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“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.”
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.
“I couldn’t resist,” Zoe murmured. “I’m sure a little kitten would be good for Mrs. Snuggle. She’s used to having her own kittens, after all. Maybe having a baby to look after will mellow her.”
“And maybe it won’t,” Lauren replied. “As far as we know she’s already had several litters with her former owner and ...”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t want Mrs. Snuggle Face Furry Frost to be my Mom. You and Father Mike are right,” Zoe admitted.
Father Mike returned to pick up his latte. “They’re cute little things, aren’t they?”
“Definitely,” Lauren agreed.
“If it wasn’t for Mrs. Snuggle ...” he paid them and left, waving goodbye.
“Wonderful as always, dears.” Mrs. Finch came to the counter, accompanied by Annie. She slowly brought her wallet out of her handbag.
“See you tomorrow,” Zoe said cheerfully as Lauren handed their friend her change. “Craft club night.”
“Yes.” Mrs. Finch nodded.
“Would you like us to take you home?” Lauren asked. The lull continued and she knew Zoe could look after things while she escorted their friend home.
“I’ll be fine, Lauren, dear.” Mrs. Finch stuffed her wallet back into her purse. “Walking the short distance from my house is good for me – my doctor says so.”
“Well, if you’re sure.” Lauren sounded a little doubtful.
“I am.” Mrs. Finch smiled at them. “You help Annie find homes for the kittens.”
“We’ll try,” Zoe promised.
After their friend left, Lauren glanced at her watch. Nearly four.
“I haven’t seen Martha today, have you?” Zoe asked.
“No.”
“Or Hans. They said they wanted to visit with the kittens.”
“I’m sure they’ll be here soon,” Lauren replied, hoping it was true.
It was.
Martha and Hans came in together, the dapper German holding the door open for Martha to barrel through with her rolling walker.
“Where’s my cutie pie?” Martha scanned the café. She was dressed casually in a red sweatshirt and matching pants, her curly gray hair springing up around her head.
“Annie’s minding the kittens,” Lauren told her.
After Mrs. Finch departed, Annie had returned to her post at the adoption table.
“Ooh, would you like a kitten?” Zoe asked her.
“I’d love one, but I think it will be too much work for me,” Martha replied, her tone serious for a change.
“What about your friend Iris?” Zoe pressed.
“Good idea.” Martha nodded. “But I think it would be even worse for her – her bad arthritis, you know. I don’t know how she’d go about changing the cat’s litter and all that stuff.”
“What about you, Hans?” Zoe asked.
The sixty-something’s faded blue eyes twinkled.
“Ach, I would love to have a kitten in the house but I am afraid I am too old for such a little thing.” Regret flickered across his face. “Perhaps an adult cat one day.”
“Ooh.” Zoe’s eyes lit up. “We could ask Annie what she thinks about that.”
“And AJ?” Lauren suggested. “She accompanies Ed to the shelter.”
“Genius idea.” Zoe grinned. “Maybe AJ knows of a cat who would suit Hans.”
“Please let me know,” Hans replied in all seriousness.
“We will,” Lauren assured him.
They started his order of a regular cappuccino, and Martha’s hot chocolate crammed with pink and white marshmallows.
Lauren glanced over at the adoption table. Rebecca had returned and was talking to Ed, a becoming flush on her face. She must have taken her new kitten home, just like she said she would.
“I think there are still six to find homes for,” Zoe counted on her fingers. “Mrs. Wagner came in while you were over at the adoption table, and said she wasn’t interested.” Zoe made a little face. She’d co-starred in the town’s Christmas play with the senior, along with Annie, and there had been friction between them at times.
“What about Ms. Tobin?” Lauren asked.
“I haven’t seen her in here today.” Zoe brightened. “Maybe Annie could tell her to adopt one.”
“Maybe.”
The middle-aged lady had been their prickliest customer, until the trio had saved her from an Internet scammer. Now, she had mellowed a little, and Lauren and Zoe, as well as Annie, looked forward to her visits.
A few minutes later, Ms. Tobin entered the café. She glanced around, as if looking for the silver-gray tabby, then gave a little smile when she spotted her at the adoption table.
“Hello, girls,” she greeted Lauren and Zoe. Her outfit of a fawn skirt and cream blouse suited her tall, slim figure.
“Hi, Ms. Tobin,” Zoe replied.
“Have you made any new pottery mugs, Zoe?” she asked.
“I’ve almost finished a new design,” Zoe told her, a smile on her face. “I’m going to glaze the mugs on the weekend.”
“You will save me one, won’t you?” Ms. Tobin asked.
“Of course.” Zoe nodded.
Zoe had tried knitting, crochet, string-art, bead jewelry, and now pottery. Her mugs, featuring sketches of Annie, had proven popular with their customers. Lauren had stuck with knitting, the first craft they’d tried together, but recently she’d branched out to sewing, something that made Zoe shudder.
“What can we get you?” Lauren asked.
“A large latte, please,” Ms. Tobin replied. “I’d love to have a look at the kittens.”
They told her that three of them had been adopted already.
“There’s still six left,” Zoe said. “Have you thought of taking all of them home with you?” She looked hopeful.
Ms. Tobin laughed. “I don’t think I’m ready for so many quite yet, Zoe. But I am intrigued.”
“We can bring your order over to you,” Lauren offered.
“Yeah, Annie might want to tell you which kitten you should adopt,” Zoe added in all seriousness.
Ms. Tobin looked thoughtful as she headed over to the table.
Lauren watched her greet Ed and Rebecca, then carefully inspect each kitten in turn.
Ms. Tobin stroked Annie, and appeared to listen as Annie said something to her in Norwegian Forest Cat talk.
“I really think Annie is telling Ms. Tobin which kitten to adopt,” Lauren murmured, knowing an outsider might think she wasn’t quite all there. But she knew Zoe would ‘get’ her.
“I bet you’re right,” her cousin agreed.
Lauren finished a peacock design with a flourish and put the large cup, featuring Annie looking at a cupcake, courtesy of Zoe’s pottery, on a tray.
“Want to come over with me?”
“Definitely.” Zoe grinned.
Luckily, there weren’t any new customers, so they could take a quick break.
“Thank you.” Ms. Tobin accepted the coffee, smiling at the expert latte art. “Annie has been telling me she thinks this little calico kitten would suit me.” She gestured to an orange, brown, and white kitty.
“Brrt.” Annie tilted her head in a nod.
“You should listen to Annie,” Zoe sounded serious.
“Yes,” Lauren agreed, stroking her fur baby.
“I think I will,” Ms. Tobin replied, then took a sip of her latte. “Excellent as always, Lauren.”
“Thank you.” Lauren smiled.
“You don’t even have to stop at the supermarket on the way home.” Zoe motioned to the small array of cat food, toys, and crocheted blankets. “There are even cat carriers under the table.”
“Very well thought out,” Ms. Tobin praised.
Ed gave her the form to fill in. Lauren and Zoe, as well as Annie, kept her company while she quickly wrote down her details.
Ed brought the kitten out of the cage. “She’s a girl,” he told Ms. Tobin gruffly. “Want to hold her?”
“Brrt,” Annie encouraged.
Ms. Tobin carefully held the little scrap in her arms.
“Meow?” the kitten seemed to ask Annie.
“Brrt,” Annie answered her reassuringly. She is the one for you.
“Meow.” The kitten sounded more confident, and snuggled in Ms. Tobin’s arms.
“Look at that,” she marveled, her face softening. “Annie, I think you’re right.”
“Definitely.” Zoe nodded.
“You could take her home in this.” Lauren dragged out a carrier from under the table.
“All proceeds go to the shelter,” Ed informed her.
“Yes, I must buy it as well as food, and this cute ball.” Ms. Tobin pointed with one finger, careful not to disturb her new kitten. “And this lovely pink and white little banket, and litter, of course.”
Zoe admired the blanket as Ed packaged everything up.
Ms. Tobin handed over her credit card, smiling down at the kitten in her arms, and then at Annie.
“Thank you, Annie,” she said.
“Brrt.” You’re welcome.
Lauren and Zoe helped Ms. Tobin to her car, Lauren carrying the bag of litter, while Zoe carried the food and toys.
They waved goodbye to her – and her new fur baby – who didn’t have a name yet.
“I wonder what Ms. Tobin will call her,” Zoe mused as they re-entered the café.
“If she can’t decide, I’m sure Annie will help her come up with something.”
Annie ran to greet them, as if she knew they were talking about her.
“Brrt!”