Page 59 of Back to You
That was it. The answer to all of my furry feline problems. Gran’s cats needed a place where they were loved and got plenty of attention, and most of them loved people. It was perfect.
“We should open a cat cafe,” I announced. Dane blinked, squinting his eyes at me. I gestured to Fiji, who had sprawled out between us, purring up a storm. I ran my hand down his back. He purred a little louder, eating up all the love he could get. I could think of at least six of Gran’s cats who would adore attention like this.
“Think about it. We could open a little LGBT-inclusive coffee shop, and what’s better than cats? Besides, I’m gonna need a new job when I go back home, and I have the money so why not start a business? You and me and Abby? It could be a joint effort. You’ve got the design know-how and Abby is great at writing. She could totally come up with some off-the-wall cat themed coffee drinks.”
Dane thought about it for a moment. “I could see that. I could handle the website and promotional material, as well as the bookkeeping aspect of the job.”
“Yeah!” I nodded excitedly. “And Abby would totally ditch her job at the vape shop to be a barista there. We could hire a couple of people to start with, and if our business took off, we could always expand, right? We can do this, Dane. It’d be an adventure, and seeing as our relationship continues to be one hell of an adventure? It kind of fits.”
He grinned. “It does.”
“I’m gonna text Abby.”
Two words: Cat cafe.
Omg u went to a cat cafe???
I snapped a picture of us, coffee cups in hand, Fiji snoozing in between us.Here right now and I had the best idea. We should open a cat cafe in town. You, me and Dane. Gran’s cats would be perfect residents, don’t you think?
Omg boy u think I could wear a cute lil barista outfit and everything?!
I grinned.Hell yeah! I was thinking you’d be great at coming up with a bunch of cat puns, you know, to name the different drinks. Dane could do the website, the artsy stuff and the money-management, and I could use some of Gran’s money to fund it. We could rent a place in town, hire a few baristas, and the cats would have a home where they’ll be loved by everyone. It’s a win-win. What do you think?
Omg omg omg I luv it!! I’ll start thinking of stuff ok? I’m so excited rn lol.
“Abby’s on board,” I said, handing Dane my phone so he could read our convo.
I couldn’t stop grinning. Itfeltright. It felt like something Gran would one-hundred percent be supportive of. I could practically hear her voice in my head. “You’re a good boy, Hollister. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders and I’m so proud of you, child. Like my late husband used to say: Knock ‘em dead!”
Later that night, while sitting near the campfire roasting marshmallows, Abby texted me.Got a name 4 our coffee shop u ready for this absolute gem??? The Purrfect Brew. Bam x1000 winner winner chicken dinner hell yea!
How did I get so lucky? Starting a business with my two best friends? Being supported by these two amazing people? It felt like something out of a dream, but if it was a dream, I never wanted to wake up. Not even to smell the coffee.
I love you,I texted back.
Luv u 2. Miss u. Come home soon!
I chuckled and leaned my head against Dane’s shoulder. “Hey Dane?”
“Yeah?”
“Love you.”
