Page 88 of Unlocking Melodies

“How have we never seen him before?” Jimmy whispered as we waited. “I mean, seriously. Does he also mysteriously disappear whenever there's trouble?”

I bit back a laugh, squeezing his hand. “I'm sure there's a perfectly normal explanation.”

Clark cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention. “Welcome to Paws and Purrs,” he began, his voice carrying that perfect mix of authority and gentleness. “This cafe isn't just about coffee and cats - though we have plenty of both. It's about giving these amazing animals a chance to find their forever homes.”

He gestured to the window where several cats lounged in the morning sun. “Every cat here is up for adoption. They've all got their own stories, their own personalities. Some came from shelters, others were strays. But they all deserve a second chance at happiness.”

Inside, the space was warm and inviting, filled with custom-built perches and cozy corners. Jimmy immediately gravitated toward a fluffy ragdoll with striking blue eyes, who seemed just as drawn to him.

“That's Luna,” Clark said softly, appearing beside us with that superhero stealth. “She's been waiting for the right person.”

While Jimmy was absorbed in what looked like love at first sight, I quietly approached Clark about adoption paperwork. Elliot caught my eye from across the room and gave me a subtle thumbs up - apparently he'd helped set everything up for the perfect surprise.

“We'll handle all the details,” Clark assured me quietly. “And the delivery once everything's finalized.”

The afternoon passed in a blur of purring cats, perfect moments, and the kind of happiness I wished I could bottle. Jimmy's smile grew brighter with each cat he befriended, making my impending departure feel heavier by the minute.

All too soon, we were back at his house, my suitcase already loaded in the car like an accusation. I lingered at the door, trying to find words for everything I couldn't quite say.

“I hate this,” I admitted, voice rough.

Jimmy's eyes glistened, but his smile was steady. “It's okay. Today was perfect, Ethan. We'll figure it out.”

I pulled him close, memorizing everything about this moment - how he fit against me, the familiar scent of his shampoo, the steady beat of his heart against mine.

“I'll be back,” I promised into his hair. “We'll video call every night, even if it's just to watch you attempt to cook.”

His laugh was watery but real. “Bold of you to assume I'm going anywhere near a kitchen without supervision.”

The humor helped, making the goodbye feel less like an ending and more like a pause between chapters. When we finally pulled apart, his face was tear-streaked but hopeful.

“Go save your empire, CEO,” he said softly. “I'll be here when you get back.”

The drive away was the hardest thing I'd ever done - harder than any corporate takeover or board meeting. In my rearview mirror, I watched Jimmy grow smaller, standing on his porch in the morning light.

“I'll come back,” I whispered to the empty car. “I promise.”

Chapter 22

Chaotic Surprises

The days since Ethan's departure felt like they were moving through molasses. I'd gotten into a routine of sorts - helping Nina with inventory, feeding Melody, definitely not checking my phone every five minutes for messages. The memories came and went like radio stations fading in and out of tune - sometimes crystal clear, sometimes just static and frustration.

Today found me at the town clearing, knee-deep in Harvest Festival preparations. Mrs. Henderson had taken command with her usual enthusiasm, which meant I was now apparently a professional balloon inflator. My technique must have improved because she'd only made me redo three arrangements instead of her usual six.

“The orange ones go with the yellow ones, dear,” she called out for approximately the hundredth time. “We're creating an aesthetic.”

“Pretty sure this time of the year doesn't care about color coordination,” I muttered, but I rearranged them anyway.Past Jimmy had apparently learned not to argue with Mrs. Henderson about event decor.

Nina appeared with another box of decorations, looking suspiciously pleased about something. “How's the balloon situation?”

“According to Mrs. Henderson, I'm single-handedly destroying the concept of seasonal harmony.”

“Well, you did put a purple one in with the fall colors.”

“It was artistic expression.”

“It was asking for trouble.”

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