Page 80 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Thanks, Mum!’ said Tori, grabbing a piece of buttered toast from the pile, her hand trembling.
‘I thought we should load up on toast, I imagine it’s going to be non-stop today, who knows when we’ll get another chance.’
‘Good thinking. One thing I learnt travelling was, eat whenever you get the chance.’
‘Always,’ agreed Joyce. ‘Don’t be nervous about today, love, yesterday was a triumph and there’s no reason to think today won’t be the same.’
‘I hope you’re right,’ said Tori, biting a nail. ‘It’s one thing having friends and family test us out, but I’ve no idea what paying customers are going to make of us.’
‘They’ll think it’s the best café they’ve ever been to,’ said Joyce, placing a hand over Tori’s.
‘Thanks, Mum. Speaking of yesterday… I thought you and Greg looked like you were getting on well.’
‘Jam?’ Joyce asked, holding up a jar.
‘No thanks – and don’t change the subject! I’m not that easy to distract.’
‘Worth a try,’ said Joyce. ‘Greg’s lovely and wedoget along; he asked me to go for dinner, but I’m not sure…’
‘Why not? You’ve got as much right to be happy as the rest of us. If you think there’s something there, Mum, I think you should go for it.’
‘Really? I wasn’t sure you’d approve – I’ve not thought about dating since your father…’
‘For what it’s worth, I think Greg seems like a lovely man.’
‘Oh, I don’t know…’ said Joyce, pushing her toast aside. ‘He might not even think of me in that way – why would he?’
‘Because you’re an attractive, intelligent, funny woman and he’d be mad not to fall for you.’
‘I’m a firm believer that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by, so let’s just see where things take us, eh? We’ve got enough on our minds today.’
‘True, we’d better get a move on if we want to be ready for our first bookings at ten.’
Tori and Joyce spent the next couple of hours baking and adding finishing touches to the tables in preparation for the grand opening. Tori wanted everything to be perfect for opening day. The cats were relaxed, and Tori spent most of her time trying not to trip over Valentine, who wanted to be wherever she was. She scooped the little grey cat up in her arms.
‘You really are into everything, aren’t you, sweetheart?’ she said as Valentine nestled into her arms purring loudly. ‘Today’s a big day, you know, your forever family might be about to walk right through those doors. Wouldn’t that be something?’ She buried her face into Valentine’s soft fur and kissed him on the top of the head. ‘Come on, I’ve got work to do, let’s find you a playmate.’ She put Valentine down in front of one of the puzzle toys and spun the balls inside around to entice him to play. Within seconds, he was happily batting the spheres around the track, and it wasn’t long before Daisy and Angel joined in the game. ‘That should keep you out of mischief for a while.’
By ten o’clock, a small queue had formed outside the café’s doors.
‘Looks like our first bookings are on time,’ said Joyce, nodding in the direction of the window.
‘I’d best let them in,’ said Tori, taking a deep breath. ‘Ready?’
‘Ready!’ said Joyce, nodding.
As Tori opened the doors and began welcoming the first few customers, she could see that most of the queue was made up of regulars, no doubt wanting to see what the fuss was about.
‘Good morning, ladies,’ said Tori, to a group of women she recognized from the local WI. ‘If I can get you to have a quick read of the new rules before we sign you in?’
‘Rules?’ asked one of the women, bristling.
‘They’re just there to keep you and the cats safe and happy; nothing to worry about.’
‘I can’t say I’ve ever been to a café with rules before, Iris, have you?’ the woman continued.
‘Honestly, Elaine, stop making such a fuss,’ said a tall, broad woman, pushing past her. ‘Of course, we’ll be happy to read the rules, dear. It’s no big deal, is it, Iris?’
Iris shook her head silently and Tori took the group through to their seats.
