Love, Lies and Fireflies

By Jan Elder

Didi O'Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she's not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he's been unfaithful, and he's not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind.

Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he'd felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he's been running hard in the wrong direction.

Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prism Lux
• Release date: Sep 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781943104611

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

But, Kevin, I don’t understand. What do you mean you went out with another girl? What girl? Didi O’Brien swiped at eyes brimming with tears.

Kevin Cabot sipped his single malt. Her name’s Mindy, and she relocated here from the Midwest a few months ago. She’s a Pilates instructor at my gym. He squirmed in his chair and shrugged. Look, she’s just a kid of twenty-four, and she doesn’t know anyone here in the area.

Stomach churning, Didi shoved her dinner away, barely noticing when the sauce from her beef bourguignon splashed onto the white tablecloth. She swallowed, words refusing to come.

Kevin continued in a monotone. It’s not like I planned it. I was just being a nice guy and showing a stranger around town. You know, being neighborly. Believe it or not, she’s a real nut for baseball, and last night the Nationals were playing the Cardinals…

You took her to a baseball game? Last night? Didi managed to squeak out the words despite the block of granite in her throat.

Oh, come on. Stop getting so defensive here. You don’t even like baseball. When I saw her last Friday…

You went out with her last week, too? On a Friday? Didi’s voice started out shaky but managed to rise over the conversational hum of the other diners.

Shhh. Pipe down. Don’t go getting all ‘female’ on me. Kevin picked up his fork and speared a green bean almondine. So what if we’ve been to a baseball game, the museum, and had coffee a few times? Last Friday, the Smithsonian had this cool special exhibit on the life of Roberto Clemente. You probably don’t know this, but he’s a Hall of Famer who won the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1966. He led the league in batting average.

Have you slept with her? She had to ask, though she didn’t really want to know the answer.

Kevin didn’t deny it. Instead, he growled, So what if I did? I told you it’s not serious. Plus, you had some ridiculous church thing going on last Friday, so you weren’t available.

Her breath caught as she lowered her voice. That’s hardly the point, Kevin. Did you tell her you’re engaged?

Why would I?

I’ll take that as a no. Do you love her?

Of course I don’t love her, and I’m getting tired of this tête-à-tête. I knew you were going to overreact. Mindy’s a cute kid from Dubuque who needed someone to show her around, and now you’re getting all weird on me when I was only being considerate.

Glancing down at his Rolex, Kevin huffed out a sigh. Maybe we should talk about this after you decide to behave like an adult. He flagged down the waiter and signaled he was ready for the check. I decide to be honest, as a courtesy to you, and you put me through a Spanish Inquisition.

With a hot flush pricking her cheeks, Didi slipped out of the booth, storming toward the exit. She refused to hear any more of his flimsy excuses.

Dodging the other patrons leaving the restaurant, Didi sprinted across the asphalt to her car. She fell into the driver’s seat, jammed her key into the ignition, and zoomed out of the parking lot. She had to get away from that man! On autopilot, she drove through town barely remembering to stop at the stop signs. Leaving Chez Monte Carlo far, far behind, she headed to the safety of home.

She came to a fork in the road. In no mood to dally, she chose the shortcut home, veering left onto Deer Hollow Road.

Bad decision.

She drove way too fast, but right now, she didn’t care. Sliding on shallow gravel down the first steep hill, she missed the deep ditch on the right side of the road by a narrow margin. Instead, she slammed into a mud-drenched pothole, skittered sideways, and careened toward an ancient oak.

Stamping hard on the brake, she yelped as the car jarred to a halt. Maybe she did care after all. Please, Jesus, help me get home in one piece. And if Kevin’s still on the road, crash him into the biggest tree you can find!

Deer Hollow, slippery and dangerous when wet, was rarely her route of choice. Now she remembered why. She shoved her two-door coupe into gear and edged her way toward home. The tires slowed, but her mind raced in circles like an Olympic speed skater. In one tortured hour, her balanced world had been tipped topsy-turvy. She closed her hands tightly around the steering wheel, desperate to make it home before this crazy country lane tore her little red car apart.

With great caution, Didi drove down a steep slope, eased over the one-lane bridge, and rounded a curve. She’d nearly made it to the end of the road when a rabbit darted in front of her. She had just enough time to wrench the wheel hard to the left to avoid it. She braced herself for that horrifying thump-thump announcing she’d killed one of God’s furry creatures, then sighed with relief. Missing the bunny was the only happy event in what was otherwise a thoroughly rotten evening.

A cavernous empty space grew in the pit of her stomach as waves of fury crashed over her. Heat crept up her face, and tears trickled from her eyes. Why did she always cry when she was mad? Kevin’s announcement had left her reeling. With her adrenaline surging from the near bunny-cide, Didi breathed in and tried her best to calm down. She pulled to the side of the road and stopped the car before she did something stupid. Resting her head on the steering wheel, she slumped deep into her misery. After this terrible night, did she have a clue where her life was going? The uncertainty was unnerving.

A dreary, gray sky hung heavy with unshed moisture. Sheets of rain had drenched the area for three days straight, and another whopper of a storm had been threatening for the past few hours. As she headed again for home, the first drops came splashing and splattering down. Great. Just great. As if to match her mood, wicked forks of lightning streaked across the sky, static electricity crackled in the air, and the rain crashed down with a vengeance.

Didi breathed a quick prayer her car would start and turned the key. Her trusty vehicle purred to life on the first try, even with 138,567 miles and an oil filter that should have been changed a thousand miles ago. She patted the dash and glanced up to the sky. Thank you. Tonight, she would have crawled the three miles home in the driving downpour rather than call Kevin Francis Cabot, a.k.a. The Rat, to come and rescue her.

How could he do that to her? Didn’t she deserve better?

The problem was…she loved him. Until an hour ago, she’d have sworn he loved her, too. What was wrong with her that he’d wanted someone else?

She didn’t want to think about it, didn’t want to try and understand it tonight. With a heavy heart, she banished the conflicting thoughts from her mind and pointed her car toward home.

* * *

Jake Montgomery wadded up his napkin and placed it next to his plate.

What’s the matter? Not enjoying this fancy French food? Lori Montgomery punched her big brother’s arm and speared another sprig of asparagus. I was afraid this place might be too sophisticated for you.

Jake glanced at his sister sideways and shook his head. Gee, thanks. I’m as refined as the next guy. Can I help it if I’d just as soon have a pepperoni pizza? I was just wondering what all the commotion was about at that table in the corner. Didn’t you see that pretty woman race out of here?

Sorry. Missed it. I suppose I was concentrating on the excruciating pain caused by squishing round-toed feet into pointy-toed shoes. My tootsies are killing me. Lori fished under the table and came up smiling, black high-heeled pumps dangling from her fingers. There. All better. Now, what were you saying?

You didn’t hear that ruckus? All of a sudden, this woman’s voice rose and she took off out the back door. Her face …well, she looked stricken.

She must have heard some bad news, but at least it’s nice to know you’re noticing attractive women again. Lori grabbed a slice of bread from the basket on the table and slathered on the butter.

I just hate to see someone so upset. Jake swished the overly-sauced chicken breast around on his plate. The devastation on the brunette’s face sliced at his heart. The way she dashed out of here, I hope she makes it safely to wherever it is she’s going.

He folded his napkin and leaned back in his chair. He’d been hungry a few minutes ago, but his appetite was long gone.

CHAPTER TWO

Arriving home soaking wet, Didi mounted the stairs to her warm, dry, and welcoming second-floor duplex apartment. She left her drippy coat in the hall and resisted the urge to kiss the hardwood floor. Pulling off her soggy shoes and skirt, she headed toward the bedroom, shivering all the way down to her pinky toes.

Wet clothes landed on the floor as she hurried to find her bathrobe in the closet. Next to the comfy, rose-colored chenille, her white satin peignoir hung limp. She’d bought it for her upcoming honeymoon, but she certainly wasn’t about to wear her new gown now. Maybe she’d cut up the silky fabric and make a throw pillow. Or better yet, she could use the scraps as dust rags. She pushed it to the back of the closet, out of sight. Wrapping her robe around her, Didi snuggled into the familiar softness. Tonight, she’d take her solace where she could find it, especially since Maisie was at the vet until tomorrow. This was certainly a bad night to be without her devoted feline friend.

Didi’s insides warmed as she spotted a slipper peeking out from under the comforter. Maisie had left her a gift. After rooting around in the closet and finding slipper number two, Didi stole a glance at the blinking light on the answering machine on the dresser. She ignored it and opted to go to the kitchen instead.

Her stomach growled. She’d only picked at the fancy French cuisine at her special dinner with Kevin. Expecting to eat a fancy meal tonight, she’d put off grocery shopping until tomorrow. The cupboards were pretty much empty, save for her emergency can of soup. Thank goodness for chicken corn chowder. A quick search unearthed a box of only slightly stale crackers to go along.

She slid the mug of soup into the microwave and clicked the door shut. Her cell phone vibrated and shimmied on the counter. She was about to let it go to voice mail just in case it was Kevin, but she checked the caller I.D. anyway. Her friend Carol Ann’s name popped into the display window. There weren’t many people Didi would consider talking to tonight, but her witty, acerbic pal was one of the few. Carol Ann always made her laugh.

Didi answered, Hey, Carol Ann.

Hey, Didi. You want another cat? We got a new addition at the SPCA today. She’d be the perfect friend for Maisie.

The microwave beeped, and Didi perched at the breakfast bar with a steaming mug of chicken corn chowder. I guess not right now. My plans for a two-cat residence just took a nosedive. The wedding’s off. She braced herself for the response. Carol Ann had plenty of reservations about Kevin, and she wasn’t too shy to share them.

Carol Ann’s muffled "Yes!" echoed in the background. Ah, sorry. I don’t mean to sound insensitive. What did the louse do?

Didi moaned and stirred her soup. He cheated on me. He’s been seeing another girl.

The chorus of curses that followed made Didi pull the phone away from her ear. Carol Ann had an extensive vocabulary. Finally, the verbal hurricane subsided, and a full sentence followed. You’ve told me precious little about the man, and what few things I’ve been able to glean, I had to pull out of you. But didn’t I tell you your snobby fiancé had some major problems? That vile S.O.B…Honestly, anyone who has an antique umbrella stand too precious to hold anything other than a…what was that thing called? Presidential Gustbuster? Even his umbrella’s pretentious.

Didi should never have told her about the Gustbuster. Not quite able to fight off the ingrained urge to defend Kevin, she said, The umbrella’s eye-catching sitting by his front door. He only bought it to impress clients. You know how it is in that exclusive part of town.

Carol Ann grunted. Right. Who ever heard of an umbrella that’s too pricey to take out in the rain?

Didi chuckled in spite of herself. If she had to admit it, the whole thing was silly, even if the stand was an impressive antique made from quarter-sawn oak fashioned in the Empire style. Kevin’s treasure sported brass feet and the original scrolled metal drip pan, and he’d paid big bucks for it too.

Grabbing another cracker, Didi bit into it and munched, lost in her own world. Hmmm. Carol Ann was still talking. Sorry, what?

"I said retribution is in order. We should order a truckload of catnip toys and send them to Kevin’s law office. Or maybe we could fill up his precious Italian sports car with kitty litter. Used, of course. For such a worthy cause, any woman with a cat would be tickled pink to help out with a donation. Or…"

A long pause stretched across the line, and Didi could almost hear Carol Ann’s brain whirring in high gear. Better yet, I could go on the Internet and dig up instructions on the proper way to use a stun gun on Kevin until he quivers. Yeah. I like that one the best.

Didi couldn’t help laughing. Thank you, Carol Ann.

For what?

For being on my side and for making me giggle.

No problem. You want me to come over?

No, I’m okay. Didi strolled to the refrigerator, seized a diet soda, and popped the top. At least, I will be. Just as soon as I can figure out how to stop thinking about him.

What? Stop that, right now. And I mean it! Carol Ann practically shouted. In a softer voice, she continued, After his rotten admission, what did you say?

Not nearly enough. I stormed out and came home. Still standing in front of the fridge, Didi searched for something sweet and came up empty. She had to make do with the rest of the funky crackers.

He didn’t follow you or at least try and get you to stay?

Didi searched her memory. Now that you mention it, no. And since I didn’t stick around, I’m left wondering if he drove off to be with his perky Pilates instructor.

Seriously, Pilates teacher? How cliché. Jerk. No…world-class jerk. He could give lessons in jerkiness.

Didi snickered and slid a chair over so she could put her feet up. It doesn’t make any sense. What did I do wrong? Tears pricked her eyes. Had she somehow driven him to this?

Nothing. You didn’t do a gosh-darn thing to deserve this, and please take note I’m watching my language here. Carol Ann’s disapproval oozed through the phone. I understand you’re hurting, but I really think in the long run you’re going to realize you’re better off without the conceited donkey. And once again, I cleaned up those last words just for you.

Didi’s head pounded. Why hadn’t she given Kevin a big piece of her mind? What a wimp. Annoyed at herself, and at Kevin, Didi faked a noisy yawn. Excuse me.

Of course. I’m sorry. I should let you get some sleep. He’s not worth the soggy tissues you’re using up, but emotional upheaval can sap your energy.

Thanks, Carol Ann. I appreciate it. I’ll talk to you later.

All right. Call me if you need me, especially if you want to trash Kevin. We’ll get together soon. Bye.

Didi ended the call and padded into the living room with the rest of her soup and soda. She picked up the TV remote and made herself turn it on. Perhaps a nice, cheery sitcom would distract her. As she flipped through the channels, she came across one of her favorite programs, As Time Goes By, and fell back on the sofa.

As the show flickered on the screen, she sniffled. Sheesh. She didn’t want to cry. She really didn’t, though throwing her soup mug across the room appealed to her. Instead, she curled up in a ball, the awful conversation flooding back. Her name was Mindy, a sweet young thing. So just how spectacular was Mindy from Dubuque? It was certain she had flat abs if she taught Pilates. Was she prettier? What color was her hair? Kevin loved deep auburn hair. Hers was brown. Plain old brown. Did Mindy’s tresses glow red in the sunlight?

Reeling with the full realization of what Kevin had done, it was all Didi could do not to curl up in a pathetic heap. She would not cry. Where was her backbone? He was the one at fault here. Why was she the one who was suffering?

And yet, a part of her wanted to call him and ask what she’d done wrong. Didn’t he care?

The answering machine taunted her. Had he called? Before she could stop herself, she ran into her bedroom to confront the offending contraption. Weighing the pros and cons, she felt her chest tighten as she stared at the blinking red light. Finger poised over the play button, Didi grappled before reaching a difficult decision. No matter what was on the machine, she didn’t want to hear it.

If Kevin had left a message, she was in no shape to call him back with her emotions bouncing all over the place. There was no telling what might fly out of her mouth. At any given moment, she might break into wussy tears or fling caustic words she couldn’t take back. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of either. And if he’d neglected to leave a message begging and pleading for her forgiveness, she’d be extra ticked.

Turning her back on the machine, she straightened her shoulders and pulled a blanket and pillow off the bed. She marched back into the living room and made her bed for the night. Off went the TV, and on went the teakettle. Making herself a calming cup of lemon ginger tea and snatching up a suspense novel that held no romantic theme whatsoever, she settled down to read.

* * *

Kevin cut the engine on his racy black Italian sports car and coasted to the cover of a convenient chestnut tree. Midnight had long passed, and the light still glowed in Didi’s living room. She always left the blinds up a little—some idiotic idea about giving that stupid cat of hers plenty of places to view the outside.

He despised that prissy little cat.

He stared intently for a good half-hour until she meandered to the kitchen. She was still up. Good. She must have been upset.

Did she wonder if she’d lost him? He hoped so. She had to be insanely jealous, and he was certain insecurity would keep her on her toes. It was well past time he’d established the ground rules. He’d given her too much slack for far too long. Back in charge, he leaned into his leather seat and smirked. He relished being the one in command.

Hours later when he was sure she had to be sleeping, he eased the car away from the curb. No woman was going to tell him what to do.

CHAPTER THREE

On Saturday morning, Jake Montgomery jolted awake, eyes wide open. Def Leppard’s Love Bites boomed from the clock radio. As usual to jumpstart his day, he’d tuned to his favorite rock station and set the volume to deafening.

The song’s lyrics seemed linked to his mood, and he lay in bed another few minutes until the tune came to a close. The chorus said it all. Love really did bite. Love did bleed.

When he’d crawled upstairs to bed at two a.m., he’d set the alarm for nine a.m. Yawning, he stretched and scanned the room. Why had he awakened with no bed partner? Where, oh, where was Lucy?

A strange thwacking drifted in from the kitchen, and he dragged his weary bones out of bed to investigate. Lucy, his cunning red point Siamese, was methodically pawing at the woodwork, doing her level best to open a cabinet door. He kept the crunchy cat food in the closed cupboard, and the famished feline was bound and determined to get at it.

As he stood in the kitchen doorway grinning with delight, she pirouetted and glowered at him, yowling as only a Siamese could. Foiled again, huh, Lucy? He picked her up and rumpled her ears. Those childproof locks are working well, don’t you think? Not amused, she cuffed his cheek and wriggled to get down. Laughing, he took pity on her and served her breakfast. How did that cat stay so skinny when she ate like a pony? He leaned on the doorjamb and gazed at her for a moment while she inhaled her Meow Chow.

Jake poured milk on his own breakfast of raisin bran and carried the bowl into the living room. As he spooned up a bite, the doorbell rang. Just a sec, he called out. He raced to the bedroom, threw on a t-shirt, and trotted back to the front door. He wasn’t about to go to the door dressed solely in his pajama bottoms.

He opened the door to his little sister, Lori. She might be only five years younger, but to him, she still looked like a kid.

Hey, bro. Thanks for the belated birthday dinner last night, although I think I enjoyed it more than you did. She eyed him up and down. What’s the matter with you? It’s past nine, and the early bird’s still not dressed? Lori paced into the living room and plopped onto the couch.

Lucy glided into the room on silent paws, took one look at the new arrival, and leapt gracefully up to the top of a bookcase. She peered over the edge, ears flat on her sleek, light orange head.

Nice to see you, too. Lori waved at the cat and aimed her attention back to Jake. So what’s up? You okay?

Nothing’s up. Just felt like sleeping in. Jake eased into his leather chair and elevated his bare feet up on the footstool. Where are you headed?

I’m on my way to Aunt Alice’s. Lately, I’ve started grocery shopping for her every couple of weeks. She says she’s perfectly fine going on her own, but no seventy-eight-year-old woman should be toting heavy groceries. Then we’re going to the mall to look for comfortable old lady shoes and stopping somewhere for lunch. Wanna come?

Uh, no thanks. He grimaced. Sounds tempting, but you go ahead and do your girl thing. Could you check, though, to see if her grass is high? I mowed it last week, but we’ve been getting so much rain it might need to be cut again.

Sure thing. Lori ran a hand through her short, strawberry blonde hair and stared hard into her brother’s eyes. She frowned and bit her bottom lip. Oh! No wonder you’re still in your pj’s. How could I forget? Today would have been Victoria’s birthday. Thirty, right?

Good memory, sis. Yeah. Today would have been her thirtieth. A small stab of pain pierced his heart. Fourteen long and difficult months—months of hurt, loss, and loneliness.

No wonder you’re depressed. Lori reached over and patted his foot.

Jake hauled in a deep breath and tried again to smile at his sister but couldn’t quite pull it off. When Victoria had passed away, the police had ruled the crash an accident. All these many months later, he’d never shared his doubts with Lori.

Lori tilted her head and studied him. Do you think it would help if you got out of the house? I know it’s not much fun hanging out with Aunt Alice and me, but you could stop in and see your friend Drew. Or maybe Brian? It’s a beautiful day. It would be a shame to miss it.

Maybe. Jake stared out the living room window, drinking in the soft spring light. It does look like too nice of a day to waste. And, well, it’d be good to have fun again. Figure out what normal is supposed to feel like.

He glanced up. Lucy pretended to sleep, tail draped over the edge of the bookcase. Jake had never lived with a cat before, and it had taken some adjustment before they’d learned to live together peacefully. The day he’d woken to a slumbering Lucy wrapped around his head in earmuff fashion, he’d decided she could stay. In retrospect, apparently Lucy had decided to take what she could get. Maybe I should do something to ensure I don’t turn into the male equivalent of a crazy cat lady.

Lori laughed, her eyes raking over him. And eat something while you’re at it. You’re well-nigh skeletal.

Vaulting out of his seat, he extended a hand to help Lori out of hers. All right, I’m convinced. Get out of here so I can get dressed. Say hi to Aunt Alice for me. He escorted Lori to the door and gave his sister a real smile. Thanks, sis.

Lori moseyed out onto the covered porch. Over her shoulder, she called out, And get a haircut, too. Your hair’s longer than mine. She whistled while she waltzed down the driveway.

He chuckled as he closed the door and spun around. Lucy reclined in his chair, washing her ears with a slender paw. He stroked the cat’s soft fur, flipped her up onto his shoulder, and wandered into his bedroom. She’d been Victoria’s pride and joy.

Taking Victoria’s picture off his dresser, he traced her familiar face with his finger and said a final farewell. It was time for a new beginning. Opening the closet door, he placed the photo with care in his box of memories on the top shelf.

He ambled to the bathroom to unwind under a hot shower. After he toweled off, he stepped on the scale. Skeletal, Jake mumbled. Lori had been right. He was down eight pounds on a frame that hadn’t had any weight to spare. Flexing his muscles, he slapped his bicep. A little flabby. He’d have to call up his friend Brian and get back on the tennis courts. He missed playing twice-weekly sets with his buddy, not to mention ribbing him about his distinctive North Carolina accent.

As he dressed, Lucy wound round and round on the bed, curled into a ball, and drifted into a post-breakfast nap. Jake sat next to her and caressed her velvety, wedge-shaped head. He’d leave her to dream her little cat dreams. He had other things to do.

The time had come to reclaim his life.

CHAPTER FOUR

Didi awoke to the thunk of mail dropping through the front door slot. Half asleep, her brain focused and filled with snapshots of Kevin from the night before. Ugh.

Bleary-eyed, she peered at the clock and shot up off the couch. She was a late sleeper on Saturday mornings anyway, but it was eleven oh-five a.m. Maisie was at the vet waiting to be picked up. It was a good thing the Airy Ridge Cat Clinic was close by, because it closed at noon.

She dispatched Kevin to a shadowy corner of her mind. There’d be time to ruminate later.

Dragging the blanket and pillow back into the bedroom, she risked a quick look in the mirror. Ick. Tangled hair and disillusioned, red-rimmed eyes stared back at her. What did she expect? Considering the circumstances, she tried hard not to be too critical. Now was not the time to wallow and, regrettably, no time for a good, long soak in the tub. After a quick shower, she toweled off, tugged on sweats and a pair of sneakers, and scraped her shoulder-length hair back into a ponytail.

Didi gasped as she rushed down the stairs from her second-floor duplex. The underside of her car was coated in mud, and a long, ugly scratch marred the passenger side door. She ran around the car. A deep dent in the front bumper glared at her, the chipped windshield glinted, and the antenna slanted to the left. Poor, abused vehicle. She’d put it through a lot last night. Across town was a decent car wash, but she’d have to wait until next payday to fix the rest.

Picturing Maisie pacing the cage, Didi raced to the animal hospital and pulled into a parking space with fifteen minutes to spare. Katie, the receptionist, greeted her with a sigh of relief. Are we glad to see you. Maisie’s been scolding the entire staff all morning, demanding to go home.

She’s a chatty little thing, isn’t she? Very opinionated, although my fiancé calls her bossy. Growl. She didn’t have a fiancé anymore. Did she? If he didn’t want her, then she didn’t want him. Right? Her head ached. Once again pitching Kevin out of her brain, she resolved to go about her day as usual.

Lifting her chin, she inhaled a deep breath. Is she ready to go?

"Maisie is more than ready. I have some ‘after dentistry’ instructions for the next week. We did have to extract one tooth, so she gets antibiotics for ten days. She may be woozy for the next few hours, but the last I heard, she was doing laps around the cage. Let me call a tech to get her ready, and you can be on your way. You’re our last pickup of the day."

Didi chose a chair in the waiting room and leafed through the latest Cat Fancy magazine.

The front door squeaked open as a tall man sauntered into the room. His sandy brown hair needed a trim, but Didi wished she had his natural wave. The stray lock that fell in his eyes was kind of cute.

The guy flashed her a lopsided grin. She tossed him a tiny smile and glanced away as he drifted past her up to the front desk. While Katie took a call, he leaned on the half-wall, lightly drumming his fingers on the counter. Hi. I called this morning about picking up some cat food.

Looking up, Katie brushed her hair back with her fingertips before gushing, Oh, yes. Jake, right? I’ll run in the back and grab the bag I saved especially for you.

Didi hid a chuckle behind her hand, kept her head down, and pretended she was reading. Some girls could be really obvious.

Mr. Mesmerizing plunked down in the chair on the other side of the room.

In short order, familiar feline shrieks reverberated through the office. What had started out as pitiful mews had risen quickly to high-pitched wails. Maisie could be a first-class drama queen when she chose to be, and Didi felt sorry for the poor soul who’d had to coerce her into the carrier.

When the calico caught sight of her, the caterwauling slowed, but lovely green eyes sparked at the indignity of it all. At least the sight of Mom coming to set her free lowered the volume.

Thanks for taking such good care of my girl. Didi tried not to smile as her cat glared at Katie. I’ll call if she isn’t back to normal by tomorrow, although she seems awfully lively right now.

Didi picked up the carrier and balanced it on a chair. Pushing her fingers through the wire, she let her cat rub her furry face up against her thumb. Ah, Sweetie. I’m so sorry you feel bad. We’ll be home soon.

Hey, that’s a pretty cat. The guy, apparently Jake, squatted and peered in the cage.

Proud of her gorgeous girl, Didi angled the carrier so he could get a better look. Her name’s Maisie, and she’s a lot prettier when she doesn’t have snot clinging to her nose and oily goop caked around her eyes.

Maisie, he echoed, giving Didi another one of his grins. He did have a nice smile. Can I help you get her to the car?

Thanks for asking, but I’ll be all right. Didi turned back toward the receptionist. Bye, now. As she strode out the door with her kitty, she waved at Jake. No doubt, Katie was glad to see her leave. Now she’d have the cute man all to herself.

When she got her kitty to the car, Didi opened the carrier and drew her baby onto her lap. Her now less-distressed bundle of fur had forgiven her and rubbed her downy cheeks against Didi’s fingers. Maisie wasn’t the kind of cat to hold a grudge.

Ah, poor kitty, you’re all messy. We’ll get you home, and you can spend some quality time cleaning up. Didi rubbed her cat behind the ears.

Gently, Didi slid Maisie back in her carrier and headed for home. When she peeked, she was pleased the cat was already bathing feverishly. She’d be busy half the day banishing the medicinal smell from her rumpled fur coat.

As she wound her way through town, the warm light of a gorgeous spring day painted the sky. A pity she was still too mopey to enjoy it. Back at the house, with the calico sleeping off the