Page 1 of Three Meows

Chapter One

“And you have everything?” My father fussed through the phone. “Are you sure you don’t want a maid? Or a bigger place? And that car you took… you know we have better ones.”

“Yes, yes, we have been over this, dad.” I rolled my eyes, relishing in the gesture even if he couldn’t see it. “I’m perfectly fine with what I chose.”

After we said our entirely too-long goodbyes I was happy to end the call. I loved that man, but there was a reason why I chose to study several states away from him. I wanted to try life without his overbearing mother-henning presence and millionaire reputation hanging over me.

My eyes roamed over the flat with satisfaction. It wasn’t very big, but just perfect for only one person. The previously boring interior came to life with the little accents I brought with me; scattered knickknacks and decorations added color and interest. The space finally looked like it was mine.

In this city, new friends and opportunities awaited. I was ready to welcome them with open arms.

What I didn’t expect was a cat.

Or rather three cats.

And their handsome owners who just happened to be my neighbors.

Chapter Two

Iblinked at the orange cat on my couch. It gave me a slow blink in return. Well, apparently the kitty felt safe and content… That was good.

There was only one little problem: I did not own a cat.

“What are you doing here?” I couldn’t help but ask as I approached slowly and let it smell my hand.

“Meow!” was my answer as the cat butted his head against my fingers, asking for pets.

“Oh, alright, but just for a little while,” I said in what was supposed to be a stern tone but somehow melted into a softer cadence almost instantly when I saw those big green eyes looking expectantly at me. “And then we are going to find your owner.”

The cat huffed and clambered onto my lap when I sat on the couch. It was nearly fifteen minutes later I finally got to my feet to inspect how the cat had got in. A quick check showed me I left one window partially open. As luck would have it, the window led to the balcony, which I shared with my neighbors. There wasa partition separating us, but by the wall there was just enough space for the cat to squeeze through.

“I guess it’s time to meet my neighbors,” I told the cat as I picked it up and cradled it against my chest. It purred up a storm.

When I knocked on the door next to mine I didn’t expect the sight about to greet me.

There, in the doorway, stood an Adonis. A sculpted Greek god. A half-naked heart attack inducer if my wildly beating heart was anything to go by.

“Uh…” I said intelligently, staring, before the cat in my arms sank his claws into my left arm. I jumped, then looked sheepishly at the unimpressed black-haired man in front of me. “Hi! I’m your new neighbor! And I think I have your cat…”

The man nodded at me and I didn’t know if I should interpret it as a greeting or an agreement it was his cat… the tension mounted as the man didn’t say anything.

I was starting to sweat, trapped in the clutches of societal expectations of not wanting to seem rude, when I was saved when a second man appeared by the door.

“Ah, I see you have found Cheddar.” The newcomer gave me a smile. Unlike his chiseled companion (who stood there with a naked chest… wasn’t the man cold? And were those scars?) he was made out of softer curves that complimented his gentle demeanor. “Thank you. I can take him off your hands. And sorry for the trouble.”

“It was no problem,” I reassured. “I’m Lisa, by the way.”

“Elijah. And this is Rowan.”

I shook hands with both men. Cheddar chose that moment to jump down from my arms and walk into the flat himself, his tail held high. He gave me a parting meow before he disappeared into one of the rooms.

Aw, what a cutie. I was going to miss him. Shame I didn’t feel like I would have time for a pet or I would get one myself.

My gaze was a bit wistful when I said my goodbyes.

Chapter Three

After the first week at the University, I still couldn’t believe I could finally do what I loved. Ideas multiplied in my head like bunnies and I furiously sketched and noted them into existence, with the hope of turning those concepts into animations someday. I had tried to learn as much as I could before this chance at proper education, but it was hard. Now I felt like I found my tribe; a bunch of like-minded individuals who I could both measure myself against and collaborate with.

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