Page 66 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Who fancies a cuppa?’ said Joyce.
‘Mine’s a mocha if there’s one going,’ requested Rose.
‘And if there’s any cake…’ said Tori.
‘There’salwayscake,’ laughed Joyce.
Tori and Rose settled themselves at one of the tables at the back of the café, watching the cats get used to their new surroundings. Valentine was into everything, sussing out all the hidey-holes and trying the scratching posts, with Daisy in hot pursuit. Angel had fallen asleep in the chair next to Tori and Norris was sunning himself on a shelf by the window and watching the world go by.
‘They all seem to be making themselves at home, don’t they?’ said Joyce as she placed three large mugs and three enormous slices of ginger cake on the table.
‘So far, so good,’ agreed Rose.
‘What about Mr Wiggles?’ asked Tori, rubbing the back of her neck. ‘He still hasn’t made an appearance.’
‘He seems fine, though,’ said Joyce. ‘Maybe he’s just really relaxed?’
‘Izzy did say that literally nothing phases him,’ Rose reminded her.
‘True. Let’s give him a bit longer and see what he does,’ agreed Tori, taking a mouthful of her drink.
‘So, what’s the plan now the cats have arrived?’ Rose asked.
‘Well, the soft launch is a week tomorrow. I figured that would give them enough time to settle in. I might invite a few people over for lunch first to see how the cats react – maybe Leo and Lara?’ Tori avoided making eye contact.
‘I think lunch would be the perfect first date, don’t you agree, Joyce?’ said Rose, nudging Joyce gently.
‘Oh, I’m keeping well out of this,’ said Joyce, holding up her hands. ‘I’ve learnt not to offer Tori dating advice.’
‘But anyway, this wouldn’t be a date. If it was, I’d hardly be inviting his niece along, would I?’ said Tori.
‘Well, go on then,’ said Rose, raising her eyebrows.
‘What?’ replied Tori.
‘Message him. There’s no time like the present,’ said Rose, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
‘You’re not at school now, you know,’ said Tori, laughing, ‘I don’t have to do everything you tell me.’ Rose folded her arms and stared at Tori; her gaze was unwavering. ‘Oh, fine,’ said Tori, reaching for her phone and typing out a message.Hi Leo, the cats are finally here! I don’t suppose you and Lara fancy coming over for lunch tomorrow to meet them? Tori xx‘Happy now?’
‘Very,’ Rose replied, popping the last pink marshmallow from her mocha into her mouth.
Tori’s phone buzzed with a reply.Love to. See you at 1ish? xxTori felt a wave of excitement course through her.
‘Well,’ said Rose, tapping her fingers on the table, ‘what did he say?’
‘He said yes,’ said Tori.
‘Oh, look who’s made an appearance,’ said Joyce.
‘Mr Wiggles!’ said Tori. ‘He’s finally woken up.’ The huge black cat stretched out his front legs, yawned and sauntered around the café as though he had always lived there. He hopped straight up onto one of the viewing platforms and flopped down on the pink velvet throw that covered it. Within seconds he was snoring away again happily.
‘Ooh, he’s a character, isn’t he?’ said Rose, stifling a giggle.
‘Isn’t he just!’ agreed Joyce. ‘He’s already found the best spot in the room.’
‘You’ve got to admire him – he’s got the measure of this place already,’ said Tori. ‘I hope he knows he’s going to be well looked after here.’
‘They all are,’ confirmed Rose, looking around the room. ‘They don’t know it yet, but this place has put them one step closer to finding their forever homes.’
