The other cats exchange glances, clearly not sure what to make of this canine development.
Well, I do declare,Cupcake whispers behind me, and I can hear the relief in her voice.That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.
Thank Chip.Fish rolls her eyes my way.You’re such a big softie. A real cinnamon roll.
Did someone say cinnamon rolls?I perk up immediately, because priorities are priorities.I’m suddenly craving those. With extra frosting. And maybe some bacon bits on top.
Focus, Romeo,Fish snaps.We have business to conduct.
She turns to address the assembled ragtag army with the authority of a cat who’s definitely watched too many war movies.
Listen up, troops. We’ve got a confirmed mouse sighting at the symposium. This is not a drill. I want patrols doubled, perimeters secured, and every rodent within a five-mile radius to know that Huckleberry Hollow Wonderland is under the protection of the finest feline force in New England.
What about the fancy dog?Whiskerface asks, nodding toward Cupcake.
The fancy dog is temporarily allied with our cause,Fish yowls with a sigh.Treat her as you would anydistinguished guest.
A distinguished guestwho probably has her own personal chef while we hunt for scraps,Shadow mutters, but at least he doesn’t sound actively hostile anymore.
Dismissed!Fish gives a sharp meow, and the cats scatter back into the woods with the efficiency of a well-trained military unit.
Once we’re alone, Cupcake turns to me with an expression that’s equal parts gratitude and something else I can’t quite identify.
Chip, honey, I cannot thank you enough for standing up for me back there,she says, and her voice has taken on a warmth that wasn’t there before.Most folks just see the pretty exterior and assume I’m all fluff and no substance.
Well, you are mostly fluff,I point out helpfully.But that doesn’t mean you can’t have substance, too. I’m mostly fluff, and I’ve got tons of substance. Granted, most of it is food-related, but still.
She laughs, and it sounds like honey drizzled over warm biscuits.You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you? I do appreciate a male who knows how to treat a lady with respect.
Oh, for the love of all that’s sacred,Fish groans.Are we really doing this? Romance in the woods while there’s a murder investigation happening? And have you forgotten about the mouse who’s looking to usurp us as mascots? As if a dozen worldwide theme parks weren’t enough for their kind.
Romance?I blink.Who said anything about romance? I was just being polite. Mama always taught me to be nice to ladies, even if they were a different species—especially when their names were delicious.
As you should,Cupcake is quick to say.Different species never stopped anyone from being friends,she points out with a sly smile.Besides, sugar, I’ve always believed that good manners are attractive in any creature.She gives a little wink and I can feel my whiskersgrowing hot.
I’ve got excellent manners,I agree.I always say please when I’m begging for treats, and I only knock things off tables when they really deserve it.
Such a gentleman,Cupcake purrs—well, as much as a poodle can purr.Tell me, what does a distinguished cat such as yourself do for entertainment around here?
Mostly I nap in sunbeams and judge my hooman for her poor life choices, and she’s got a lot of them,I admit.Also, I’m working on my memoir. It’s calledThe Orange Chronicles: A Life Well Fed.
How fascinating! I’d love to hear more about that sometime.She all but nuzzles me with that big, fluffy head of hers.
I’m going to be sick,Fish pretends to gag.This is worse than watching Josie and Detective Dreamboat make googly eyes at each other. Or Bizzy and Jasper snuggling on the sofa for hours on end.
Oh, little Fishy, are you jealous?Cupcake asks with Southern sweetness that could rot teeth.Because if you are, I’m sure there are plenty of handsome tom cats in your little army who’d be happy to show you around. Girl, you are as pretty as a pumpkin in October.
Fish growls.I am not jealous. I am nauseated. There’s a difference.
Fish is just cranky because she hasn’t had her afternoon sardines yet,I’m quick to explain.She tends to get hangry when she misses a snack. And that’s exactly why I don’t dare miss any.
I do not get hangry. I get appropriately frustrated with the declining standards of professional behavior among theme park mascots.
Well, I think you’re both absolutely precious,Cupcake barks with glee.And Chip, you’re definitely the most gallant cat I’ve ever met. Most males wouldn’t have the courage to stand up to a whole army for a lady they’d just met.She bats those big lashes of hers my way, and every inch of my fur tickles.
It wasn’t courage,I correct her.It was basic decency. Plus, I’vegot a soft spot for anyone who’s clearly out of their element. I know what it’s like to be the odd one out.
How so, sugar?
