“Unless someone else causes a bigger scandal soon.”
“Huh.” After a few minutes of swaying peacefully around the dance floor, Matt murmured, “We could always have mad monkey sex in the backyard where Shirley can see us over the back fence.”
“Yeah,” said Lori. “Let’s not.”
“Take one for the team, so to speak.”
“Harriet and Tommy aren’t exactly on our team.”
“So you would if they were?”
“Dream on, monkey boy.”
Laughing, Matt rested his cheek on top of her head.
Smiling, Lori dreamily followed where he led.
Around them were hushed conversations, and one woman was on her mobile phone talking animatedly. The latest scandal involving Tommy and his fifteen year older woman was out.
Out and proud like Harriet.
You go, Harriet!
Smiling wider, Lori snuggled even closer to Matt, feeling his arms cradle her closer, his stance protective.
“Some things,” he murmured in her ear, “are worth fighting for.”
“You bet your sweet arse.”
“I think that’s my line.”
Chapter 9
The scandal flew through the town, but a lot of the edge was taken off already by Harriet letting it loose first, just as Lori had predicted. It didn’t mean everyone took it well. Tommy’s mother was livid and the atmosphere in the café was not good.
It didn’t stop people going there, of course. Most of the town had known Tommy since he was born, the older members his mother from her childhood as well, and their friends weren’t going to let a scandal break up their friendships. But it certainly made for some interesting conversation out in the kitchen that filtered through into the café.
To be fair, Tommy and his mother did try to keep their uncomfortable and sometimes volatile relationship behind closed doors. Lori’s previous dressing down of people’s behaviour in public had obviously struck home and they’d taken notice. Plus, they didn’t want their business to suffer.
Were Harriet and Tommy any happier now that their relationship was known? Tommy smiled more, Harriet held her head high in the supermarket, but only the future would tell if their relationship would hold. Whether it lasted or not, Lori didn’t know. They seemed happy in their own way.
Tommy’s brother and a couple of his friends certainly weren’t supportive. They thought he was mad and told him so often.
Harriet didn’t have any friends apart from Lori and Ali, but she was still restrained even with them, not talking much about the happenings between her and Tommy, but that was fine by Lori. She really didn’t need to know and if Harriet wanted to talk, she knew where to find her. Publicly, she supported Harriet and Tommy, believing everyone had a right to happiness in their own way and it was no-one else’s business.
Lori herself was happy, incredibly happy, but there was something missing. That little furry face, that little warm body, that companionship that was so special between pet and owner.
She wanted another cat.
“I’m not replacing Minx,” she hastened to explain to a silent Ali. “I’m just filling an empty space.”
Ali glanced at the empty spot where Minx’s bowl used to be. “I miss her, too.”
“So what do you think?”
Ali looked at her for several long minutes before she stood up and crossed the room to place a hand on Lori’s shoulder. “It’s your decision, sis.” When Lori opened her mouth, she added, “Ghost and I are getting married soon and I’ll be living with him and his five crazy cats. You’re the one with no fur-baby. It’s your decision.”
“Okay.”
“Let me know if you want me to come on the kitty hunt. I’m more than happy.”
Ali left for work not long after, leaving Lori standing by the kitchen bench.
Picking up the hot mug of tea, Lori walked outside, going down the steps of the veranda and across to the little grave in the garden. Autumn had arrived and the air was cold. Huddling into her jumper, she cradled the mug in her hands.
Her beloved furry’s little body might be resting in the garden, but she knew her little soul was running free.
“Love you, Minxie.” Smiling, she reached out to touch one of the white roses that grew abundantly on the small rose bush. “Always will. You’ll always be my special furry.” Straightening, she looked into the garden where Minx played as a kitten. “Somewhere out there is a kitty who needs a loving home, and I can provide that home. But you’ll always be in my heart, okay?”
One of the petals broke free of a rose, whirling in the chill air, sweeping up to brush against Lori’s cheek before dancing off in the breeze.
Somehow, Lori knew that Minx approved.
That night while working, she met Matt who was also on nightshift. While filling up the ambulance, she told him of her plan.
“What do you think?” She screwed the fuel cap back on.
“Totally agree,” he replied. “Minx’s passing left a big hole. Somewhere out there is a lucky kitten needing a loving Mum.” Bending down, he brushed a kiss onto the tip of her nose. “You’ll make a great mum.”
“Flatterer.”
“So, know of any kittens around?”
“Not lately. Autumn isn’t the breeding season, that’s usually summer and spring.”
“Well, you never know, love. I’ll keep my ears to the ground.”
“Thanks, Matt.”
Unfortunately, breeding season was well and truly over and no kittens were available.
Resigned to not finding one until spring at least, Lori spent her spare time weeding the well-overdue garden with Matt’s help. Monday morning found them both snuggled in bed, neither having to work until the next day.
When the phone rang, Matt tightened his arm around her waist. “Don’t answer it.”
Peeking at the alarm clock, Lori sat up. “It’s ten o’clock.”
“Indecent hour to call.”
Laughing, Lori slid out of bed, wrapping the dressing gown around her. “Lazy bones.”
“I’d come after you for that, but it’s too damned cold.” He winked at her. “I’ll be waiting here to punish you.”
“Don’t fall back asleep.”
He faked snoring.
Shaking her head, Lori went out to the kitchen and picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Lori?”
“Yes.”
“It’s Julia from the vet.”
“Hi.”
“Listen, I know you’re looking for a kitten, but…”
Lori glanced out at the wind tossing the branches of the tree in the backyard. “But?”
“Well, we have this cat here. Are you averse to having a full grown cat?”
She was taken aback. “I’ve never thought about it.”
“He’s really sweet.”
“He?”
“Yes. Look, how about you just come in and have a look at him? I’ll tell you about him when you get here and then you can decide for yourself if you want him or not.”
“You’re being very persuasive.”
“He deserves a chance.”
“Okay. I’ll come in.”
“Great!”
“I’m not making any promises, though. I never thought about an adult cat.”
“I know. Most people want kittens, no one wants an older cat.”
That was the deciding factor for sure. “Now I’m definitely coming in.”
“Awesome. See you when you get here.” Julia hung up.
Returning to the bedroom, Lori opened the wardrobe and removed winter pants and a top. Suddenly she was eager to meet this older cat, something in Julia’s voice had spiked her curiosity. Although she did have some reservations, she had to be truthful.
Matt looked at he in disappointment. “Not coming back to bed?”
“That was Julia. From the vet,” she added at his blank look.
“She found you a kitten?”
“Not exac
tly.”
“A young cat?”
“I don’t think so.”
Matt arched one brow.
“An older cat. I’m just going to have a look.” Gathering her clothes in her arms, she made for the bedroom door. “I’ll have a shower and then I’ll go.”
When she left the bathroom anticipation was curling inside her regardless of her uncertainty. She loved cats, she loved kittens. True, she’d always imagined a cute little kitten gambolling around the house, not an older cat, but still… I can just look.
Matt was dressed and sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper when she entered.
“You’re coming?” she asked.
“Kitty hunting with my hot girlfriend? Nothing better I’d like to do.”
“My hero.”
“Always, love, always.” For a few seconds his gaze was inscrutable, but when she looked at him more intently, he grinned. “Heroes always get rewarded.”
“I knew there was an ulterior motive.”
“You have no idea,” he muttered as they walked down the hallway.
The drive to the vet was done in companionable silence, but Lori admitted to feeling a little flutter of anticipation as they entered the vet clinic.
Julia, the vet, smiled widely at them. “Hi guys. Cold outside?”
“Good day to be inside,” Lori replied.
“I hear you. It was a real struggle to get out of bed this morning.”
“I know what you mean,” Matt replied. “Bed is so nice and warm, isn’t it?”
Lori shot him a warning look as they followed Julia into a consult room.
“I’ll just get him for you,” Julia said, closing the door and leaving them alone.
“I saw that look,” Matt said. “What was that for?”
“You know very well.”
“I’m a bad boy. You better discipline me when we get home. Send me to bed.” He winked. “You’ll have to come to make sure I stay there.”
“You are uncontrollable. I blame Ghost’s influence.”
“You think this is Ghost’s doing?”
Lori pretended to think for a few seconds before sighing and dropping her shoulders. “Alas, no. It’s all you.”
“Definitely me, love.” He winked again. “I’m happy to prove it to you anytime.”
Before she could answer the consult room door opened and Julia came in. Lori’s mouth dropped open. This was no delicate little female cat like Minx. In Julia’s arms was …“A miniature pony?”
“Not quite.” Huffing, Julia set the cat on the bench. “This is a Main Coon.”
“He’s beautiful.” Reaching out, Max let the cat sniff his hand.
The cat looked warily at him, sniffing carefully before looking up at Lori.
Big gold eyes, an elegant nose, thick black and white coat, and paws that seemed the size of dinner plates. Slight exaggeration. Paws as big as saucers.
“Wow,” Lori said faintly.
The cat continued to stare at her and she slowly held her hand out. It sniffed her fingers and continued to look seriously up at her. So serious. Too serious.
Not sure what to think, but enchanted just the same, Lori gently scratched behind his ears. Immediately a rusty purring reverberated through the room.
“Impressive,” Matt commented. “Sounds like a motorbike on its last legs.”
Smiling, Julia stroked down the cat’s back. “He is rather loud, isn’t he? Wait until he meows. It’s like thunder.”
“What’s his name?” Lori shifted closer, her heart melting as the cat blinked slowly at her and his purring grew louder.
“Dougie.”
Matt was speechless for once.
“Dougie,” Lori said softly, smiling when the big cat blinked once more at her, then closing his eyes, he leaned his head into her palm.
Lori’s heart went into a puddle.
“Of course, he is an older cat.” Julia hesitated. “He’s twelve years old.”
“That’s not too old.”
“Lori’s gone,” Matt said. “It’s a done deal.”
“He’s at the age when he could start developing age-related issues,” Julia continued. “But he’s such a sweet cat, and his life hasn’t been easy the last few months.”
Lori didn’t care about old age issues. She’d had an elderly cat, she’d loved her and all her age issues. Just as she knew she was half in love with Dougie already. One look into those so-serious gold eyes, one sweet rub of his big head against her palm, and she was falling fast.
“What’s his story?” Matt asked, reaching over Lori’s shoulder to stroke Dougie’s back.
“Sad, really. He was the pampered baby of a woman who died in a car accident in another town not far from here. Two months ago, in fact. Since then he’s been bounced from one member of the family to another.”
“Bit of a problem cat?” Matt asked.
“Doesn’t matter,” Lori said immediately.
Matt smiled at her, stroking her back absentmindedly just as he’d stroked Dougie’s seconds before. “Never said it did, love.”
Julia’s gaze followed Matt’s hand, her grin widening. “Caring touch of a paramedic?”
“Soother of savages,” Matt replied, poker-faced.
Ignoring him, Lori rested her elbow on the bench, leaning her chin on her hand. Dougie stood up, his height and build impressive, like a miniature lion, and his stance was pure grace - if a little arthritic, Lori noticed - as he moved the small distance separating them. Sitting down, he closed his eyes and leaned his head against Lori’s arm.
“Oh, how sweet,” Julia exclaimed. “He used to do that with Lizzie.”
“Lizzie was his owner?’ Lori’s heart completely gone now. Dougie was coming home with her.
“Yes. And no to your question, Matt. Dougie isn’t a problem cat. He’s an older cat and no one really wanted him. I make monthly visits to the town as they have no vet, and I heard that Dougie was often seen sitting outside at night in the cold, and once even seen kicked out of the way by Lizzie’s cousin who had him last. I was really worried, but before I could even think of a way to rehome him, which is pretty impossible with an older cat, the cousin brought him in to be put to sleep.”
“Oh, no.” Anger flashed through Lori. “After what that mongrel did to Dougie?”
“Yep. I was relieved in one way that Dougie wouldn’t suffer anymore, but I didn’t want to put him to sleep, either. I wanted to give him a chance. I asked Lizzie’s cousin if I could try to rehome him and he agreed. Didn’t really care, actually. Dougie needs a special home.” Julia looked at Lori. “I want him to go to someone who will love him and care for him the way he’s used to.”
Lori glanced up at Matt.
“He’s a nice little bloke,” Matt commented.
“He’ll take up most of the room on the bed,” Lori joked.
“We’ll just buy a bigger bed.”
“He…um…” Julia sighed. “He’s just starting to get some arthritis in his back leg.”
“And a step to get onto the bed as well,” Matt suggested. “Add that to the shopping list.”
There went her heart again, this time turning to mush for Matt.
“He’ll need medicine soon.” Julia looked anxiously at Lori. “But he’s good at taking medicine. Took his worming tablet like a champ. He’s got a few good years in him yet.”
Lori laughed. “He’s coming home with us, Julia. Stop worrying.”
Not long after, Dougie sitting with quiet dignity in a large cat basket in the back seat with a bag containing his new medicine, Lori felt like finally things were falling into place.
Matt and Lori ate lunch while Dougie explored the house, first cautiously and later with more confidence. When Matt opened the back door to go out, Dougie dashed for the bedroom and hid. There was no doubting he was still traumatised by his recent experiences.
Spending the day watching a couple of movies on TV and reading quietly, Lori dozed off with her head in Mat
t’s lap while he idly played with her hair with one hand and held his book with the other. When she awoke it was to feel a warmth at her side. Glancing down, she found Dougie snuggled up beside her, precariously it had to be admitted. He was so big that half of him hung off the side of the sofa.
“He’s been like that for a while,” Matt remarked.
Slowly, so as not to scare or startle him, Lori slid her arm behind Dougie’s back for support. The rusty purr started and he pushed his head harder into her side.
Dougie quickly settled in and before long it seemed as though he’d been there forever. Disliking the outdoors intensely - who knew what trauma he’d been subject to out there in his abandonment - Dougie refused to go out. But when it came to the house, well, he was soon prancing around like king pin, as Matt put it.
“Boss of the house.” Matt picked Dougie up with a little grunt.
Dougie just head-butted him and purred louder.
“What more could he want? Food, water, litter tray, warm bed, kisses and cuddles. Spoiled.”
Lori looked up from her book to see Matt feeding him pieces of chicken. “Oh, and we wouldn’t want that, would we?”
“Absolutely not.”
“And the chicken is for…?”
“Bribery. I want my side of the bed tonight.”
“You really think feeding him chicken at two o’clock in the afternoon is going to make him sleep elsewhere tonight?”
Matt just grinned and fed Dougie more chicken, rewarded with another head butt.
~*~
Coming home from the nightshift, Lori yawned as she drove. She noticed Tommy’s ute parked in front of Harriet’s house. In fact, Tommy’s ute had taken up permanent night parking in her driveway.
The scandal had quietened but it hadn’t completely gone. There was still a lot of friction in Tommy’s family. Of Harriet’s family Lori knew nothing, so she didn’t know what was happening on that side of the war.
After parking the car in the garage, she shut the door and entered the house, being met with a loudly meowing Dougie demanding breakfast. In the kitchen she saw that he’d already been fed, his bowl of fish empty except for the few scraps on the sides of the bowl.
Lean on Me (The Mackay Sisters) Page 22