She shrugged. “Well, I figured you’d say yes anyway. No deposit needed because of my sister. Rosita said consider it her donation instead. This should give us plenty of time to advertise and invite people, maybe even some of your connections from Eastmoor.” She waved a hand at Cali. “But otherwise, why not? Banned Books Week will be over, if Cali secures it. Fall colors, crisp nights. Perfect for a formal event. Why, even the fall festival will be wrapping up! We’ll have everyone’s attention—and maybe all their money with it.”
“I’m still in if Leo gets the firefighters to auction off dates,” said Lynne. “I’ll cater the drinks.”
Leo smiled until his dimples threatened to cut through his cheeks.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll make a list of everything that needs to be done and divide and conquer.”
“For the cats,” added Bastet, raising her beer.
“For the cats!” exclaimed everybody.
Cali shot a shy glance at Ethan, only to find his eyes were already on her.
“I really need to discuss a small matter, too,” Cali added, “about the cat sitting in my office. I need some ideas. I called the vet today, and they can’t get it in for a check-up until next month … unless I come tomorrow at 3:30 p.m., during library hours.It’s just that one of the staff already called out for tomorrow, so I—”
“I’ll take her,” Ethan said without hesitation.
She glared at him. “Don’t you have beams to measure?” Then she realized her tone and cleared her throat. “Sorry. I’m just a little frustrated. I’ll call the vet and beg for a Saturday slot.”
He shrugged off the thought of it. “I get cut early this Friday. It’s cool. I have all afternoon to be with her.”
Another worry crept into Cali’s brain.Is this him trying to get close to my cat again?
“I know he’s the newest member, dear,” Mrs. Ellery started, “but let him earn his stripes.”
Minka smirked. “Yeah, Cali. Are you scared he’ll do it better than you?”
“Of course not.” Cali shot her a look that screamedChaos goblin!
“Ethan knows what he’s doing. He’s already a cat dad,” Leo insisted. “Met Catsby last weekend during the game. She’s one cool kitty. I’ll probably introduce her to Fred some time.”
Lynne groaned. “Not unless you want The Great Catsby to turn into the The Great Litter. Fred’s a tom. You need to get that cat neutered, Leo.”
The subject turned to Leo’s cat, and opinions flew again. This could not be any further from the kind of help Cali wanted. “Fine,” she interrupted them. “But if she comes back missing fur, I’m holding you all responsible.”
When she glanced across at Ethan this time, he was leaning back in his chair, eyes intense and wide, wicked grin on his face.
Chapter 7
The group dispersed after it was all settled, but Minka stayed behind to chat with Cali in her office. She could tell Cali was upset over something, because she’d been fidgety through the whole club meeting. Minka also knew it had nothing to do with the cat.
Cali shuffled papers at her desk. “It’s the library board. The meeting’s Monday, and I still don’t have a plan to counter their rejection to my initial idea for Banned Books Week.”
“What problem did they have with your display again?”
“The descriptions,” Cali hissed, “which is contrary to the whole point of a banned books display. They wanted me to tone down the publisher’s blurb forCharlotte’s Web, for Christ’s sake. I guess calling out our own mortality is a little too much for the board.”
Minka rolled her eyes. “That’s just because the board’s full of old guys close to the grave themselves. Can you revise them?”
“I could,” Cali admitted, “but where does it end? They’ve already started making cuts—said no toThe Handmaid’s Talebecause of the slavery and trauma.The Handmaid’s Tale!” She slammed her hand against the desk. “This isn’t even about the descriptions anymore. It’s about perception.”
Minka bit her lower lip.
A soft knock came at the door. When she stepped aside, Ethan was there, pulling a hand through his dark hair. “Am I interrupting something important?”
Cali groaned, tugging at the mess of papers on her desk. The kitten, still trapped in its cardboard carrier in the corner, meowed in protest.
“Not important enough you two can’t talk,” Minka said, backing out. “Catch you later, Cals. Text me if I can help.” She waved and disappeared.
