Page 43 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Good, thank you. I’ve submitted all the paperwork to the council, and Greg’s starting on the building work once we get approval.’
‘Wow! Youarea fast worker.’
‘There’s no point hanging around. Once we’ve got the green light, I’m going up to New Beginnings with Grace tochoose five cats for the café. We’ve already got one in mind called Mr Wiggles—’
‘Mr Wiggles?’ Leo spluttered his coffee and began coughing.
‘Because he’s just sooo wiggly!’ Tori laughed.
‘Now I’ve heard everything…’
The door to the café banged opened and Violet Davenport stood framed in the doorway.
‘Oh God. Not Vicious Violet again,’ groaned Tori.
‘What’s all this I hear about you turning this place into acatcafé?’ Violet demanded.
‘Sorry?’ said Tori, baffled. How did Violet even know about the plans for the café? Only a handful of people knew so far. The Cosy Cup’s other customers stopped what they were doing and turned to stare.
‘A cat café? Here in Blossom Heath? I’ve never heard anything like it,’ said Violet.
Tori stood up and took a deep breath. She wanted to explain things calmly and answer any questions Violet might have about her plans for the tearoom.
‘Well, weareplanning to turn the Cosy Cup into a cat café, but can I ask how you found out?’ Tori asked, trying her best to keep her tone polite.
‘I will not divulge my source,’ said Violet, tapping her nose. ‘Let’s just say it’s someone who has the village’s best interests at heart.’
‘We’ve submitted our application to the council so—’
‘If you think your plans are going to sail through without a fight, you’ve got another thing coming, Missy. It’s nothygienic having cats and food together, and imagine the sort of people who’ll turn up – tourists and day-trippers, clogging up the roads and filling up the parking spaces. I won’t be the only one who’s against this, you know!’
Tori closed her eyes and exhaled slowly.Just breathe. You can handle Violet Davenport. She’s just looking to stir up trouble, that’s all. The next thing she heard was Leo’s voice next to her.
‘I think you’ve made your views quite clear, Mrs Davenport. Perhaps it’s time you leave and let Tori see to herpayingcustomers.’
Violet took a deep breath, stood up straight, turned and left the tearoom, slamming the door behind her. Tori slumped down in her chair.
‘Why is it whenever you visit, Violet is in here shouting about something?’ she said.
‘I’ve just got impeccable timing,’ laughed Leo.
‘Thanks for stepping in, I was about to lose my rag with her.’
‘All part of the service,’ said Leo, taking another sip of his coffee. ‘I’m used to staring danger in the face.’
‘I think I’d rather face a fire than Violet Davenport any day of the week,’ said Tori, wrinkling her nose. As she took a bite of her scone, a sinking feeling hit the pit of her stomach. Would the rest of the village feel the same way as Violet about the cat café? Was she going to have a fight on her hands?
Tori woke the next morning to a message from Rose.Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, hun, but have you seen these? They’re plastered all over the village xxRose had sent an image of a flyer that readStop the cat café! Meeting tonight, 8pm Village Hall, All Welcome.Tori stared at the phone, her brain whirring.What? Who?She felt sick. Violet Davenport must be behind this! Was she set on turning the whole village against her? Tori threw back the duvet, got showered, dressed and headed next door.
‘Morning, love,’ said Joyce, as a batch of toast popped up from the toaster. ‘What’s wrong? You look fit to burst!’
‘Look!’ said Tori, passing her phone across. ‘Just look!’
Joyce made a face as she read the message. ‘Oh dear.’
‘Itmustbe Violet Davenport, don’t you think?’ said Tori quickly.
‘Hold your horses, love. Let’s not go jumping to conclusions.’
