Page 69 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Sorry, I was—’
‘Miles away? I could tell. So, I was just wondering – what’s for lunch?’
‘Oh, right, yeah,’ she said, snapping back to reality. Honestly, if she was that distracted by Leo’s smile, there really was no hope for her. ‘Mum was baking this morning, so I’ll see what she’s left for us. Make yourself at home,’ she said, pointing to a corner table that she’d laid for three. ‘Is there anything Lara doesn’t like?’
‘God no, she’ll eat anything you put in front of her, especially if it has cheese or chocolate on it.’
‘Well, that shouldn’t be a problem – our entire menu comes covered in either cheese or chocolate,’ she laughed.
As Tori made a couple of hot chocolates, she noticed that her hands were shaking. She took a deep breath. Why was she so nervous? It was only lunch. It wasn’t like this was a proper date. Leo was only here so that Lara could meet the cats, right? It was no big deal. ‘Get a grip, Tori,’ she muttered under her breath. As she walked back to the table with the tray of drinks, she saw Lara’s eyes widen.
‘Wow, Tori, those look a-maz-ing!’ said Lara, throwing the fishing rod toy to the ground and pulling up a chair.
‘To be fair, they do look delicious,’ agreed Leo with a nod of approval.
‘They’re a speciality of the house!’ said Tori, returning to the kitchen to grab a plate of sandwiches. ‘Wow, Lara, enjoying that, are you?’
‘Oh yes,’ replied Lara, wiping the cream from around her mouth with the back of her hand.
‘I told you,’ whispered Leo. ‘Anything that contains cheese or chocolate and you’re onto a winner.’
‘Help yourself, guys,’ said Tori, grabbing a tuna sandwich made with thick granary bread and plenty of butter for herself. ‘How are your kittens getting on, Lara?’
‘Oh, they’re so naughty,’ Lara said through a mouthful of cheese and pickle sandwich. ‘Last night they climbed all the way up the curtains in the lounge and we couldn’t get them down. Mum was soooo mad, but I thought it was funny.’
‘Oh no!’ said Tori, stifling a giggle. ‘It sounds like they’re getting into mischief already, then.’
‘Too right!’ said Leo. ‘Their other favourite hobby isclimbing up my legs and their claws are insanely sharp. If I’m wearing shorts—’
‘He screams like a girl,’ said Lara, spluttering sandwich everywhere.
‘Now that I would like to see,’ said Tori, her hand brushing Leo’s as they both reached for a napkin.
‘You should, it’s hilarious,’ said Lara.
‘I thought you put out fires for a living?’ said Tori.
‘He does, but that’s not as scary as tiny kitten claws, is it, Uncle Leo?’ Tori and Lara both burst out laughing. Lara jumped up from her seat and began hopping around the café impersonating Leo, squealing, ‘Ouch! Ouch! Help! Save me from the tiny kittens! Their claws are sooooo sharp! Help!’
The more Tori laughed, the funnier Lara seemed to find it, and eventually, Tori was struggling for breath, especially when she saw Leo’s face as he tried to look serious and disapproving as he watched Lara’s impression of him.
‘I’ll have you know that tiny kitten claws are not to be messed with,’ said Leo. ‘Give me a fire to deal with any day of the week.’
‘Well, perhaps you should make sure you’re wearing jeans next time you visit? Even tiny kitten claws can’t get through denim,’ said Tori.
‘Lesson learnt,’ said Leo, nodding.
Lara was quick to polish off her lunch and pleaded to be excused from the table to play with the cats more.
‘I think we all need a breather before I bring out the chocolate cake I spied in the kitchen,’ said Tori.
‘Chocolate cake!’ said Lara, her eyes widening.
‘But you’ve got plenty of time to play with the cats first. Why don’t you see if Norris wants to make friends? Look, he’s just woken up,’ said Tori, pointing towards the large ginger cat who had just hopped down from the windowsill and was heading towards her. Lara got up from the table and began fussing Norris, who purred loudly.
‘It looks like everything is going well then?’ said Leo, as Valentine leapt onto the table and began investigating the remains of Tori’s tuna sandwich.
‘You were saying?’ Tori laughed.
