by Lori Leger
“Sounds like you’ll need to take a little field trip for that. Let me know if you need some company. How’s that gravy coming along?”
“No lumps, I think it’s ready. Can we eat soon? I’m starved for a homemade meal. I am so sick of take out and frozen meals.”
Cat closed the door on the loaded dishwasher and started the pots and pans cycle. She turned to see her mom holding two mugs of coffee with steam curling up in translucent wisps.
“It’s mocha amaretto. Interested?”
Cat took a mug from her mother and inhaled the rich, sweet aroma. “You know it’s my favorite. Got any of those coconut macaroons hanging around?” She chuckled gleefully when Ellen placed an open container of macaroons on the table. “Ooh, that’s what I’m talking about!” She brought one of the confectionary treats to her mouth for a blissfully delicious bite. “That is so good. You’d make a fortune selling these things in Dallas.” She leaned over to kiss her mom’s cheek. “Thanks Mama. I’ll think of you when I’m running that extra mile tomorrow morning.”
Ellen’s brows rose and she reached forward to pull the container out of Cat’s reach. “Better just eat one, then.”
Cat pulled it back and grabbed another one. “I can burn two of these off, no problem. So where are Kellie and Brad today? I was hoping to rub my hand on her baby belly.”
“Your sister and brother-in-law are on their way back from Orlando, but they won’t be in until late tomorrow. I think they’re stopping in Biloxi tonight.”
“That’s where we stopped the last time, when Chris and I went with them. It’s a good spot for a break.”
“They decided to go before it got too hot and while it was still just the two of them. Last time they went to Disney World, they both got sick before they hit Epcot Center, remember?”
“How could I forget? We tried to tell them not to eat sushi from one of those street vendors in the city the first night we got there, but Brad knew better.” She shook her head as she remembered the episode. “Kellie wasn’t too bad off but poor old Bradley had it coming out at both ends, as I recall.” She tried to hold back the snort, but failed miserably. “Served him right, the know-it-all jackass.”
Her mom reached out to pat her arm. “That is such an un-Christian thing to say. You know I didn’t raise you to be that way.” She lifted her cup to her mouth and paused. “No matter how much of a know-it-all jackass he is.”
Cat met her mother’s gaze over the cup rim and they broke into a round of giggles. She wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “How the hell does she put up with that?”
“Sometimes it takes everything I have to keep my mouth shut around that boy. You should hear him now. He knows everything there is to know about being pregnant. He’s researched it.”
“Hmph, is Kellie hormonal yet?” Cat asked, remembering the day a final-trimester co-worker dumped a gallon of margarita mix over her husband’s head. He’d made the unforgivable mistake of saying her feet were starting to resemble puffed pastry.
Ellen sipped at her coffee before answering. “Honestly, if she is, I haven’t noticed it, yet.”
“Well, he’s been lucky up to now. He told me once that he hides in his man cave when she gets her period. It seems ‘crazy hormonal Kellie’ scares the living hell out of him. Old Brad’s about to find out that all the books in the world can’t prepare him for the wrath of one little lady with a baby in her belly. Let’s just hope we don’t have to bail her out of jail when she’s done with him.”
“Or find her a good homicide defense attorney,” Ellen choked out before the sound of their combined snorts of laughter filled the room again.
After sobering, Ellen sipped from her coffee and set her cup silently on the table’s polished surface. “I just wish your dad could be around to see his grandchildren. He couldn’t wait to be a doting grandpa. It’s such an injustice that they won’t grow up knowing him.” She sighed and smiled sadly at her daughter. “Some days I miss him so much I can hardly breathe.”
“Is today one of those days, Mom?”
“Nope, not on a day like today. I’m so thrilled to have my oldest daughter home.”
Cat studied her mother, and contemplated a subject she and Kellie had discussed from time to time. “Mom, have you ever thought about seeing someone else? You’re entirely too young to spend the rest of your life alone.” To her surprise, her mother’s face didn’t register any sign of shock at her comment.
“I’ve thought about it. A couple of men have shown some interest even, but I’m not quite sure if I’m ready. I must admit it’s a relief to know you girls wouldn’t mind. I didn’t know how you’d take something like that.”
It took some effort on Cat’s part not to ply her mother with twenty different questions in the blink of an eye. Instead, she narrowed it down to one. “Anyone I know?”
Ellen nodded thoughtfully. “Yes.”
Cat waited several seconds. “Are you going to tell me?”
The laugh lines around her mom’s eyes creased in amusement. “Not just yet.”
Cat gave her head a slow shake and pursed her lips. “Now that ain’t Christian, and you know it.”
Ellen’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I know, but it sure is amusing.”
The doorbell rang, keeping Cat from any further drilling. “Are you expecting anyone? One of your gentleman callers, maybe?”
Ellen’s quiet chuckle followed her to the door. “Not that I know of.”
Cat pulled the door open to find two large wicker baskets sitting on the porch. One held fresh flowers, and two bottles of wine. The other was a picnic type basket with a sign taped to it that read “Open carefully!”
She stepped onto the large porch of her mother’s home and picked up the first basket, fully expecting to see a card to her mother. Her breath caught when she saw ‘For Cathryn’ printed neatly on the florist’s card. She examined the two bottles of wine, appreciating the fact that they were both locally made muscadine and blackberry. Cat lifted the flower vase, and inhaled the combined scent of roses, carnations, and daisies in the lovely spring bouquet.
A quick scan in all directions revealed no one else around. She placed the first basket on the entry table before turning her attention to the second. She raised the lid carefully, revealing a tiny, blue-gray kitten. “Oh, look at you!” she cooed, lifting the sleeping kitten from its cozy bed of soft blankets. Cuddling the animal, she opened the accompanying folded note.
Cat,
Just a small housewarming gift, as well as a new friend to keep you company. It’s nice to have you back home where you belong.
Zach
P.S. The bonus is that he’s already litter box trained.
“I have a suggestion for his name, if you’re interested.”
Cat swiveled to her left to see Zach leaning against the porch rail looking like the long, tall drink of Hot Damn she knew he was. “Oh, Zach! He’s so beautiful, and I already adore him.”
Zach’s genuine smile lit up his face. “Lucky little guy, in more ways than one. He was the last of a litter at the pound and didn’t have long before they—you know.”
She clutched the purring kitten protectively. “Oh, thank you for saving him and giving him to me.” She wrapped her free arm around his waist and hugged him. “Thanks for the flowers and wine, too.”
“You are very welcome.”
She nuzzled the kitten gently. “What’s the suggestion for his name?”
“It’s actually a play on the wine. One bottle is a Chablis, so I thought Chableu. Chat is cat in French, and bleu is blue, and he’s kind of blue in color. So, cat-blue is chat-bleu and turns into Chableu. What do you think, too cheesy?”
She stared into the blue eyes of her new kitten. “What do think of the name Chableu, huh kitty? You like that?” She laughed as he placed his paws on her face and purred softly. “Aw, listen to him, Zach. He thinks it’s purr-fect.” She raised him for an examination. “Are you sure it’s a he? Sometimes it’s
hard to tell when they’re this small.”
“Positive. I took him to the vet and he confirmed it. Chableu has had all his shots, he’s flea-less and in perfect health.”
“Well, what do we have here?” Ellen approached them from the kitchen. “Zachary! I was wondering how long it would take you to show up here. Good to see you.”
“Hey, Ms. Ellen, how’ve you been?” He embraced her in a gentle hug.
“I’m good, but who’s this little guy?” Cat proceeded to explain the origin of the kitten’s name.
“How original. I don’t want to rain on your parade, Cat, but does your rental allow for pets?”
“I don’t remember Dr. Barton saying no pets, but I’ll check to be sure.” Cat reached for her phone and walked away to make the call.
Zach gazed at her backside as she walked away, hoping she’d get to keep the cat. “Damn, I didn’t even think of that. If she can’t have pets there, I don’t know what to do with him. I’m not sure if my Golden Retriever will take too kindly to a cat in his territory.”
“If she can’t, I’ll keep him here and you both can have visitation rights. I’m pretty sure it won’t be a problem for her though.” She leaned in close to Zach. “Truth is Gavin Barton wants to date me. How do you think her name got to the top of his rental list?”
Zach looked down his nose at her. “Ms. Ellen, does Cat know you’ve been trading sexual favors for a place for her to stay?”
Ellen put her head back and laughed. “Honey, if that were true he’d probably be giving her a discount.” She leaned in to whisper, “Or better yet, for free.”
Zach shook his head. “You’d think after all these years of knowing you, I’d know better than to try to one-up you.”
“Never kid a kidder, Zachary.” Her tone sobered. “Seriously though, I told him how immaculate she is at housekeeping, so I’m sure he’ll agree to it.”
Zach laughed again. “You mean that OCD of hers kicked in? I know you always complained about how messy her room used to get—not that I ever actually saw it,” he added in a rush when Ellen’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. Attempting to escape her accusatory glare, he handed her a large plastic shopping bag. “Here’s his litter box and a container of the litter the vet recommended. He’s fully trained.”
“Mm hmm, I’m sure he is.” Her brow lifted in amusement. “But are you?”
“Ma’am?”
Cat bounded into the room like a little kid. “I get to keep him! Dr. Barton said he was fine with it.” She stopped suddenly. “He said something else, too. He told me if the cat did any damage, he knew how to collect.” She glanced from Zach to her mother. “That was a little creepy, don’t you think?”
Zach had been on the verge of saying something when Cat’s mother interrupted with a lady-like clearing of her throat.
“Not at all. He means we see each other at bingo and when we cook for the senior citizens twice a month. I’m sure that’s what he’s talking about.”
Cat seemed to take her mother’s word for it and walked off cooing softly to her new kitten.
Zach crossed his arms and grinned down at Ellen McDaniel. “He knows how to collect?”
She batted her lashes. “He said if I’d consider going to dinner and the movies with him, he’d rent the house to her.”
Zach stared at the woman. “He blackmailed you? And you said yes?”
She shrugged one shoulder, daintily. “I said I’d consider it if he would substitute dancing for the movie.”
“Ms. Ellen!” She shushed him immediately, and he leaned in closer to whisper. “You’ve got a boyfriend.”
Ellen tilted her head slightly and gave him a wink. “We’ll see.”
He chuckled low in his throat. “Well, I’m not surprised. There’s more than one beautiful lady in this family.”
“Thank you Zachary. Cat and I were just having some coffee if you’d like to join us.”
Cathryn re-entered the room, checking her watch. “Actually, I need to head out if I’m going to find those shots I need. I have to find a spot and be snapping photos by four o’clock. That’s when the lighting should be right for what I’m looking for.”
“She needs bayou shots, Zach. Would you happen to have any suggestions for her?” Ellen’s tone was innocent, but her facial expression had conspirator written all over it.
Zach sent her an appreciative nod, deciding he’d take the help wherever he could get it, as long as the end result was in his favor. “I think I’ve got the perfect spot for you. It takes nearly an hour to get there, and it’s kind of difficult to explain how to get to it. It’d be a whole lot simpler if I drove you, myself.”
Cat’s eyes lit up. “Sounds good to me.” She agreed and began collecting her things.
Zach suspected it was more from the prospect of getting the perfect shot rather than him going with her, but he’d seen her work—understood her passion for photography. He just wanted to see that same passion bleed through to all other aspects of her life. He was damned well counting on being around when it did.
Even after a quick stop at the grocery store, the dash clock showed three-thirty when they reached their destination.
Cat gazed out at the tall brush surrounding the truck and shook her head. “Is there a bayou somewhere around here?”
“We’ll need to walk some. You’re not afraid of walking, are you, Miss Big City girl?” Zach grabbed her tote full of photography equipment before exiting the driver’s side. He grabbed the grocery bag he’d thrown in the back of the truck and waited for her.
She got out of the passenger side and walked to meet him, looping the strap for her camera around her neck. “How far of a walk? The light will be perfect in about thirty minutes.”
“Have a little faith, would you? It’s right over there.” He led her north about thirty yards, anticipating her reaction to seeing the spot that had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember. The cover of grass came to a sudden end as they broke through. Just as he suspected, Cat gasped at the sight before her.
She spoke in a reverent whisper. “Beautiful. How’d you ever find this place? It’s miles from anywhere.”
“Dad and I used to fish here. He said it was our secret spot, but I have no idea how true that is. He grew up about two miles east of here.”
Zach closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the bayou wash over him. Without his eyes he could still see, could still identify catfish snapping at bugs, the deep bass of a bullfrog harmonizing with the echoed grunt of a gator somewhere along the bank. A multitude of birds—blackbirds, sparrows, and herons—added their whistles, chirps, and squawks to create a concert unique to the wetlands and bayous of south Louisiana.
“Who else knows about this place, Zach? I mean, surely you’ve brought others here before, right?”
He opened his eyes and faced her. “Nope, you’re the first.”
Her eyes widened as she inhaled through parted lips. “Oh, that’s…oh…” she breathed. “I’m honored.”
He reached out with a feather light touch to her cheek. “You should be.” He pulled his hand back abruptly to swing her bag between them. “Where do you want to set up?’
“Hmm, let me see.” She walked up and down the bank several yards in both directions, raising her high dollar digital camera to look through the viewfinder. After several minutes, she settled in one spot. “If I set up here I’ll get some fantastic shots of that cypress over there and—” She stopped abruptly, checked something through her camera, then reached for her zoom lens. “That’s a gator over there.”
Zach grinned at her. “Yep, I heard old ‘Wally’ grunting as soon as we got here.”
“Can you set that tripod up for me right there, please?”
He moved quickly as the click of the shutter fired in rapid succession, as though she was afraid to lose sight of the gator.
“He won’t go anywhere, you know. He’s always curious, and he knows I’ll bring him a treat.”
“Uh
huh,” she murmured then stopped to face him. “What do you mean bring him a treat? Is he a pet or something?”
His laughter echoed over the open water. “Of course not, but he’s been around since my dad found this place forty years ago. I’ve visited at least a hundred times and I think there have only been a couple of instances when he didn’t show. Here, set up your camera and I’ll get him closer for you.”
Cat looked up at him, her eyes wide with wariness. “Okay, but I don’t need him too close. No use wasting a perfectly good zoom lens to keep me from becoming gator bait.”
Zach removed a large package of ham chunks from the grocery bag and walked as close to the soggy bayou bank as he could get. “Come on, Wally. Ready for a snack?” He tossed a large chunk of meat within a couple of feet of the gator.
Cat gasped as Wally disappeared under the water’s surface and came up, seconds later, snapping his jaws on something. “Oh my gosh, you taught a gator to play catch.”
“Dad taught him with bags of bread, but after years of trial and error, I narrowed his favorites down to bacon and ham. Big boy likes his pork.” He threw the next chunk closer and the gator swam toward where it disappeared into the water. Bubbles rose from the water before Wally got to the spot. “Oops, turtle got that one. No worries.” He threw one close and Wally snapped it up as soon as it hit the surface of the water.
Cat clapped in excitement then fidgeted with her camera. “Wait until I tell you, then do that again.”
He watched her setting up, awed by her speed and professionalism.
“Now.”
Zach tossed a chunk of meat right next to Wally, who repeated his trick amid the steady, rapid clicking of the camera. By the time it stopped, he thought Cat would explode with excitement as she checked the shots. Her excited shout told him she’d gotten what she wanted.
She beamed at him. “You’ve got to check this out, Zach.”
“Can I wait and see them all later?”
She nodded. “If that’s what you want to do, but I can already tell I’ll owe you big for this.”