Page 90 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Really? Well, wonders never cease,’ said Joyce, as she lifted the lid of the teapot and threw in another bag. ‘There you go, love.’ Tori smiled and placed a second cup and saucer on the tray before heading back to Cora’s table.
‘Thank you for joining me, dear. I really do owe you an apology after the way I spoke to you yesterday—’
‘Oh no, it’s fine. I was the one who—’
‘I’d like to explain,’ said Cora, holding up a hand to silence her. Tori nodded and drank her tea. ‘Let me start at the beginning.’ Cora took a deep breath, as if to steady herself. ‘I only arrived in Blossom Heath recently; I’ve moved into Lavender Cottage, it’s on the outskirts of the village. Do you know it?’ Tori nodded. The cottage was in the row next to Jasmine Cottage and had been a holiday let for years; she wasn’t sure she ever remembered it having a permanent resident. ‘I wanted somewhere quiet, you see, after Dennis…’ Her voice trailed off and Tori could see Cora’s eyes misting with tears.
‘Dennis?’ she whispered.
‘My husband of forty-five years. I lost him last year… cancer, you see.’
‘Oh, Cora, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.’
‘How could you? I’ve barely left the cottage since I arrived. Dennis and I bought the place years ago as an investment. We’ve been letting it out to tourists, but we planned to retire here ourselves.’
‘I see,’ said Tori solemnly.
‘I’ve been keeping myself to myself since I moved in. It didn’t seem right somehow, settling in without Dennis. But when this place reopened, I found I just couldn’t stay away.’
‘You wanted to see the cats?’
Cora nodded.
‘Dennis and I had a little Ragdoll called Dolly; she was always more Dennis’s cat than mine, though. The pair of them doted on each other. Wherever Dennis was, you’dfind Dolly. She passed away a few weeks after I lost Dennis, kidney failure.’ Cora pulled a tissue out of her leather handbag and wiped her eyes.
‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say,’ said Tori, reaching across the table and placing a hand over Cora’s.
‘The place doesn’t seem right without her, but when you suggested adopting another cat, I just, I’m not—’
‘Ready?’ Tori asked gently.
‘Exactly. I’ve had so much loss in my life recently, the thought of falling for another cat, who might not be around for long either… it would just be too much.’ Cora sat up straight and adjusted the collar of her blouse.
‘I can understand that. I’m sorry I put pressure on you yesterday; if I’d known I never would have suggested it,’ said Tori, swallowing hard. She just hoped Cora didn’t ask her where Mr Wiggles was today; she couldn’t bear the thought of having to break the news that he was unwell too.
‘Like I said, you couldn’t have known.’
‘Well, you’ll always find a warm welcome from the cats here, whenever you want to spend time with them.’
‘Thank you,’ said Cora, her smile lighting up her face. ‘I have to ask you, dear, who is that ginger cat I see through the window some mornings?’ she asked, pointing towards Ernie. ‘He likes to make an appearance, now and again. Is he one of yours?’
‘Ah, that’s Ernie,’ said Tori. ‘He’s my cat, he lives at home with us, but he likes to check in on us at the café.’
‘Well, he’s a beautiful boy, you’re very lucky.’
‘Thank you – I really am.’
‘I must say, sitting here for an hour or so every day with a cat on my lap, watching the world go by, has helped me so much.’
‘I’m glad,’ smiled Tori. ‘You know, there’s much more to living here than just the café, though.’ She hesitated slightly before continuing. ‘Stop me if I’m pushing again, but I’m sure there are plenty of people in Blossom Heath who would love to get to know you…’ Tori’s voice trailed off as Cora held up a hand.
‘I think just sitting with the cats is all I’m ready for now.’
‘Fair enough, but if you change your mind, let me know. I’m sure the local WI would be thrilled to have you.’
‘Well, if their cake-making skills are anything like your mum’s, I’ll have to give them a try. Oh, and Tori?’
‘Yes?’
