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“I can’t believe the premiere is only two days away!” Zoe Crenshaw wore a huge smile on her face as she sipped her freshly made latte.
“I know,” Lauren Denman, her cousin, agreed.
“Brrt!” Annie, Lauren’s silver-gray Norwegian Forest Cat, added.
The three of them had a few minutes to themselves before they opened their (Lauren’s, really) certified cat café in the small town of Gold Leaf Valley, just one hour from Sacramento.
The room boasted pale-yellow walls, wooden floorboards, and pine tables and chairs. A string-art picture of a cupcake with lots of pink frosting decorated one of the walls – evidence of one of Zoe’s former hobbies.
Recently, Zoe had written a screenplay, inspired by a series of princess movies they regularly watched on TV. To her surprise – and delight – it had been picked up by the production company who had made the two films they loved, and a few months ago, the filming of Zoe’s script had taken place right there in Gold Leaf Valley!
Not only that, but several of the locals, including Lauren, Annie, Zoe, and Ed, Lauren’s pastry chef, had won tiny parts in the movie.
Now the whole town was buzzing about the upcoming premiere.
“Do you think the town hall will have enough seating for everyone?” Zoe tapped her cheek.
“I’m sure Father Mike has thought of that.” Lauren took a sip of her own latte. Father Mike was the local Episcopal priest and was beloved by the whole town.
“Brrt,” Annie agreed reassuringly.
“Remember, he played Santa Claus in the Christmas play a while ago,” she added, “and the place was packed!”
“You were great playing Mrs. Claus, Annie.” Zoe grinned down at the feline.
“And I thought you were wonderful as the head elf,” Lauren reminisced.
“And of course, Father Mike was the perfect Santa Claus.”
“Brrt.” Of course.
“I sent an invite to Tara and Penny, who play the princess and her sister,” Zoe remarked. “They both said they were sorry but couldn’t come. They’re filming separate shows right now.”
“I’m glad they’ve got other jobs, but it would have been nice to see them again.” She’d experienced a couple of fan girl moments when she’d first met them.
She gave a start as she glanced at her practical white wristwatch. “Is that the time?”
“Oops, it’s nine-thirty-two.” Zoe peered at her arm. “We’d better open up.”
“Brrt!” Annie scampered over to the oak and glass entrance door and gazed through the large pane.
“I can’t see anyone either,” Lauren agreed, unbolting the door. There was a slight chill in the October air.
“Brrp.” Annie sighed and ambled over to the corner where her pink basket beckoned.
“Sometimes it can be slow in the morning, but then picks up during the lunch rush,” Zoe commented.
“True.”
A woman with neat, copper-brown hair rushed into the café a few minutes later. “I know it’s not Friday but I need a cupcake right away – and to interview Zoe.”
“Hi, Thelma,” Lauren greeted her.
“Brrt.” Annie trotted over to her.
“Really?” Zoe zipped around the counter.
“Now I’m a real reporter,” Thelma said proudly, “I get to write a front-page story about your movie premiere.”
Thelma used to work as the receptionist for the local Gold Leaf Valley Gazette, before her recent promotion.
“That’s great.” Lauren smiled.
“Definitely. But we’ve noticed your cupcake Friday isn’t a thing anymore,” Zoe added.
“I know.” She sighed. “Phil, my boss, says the paper can’t afford it. And,” she lowered her voice, although there wasn’t anyone else around, “he seems to have stopped his scratch card habit, so it’s not like he’s spending the cupcake money on that. Sales of the newspaper have been down lately, but we’re counting on this issue making up for that.”
“I hope so,” Zoe replied.
“What can we get you?” Lauren asked. “I have triple chocolate ganache, red velvet, and lemon poppyseed.”
“And Ed’s made honeyed walnut, and apple Danishes,” Zoe added.
“Brrt!”
“Triple chocolate ganache,” Thelma replied instantly. “They are soooo good. All your stuff is,” she added. “And I need a large latte.”
“Coming right up.”
“Annie, where should we sit?” Zoe asked.
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led them to a four-seater in the middle of the room.
“I’ve heard that some reporters from Sacramento are coming to the premiere as well,” Thelma remarked.
“Really?” Zoe’s eyes widened. “I haven’t heard that. Have you, Lauren?”
“No.” She shook her head while steaming milk.
“I thought they might have contacted you already. See, that’s why I’m here now. To get the scoop!” Thelma pulled out a phone. “You don’t mind if I record our interview, do you?”
“I guess not.”
Annie hopped up on the chair next to Zoe.
“My article about the premiere is going to be huge, who attended, etc., and I’ll take tons of photos.”
“It sounds wonderful.” Lauren brought over the latte and cupcake.
“Yeah, Phil’s thinking that everyone at the premiere will want to buy a copy, to check if their photo is in it.” Thelma chuckled before digging into her cupcake with dark Belgian chocolate chips, as well as white ones. The treat was finished off with a generous swirl of dark chocolate ganache on top. “Mmm.”
After a minute, Thelma continued, “I need to interview you too, Lauren. You were in the movie, right?”
“Yes, for a minute,” she replied.
“She played the barista and they filmed right here.” Zoe flung out an arm, luckily the one that wasn’t near Annie.
“I wrote about that back then.” Thelma nodded. “Including you being the double for Penny, Zoe.”
“It was fun.” Zoe smiled.
“Okay.” Thelma slurped her latte. “Let’s start this interview.”
“Maybe you should ask Lauren questions first, in case customers come in,” Zoe suggested. “She’s the best at making coffee.”
“You’re pretty good, too,” Lauren said.
“Good idea.” Thelma mumbled around a chocolatey mouthful.
“Brrt?”
“Annie was in the movie as well,” Lauren added. “So were her friends, AJ, and Mrs. Snuggle.”
“That’s right.” Thelma glanced at the feline. “Don’t worry, cutie, I’ll make sure you’re included.”
“Brrt.” Thank you.
Thelma proceeded to ask Lauren a few questions about her experience acting with Tara, the star of the films.
“It was very exciting,” Lauren told her. “And nerve wracking, if I’m honest. But by the time my small scene was over, the whole experience seemed fun. And Tara was very kind and professional.”
“Definitely.” Zoe nodded.
“Okay, that’s all I need from you, Lauren.” Thelma turned to Zoe. “Now, Zoe, tell me all about it. What was it like being a screenplay writer? Are you going to write anymore? How much did you get paid? Do you think you’ll pursue an acting career as well?”
The oak and glass entrance door creaked open, and Lauren left her cousin to answer the barrage of questions. Annie looked torn as to whether she should stay for the interview or seat the man who walked in.
“It’s okay,” Lauren told her. “You stay where you are.”
“Brrp.” Thank you. Annie turned her attention back to Thelma and Zoe.
“Sit anywhere you like,” Lauren told the gray-haired man. He was a little stooped and wore a disgruntled expression on his face. His dark trousers, and brown and white checked shirt looked a little worn.
“Where do I order?”
“Right here.” She smiled pleasantly.
“I just want a cup of good old coffee. None of this fancy stuff.” He jabbed a finger at the silver espresso machine.
“Of course. Would you like a cupcake as well?”
“Humpf.” He squinted at the glass cupcake case. “That one.” He pointed to a red velvet.
“I’ll bring it over to you.”
“All right.” He trod to a small table toward the rear.
When Lauren brought his order to him, he said, “I can’t believe all this fuss for some movie about a princess. Don’t people have anything better to do than watch TV?”
“I take it you’re not going to the premiere on Saturday?” Lauren’s tone was polite.
“I wish!” He snorted. “I have to be there. I’m the town hall caretaker.”
“I didn’t know there was one.” Lauren crinkled her brow.
“I’ve only been doing it for a few weeks. I’m the first caretaker they’ve had. Father Mike suggested it. He’s a good man,” he said reflectively.
“He is,” Lauren agreed. “I hope you enjoy your coffee and cupcake.”
“I wouldn’t normally waste money on cafés, but I needed something to help me through the day. I have to set up all these chairs for Saturday night.” He shook his head.
“Can someone help you?” she asked delicately.
“Father Mike’s already offered, but I told him I could handle it. And I thought I could, but the job is bigger than I imagined.” He sounded disgruntled. “I’ll get it done, though.”
She left him to hopefully enjoy his treats. When she returned to the counter, Zoe beckoned to her.
“Thelma wants to know if I’m going to write another script, and I told her about the lady cop/paramedic idea we were going to work on together but ...” Zoe trailed off.
“We decided it wasn’t really us,” Lauren finished.
“I’m going to try writing another screenplay, one that’s totally my own idea, but I’ve been busy with another batch of pottery mugs.”
“I haven’t unpacked them yet – just a sec.” Lauren dashed back to the counter and opened a cupboard. She grabbed a large cardboard box and lifted it onto the counter.
After opening the box, she plucked one out and headed back to Zoe’s table.
“Brrt!” Annie delicately touched a paw to the picture of her on the mug, under a red banner.
“That’s right, Annie.” Zoe grinned. “The banner has the name of my – the – movie on it, too. I wish I could have included everyone who had a part in it, but the mug just isn’t that big.”
“So you’re a potter, as well as a screenwriter.” Thelma sounded impressed, and traced her finger over Annie’s sketch.
“I like exploring different hobbies,” Zoe replied. “Lauren and I have both tried knitting, which she still does, and I’ve also attempted crochet, bead jewelry, string-art—” she pointed to the picture of a cupcake with lots of pink frosting on the wall “—as well as pottery, and now writing a script.”
“What about sewing?” Thelma queried.
“No.” Zoe shuddered. “Not sewing.”
“I’ve made a cushion cover,” Lauren volunteered. “It’s not perfect, but it’s in my living room.”
“Hey, miss,” the grumpy man called.
Lauren turned. He stood at the register.
“Sorry.” She scraped back her chair.
“That’s Donald,” Thelma told him. “He’s volunteering as the caretaker for the town hall.” She gave a little snicker. “I think his wife wanted him out of the house now he’s retired.”
Lauren rounded the counter and rang up his bill. “I hope you enjoyed everything.”
“It wasn’t bad,” he said grudgingly. “Better than I expected.”
She suspected that was high praise from him.
Zoe, Annie, and Thelma got up from the table and headed toward the register as well.
“I just wish this darned premiere wasn’t happening.” He sounded disgruntled again.
“That’s my premiere.” Zoe spoke.
“Are you in the movie?” He swung around.
“Yes! Well, sort of. I wrote it, though.”
“Hmmpf.” He sounded like he might have been a little impressed but was trying not to show it.
“It’s going to be a big night,” Thelma told him. “I’m covering it for the paper. I could even take your photo and include it in my story.”
“No, thanks.” He shook his head.
After Lauren handed him his change, he walked out of the café.
“Can you give me a receipt?” Thelma requested. “Since this was an interview, I can get my goodies for free. Petty cash will pay.”
“Of course.” Lauren handed her the slip of paper and some change.
“Hey, Thelma!” A man in his fifties entered the café, wearing dark trousers and a gray shirt. Black-rimmed glasses rested on his nose, and his gray hair was rumpled, as if he’d run a hand through it several times.
“What, Phil?”
“I need you to run down the street and cover the fender bender that’s just happened. No one’s injured but we need to write a story about it.”
“You mean I do.”
“You wanted to become a reporter.”
“Yeah. And here’s my bill for this morning’s interview.” Thelma handed him the receipt. “I’ll pay myself out of petty cash when I get back to the office.”
“Okay,” Phil grumbled, and headed out onto the sidewalk.
“He can be a bit tight with money,” Thelma explained. “Okay, I’ve got to scoot. Make sure you buy the newspaper on Sunday.”
“We will,” Zoe assured her.
“And I’ll take a good photo of you at the premiere, and make sure you get a big splash in the story. It’s a shame there aren’t any real actors attending who are in the movie, but at least we’ve got you, Zoe.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Thelma waved goodbye and dashed outside.
“The movie wouldn’t have been made if you hadn’t written the script,” Lauren said loyally.
“That’s true – maybe. But we’ve got to make sure Thelma takes a photo of you on Saturday night – and our husbands.”
“That would be fun,” she replied. “And Annie. She’s coming to the premiere as well.”
“Brrt!” Yes I am!
They giggled.
“Father Mike said Mrs. Snuggle wants to be there, and I bet AJ does, too.”
Mrs. Snuggle Face Furry Frost was a Persian, and former show cat. When her owner died, Father Mike adopted the grumpy feline, and his kindness and goodness eventually won her heart. She was now devoted to him.
“I bet.” Lauren smiled. AJ was Ed’s cat. Annie had found the tiny scrap of a Maine Coon in the backyard and had brought her into the café. It had been instant love between Ed and AJ, and he’d become a proud cat papa. Now AJ was fully grown, and mischievous at times.
“Is Mitch working on a case right now?” Zoe asked.
“No, but it sounds like Detective Castern is definitely retiring. If that happens, then Mitch will be the lead detective. Remember, he did that leadership training course a few months ago.”
“That’s right.” Zoe nodded.
Mitch was Lauren’s police detective husband. They’d been married for two years now, but she still thought of him as her brand-new husband, and he was the only husband she would ever want or need.
“Will Chris be able to make it on Saturday night?”
“Definitely.” Zoe smiled. “He’s made sure he’s off the schedule and told his boss he won’t be available.”
Zoe had met Chris, a paramedic, through Mitch, and after a slow start, their romance had blossomed into marriage. And now they lived right next door to Lauren and Mitch.
The oak and glass entrance door creaked open, and a large bouquet of pink and white roses entered the café, only a pair of trousers and shoes visible.
“This is for Zoe,” came a muffled male voice.
“Jeff, is that you?” Lauren asked. Jeff was married to their friend Brooke, who owned the local hair salon, while Jeff owned the flower shop.
“Yes.” He lowered the flowers down to his waist. His sandy hair was neatly cut, and his blue eyes were framed with square, navy metal glasses. He wore a cream button-down shirt tucked neatly into brown slacks.
“Hi.” Lauren smiled.
“Brrt!” Annie trotted to greet him,.
“Are they really for me?” Zoe’s eyes widened with delight. “Who are they from? Chris?”
“There’s a card.” He felt around and tapped the large envelope taped to the front of the bouquet.
Zoe grabbed the card and ripped open the envelope. “They’re from Tara!” She sounded thrilled. “She says she’s leaving tonight to film in Czechoslovakia and wanted to make sure she sent the flowers before the premiere.”
“That’s very thoughtful of her,” Lauren said.
“Brrt!” Annie’s green eyes widened as she stared up at the bouquet.
Zoe placed the card featuring a large CONGRATULATIONS on the counter. “Now everyone can see it,” she said in satisfaction.
“Where would you like the roses?” There was a hint of humor in Jeff’s voice.
“Oh, yeah.” Zoe reached for the large bouquet. “Oof.”
Lauren hurried around the counter to help her, but Zoe had managed to place the flowers on a vacant table. “Oh – they smell so pretty! Like candy but musky at the same time. I can’t believe she did this!” Zoe looked like she was having a fan girl moment.
“You mean the star of the princess movies sent you these?” Jeff looked suitably impressed.
“Yeah.” Zoe giggled.
“I can’t wait to see your movie Saturday night at the town hall,” he said. “Brooke’s been talking about it a lot. She even has some clients coming in on Saturday to get their hair done for the premiere.”
“That’s awesome!”
“It certainly is,” Lauren added.
“She told me how nice Tara was, and also her co-star Penny who played her sister,” Jeff continued. “Wait until I tell her Tara sent you these flowers.” He paused. “Not that I usually gossip about my clients’ orders.”
“But Brooke’s your wife,” Zoe said. “And she’s not a gossip.”
“No, she isn’t.” He looked pleased at the compliment.
“Would you like a latte? On the house,” Lauren offered.
“Thanks.” He looked tempted, then checked his watch. “But I’d better get going. I have two more deliveries to make and then I have some orders to go through at the shop.”
“See you Saturday night,” Zoe called after him.
“Brrt!”
A short while later, their friend and one of their favorite customers walked in, with the aid of her stick.
“Hi, Mrs. Finch!” Zoe grinned.
“Brrt!” Annie scampered to greet the elderly lady who wore a beige skirt and dusty rose cardigan. Her gray hair was piled on top of her head in a slightly untidy bun.
“Hello, dears.” Mrs. Finch smiled, the little spots of orange rouge on her cheeks looking like California poppies.
“Brrt.” This way. Annie led her slowly to a four-seater near the counter, as if she knew her friend couldn’t walk quickly.
“What can we get you?” Lauren asked.
“One of your lovely lattes, please, and what treats do you have today?”
“Chocolate ganache, red velvet, and lemon poppyseed.” Zoe zoomed over. “And Ed’s made his honeyed walnut, and apple Danish today.”
“Oh dear, how can I decide?” Mrs. Finch’s eyes twinkled behind her delicate pink spectacles. “I think I’ll have a lemon poppyseed, Lauren, dear.”
“Coming right up.” She headed to the counter.
“Look at the flowers Tara sent me!” Zoe gestured to the large bouquet of roses sitting on one end of the counter. “They’ve just arrived!”
“How lovely.” Mrs. Finch duly admired the pink and white blooms. “It’s a shame she couldn’t make it to the premiere. The same with Penny.”
“I know.” Zoe nodded so vigorously, her brunette pixie bangs flopped against her temple.
Lauren brought over the latte, glancing at Zoe.
“Oops!” Zoe zipped behind the counter, quickly plated the cupcake, and zipped back to Mrs. Finch.
“It all looks wonderful.” Mrs. Finch smiled at them.
“You’re still coming to the premiere, aren’t you?” Lauren asked.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” their friend assured her.
“We can give you a ride to the town hall,” Lauren offered.
“Thank you, but the senior center is picking up members who can’t drive themselves, and the minibus is going to collect me and bring me home after.”
“That’s great,” Zoe remarked. “It’s a shame the senior center isn’t big enough to host the premiere.”
“Not with all the people who said they’re coming,” Lauren commented. “Father Mike is hoping that at least some of them will leave a little donation to the church fund.”
“I’ll be the first one to do so,” Zoe declared. “I really appreciate him organizing the night.”
“And I’ll be the second,” Lauren said.
“And I’ll be the third,” Mrs. Finch added.
“Are you still up for craft club tomorrow night?” Zoe asked.
The four of them met at Mrs. Finch’s house on Friday nights and brought their works in progress along with them. But at the moment Lauren was between knitting projects after having made a blue and cream blanket for the living room and a matching one for Annie, and Zoe had just finished making her latest pottery mugs.
“Of course.” Mrs. Finch smiled. “I do look forward to our little get-togethers.”
“Brrt!” Me too!
“I’ll make sure I take it easy on Saturday so I won’t be too tired to attend your premiere, Zoe. I am looking forward to it.”
“Ooh – I must show you my latest design.” Zoe zipped behind the counter and returned with a mug.
“I think this is your best yet.” Mrs. Finch duly admired the mug featuring Annie under the red premiere banner. “You must let me buy one.”
“I’ll give it you.” Zoe beamed. “How about this one? It’s brand-new.”
“That’s very kind of you.” Mrs. Finch traced Annie’s sketch with a wobbly finger.
“I can put it in a bag for you.” Lauren jumped up and grabbed a brown paper bag with twine handles. “It’s very quiet this morning,” she said when she returned to the table. “I can give you a ride home if you like?”
“Thank you, but my doctor keeps telling me walking is good for me. And I have my cane.” Mrs. Finch gestured to the stick resting next to her chair. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Let us know if you change your mind,” Zoe said.
“Brrt!”
They talked about Thelma covering the premiere, and how Donald, the caretaker, had come in that morning.
“Oh, yes, Donald.” Mrs. Finch nodded. “He retired recently and I heard he was getting under his wife’s feet. When Father Mike suggested the position of caretaker at the town hall, his wife jumped at the chance to have him out of the house.”
“Really?” Lauren asked.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” Mrs. Finch assured her. “It will be good for Donald to be busy and doing something, and not criticizing how his wife vacuums the living room.”
“Chris and I take turns to do the housework,” Zoe said.
“Mitch helps out as well,” Lauren added, although she suspected their division of chores were more along the traditional lines – Mitch took care of the garbage, lawn, and heavy stuff, while she did the vacuuming, dusting, and laundry. But they both did the cooking and dishes.
By the time Mrs. Finch left, a couple more customers had trickled in. They waved goodbye to her, promising to see her tomorrow night at her house.
“Where is everyone?” Zoe tapped her cheek. “It’s nearly time for the lunch rush.”
“Maybe they’re all getting their hair done at Brooke’s for Saturday night,” Lauren suggested.
“Brrt!”
Although the lunch rush wasn’t as busy as usually, there was still enough business to satisfy Lauren – and her cash register. She and Zoe took turns to have their break, Annie enjoying chicken in gravy in their cottage kitchen next door, while Lauren ate left over beef stew.
Perhaps she should have made an appointment at Brooke’s salon to get her hair done? But since she wore her shoulder-length, light brown hair with natural hints of gold in a simple style, she thought she could manage it well enough if she shampooed and blow-dried it.
When she and Annie returned to the café, Zoe pointed dramatically to another bouquet of flowers, featuring yellow gerberas and purple snapdragons, a little smaller than Tara’s.
“Look! They’re from Penny!”
Another card congratulating Zoe adorned the counter.
“That’s wonderful.”
“Brrt!”
“Jeff said he received Penny’s order when he got back to the shop this morning, otherwise he would have delivered both bouquets at the same time.”
“Brrt?” Annie stretched up to the counter, her forelegs nearly touching the base of the vase.
“Aren’t they beautiful?” Zoe touched one of the yellow petals.
“Maybe you should tell Thelma,” Lauren suggested. “It might make a good addition to her story.”
“Great idea!” Zoe pulled out her phone from her jeans’ pocket. A few seconds later, she said, “Thelma’s going to come over and take photos of them.”
When Thelma rushed in, a camera slung around her neck, she looked annoyed. “I only have a few minutes to do this.”
“What’s wrong?” Lauren asked.
“Phil – I’m going to kill him.”