodbye, Jeff carefully carrying the cage.
“Only six more homes to find, Annie,” Mrs. Finch said.
“Brrt.” Yes.
Lauren and Zoe explained about little Molly being the first adopter that day, Mrs. Finch chuckling at the sweet story.
They left the senior sitting with Annie while she enjoyed her coffee and cupcake.
“Hi, Father Mike,” Lauren said a few minutes later as the entrance door opened.
The priest of the local Episcopalian church headed toward them, wearing neatly pressed jeans and an olive sweater. Of medium height and balding, he was beloved by the whole town.
“How’s Mrs. Snuggle?” Zoe asked, referring to the grumpy white Persian cat he’d adopted recently. Originally a show cat and queen, she now seemed to be settling down with the priest – sort of.
“Not bad,” he replied. “I bought her a new toy that’s stuffed with catnip and she’s even playing with it!”
“That’s great,” Zoe enthused.
“Are you here to look at the kittens?” Lauren asked.
“Oh, no, no.” Father Mike shook his head. “I don’t think Mrs. Snuggle would approve if I brought home another cat. She does seem to like being the only one in the house.”
“I understand.” Lauren nodded.
“Maybe one day,” Zoe suggested.
“What can we get you?” Lauren asked.
“A large latte to go, please.” He glanced over at the adoption table. “Well ... maybe I will take a quick look at the little mites while I wait for my order.”
“Good idea.” Zoe winked at him.
“Zoe.” Lauren shook her head at her cousin’s teasing.
