He waited patiently for her question and Raven’s answer before walking to the next person and handing the microphone to them.All the while, he wanted to pull Sarah King aside and ask her what she was planning to do.
Over the past few weeks, the girls had cooked up a plan, and he’d only become aware of it by shamelessly eavesdropping.He’d been planning the next day of school lessons at the dining table while they were huddled together on the living room sofa, discussing their strategy.If pressed, he would have to admit Riley had instigated the idea.But Sally had been asking for years for a pet.He had managed to shut her down until now, knowing the responsibility would land on him.
But this time might be different.The girls were eleven now, nearly twelve.They did their homework on time, and most of the time Sally finished her chores without having to be reminded.If he took all that into consideration, he had to admit the kids had a point.They were old enough to take responsibility for a cat, and perhaps it was time to let Sally do it.
Still, he felt manipulated, and he wondered how Sarah King figured into the situation.Until this evening, he’d thought she was on board with the adoption, because Riley had been so confident in her approach.But now that he’d seen her face as she listened to Raven, he wondered.If she was on his side, there might be some hope of resisting.
A few minutes later, the questions were done.The audience clapped politely then made their way to the refreshment table for coffee and donuts before the second half of the meeting: elections for next year’s executive and a budget review.
Simon followed the crowd toward the table.When she was heading his way, he stopped her and asked, “Not a cat person?”
She laughed.“Too much work.Though I’m not sure how I’m going to tell Riley that.She’s been watching that kitty cam nonstop, and she keeps mentioning the Tumble Twins.I had no idea about this Pages and Paws adoption thing until tonight.”
He chuckled, feeling a little relieved that he wasn’t the only one being managed by their daughters’ machinations.“Sally’s been watching with Riley.It keeps them entertained for hours, but the inevitable question keeps coming up.He pitched his voice higher.“Dad, can I have a cat?”
“So… are you planning to get one?”
“I’m not sure yet.I think she might be ready for the responsibility.”
“Great,” she said sarcastically, but she was smiling.“Why do I feel like I’m about to lose a battle I didn’t even know I was fighting?”
“Riley can come play with ours if we get one.I’m off for much of the summer, and they get along so well.”
“You mean you want to test the theory that two kids are easier than one?”She laughed again, a happy, tinkling laugh that came easily.Simon liked her laugh.
“For a few hours at a time, maybe.”He hesitated.“Listen, I feel like I should warn you.Sally and Riley have been talking about getting cats—I believe they have their hearts set on the Tumble Twins—and any time I ask if they have considered something—caring for them, their litter boxes, that the kittens would need a lot of attention, they have been prepared with a rebuttal.I feel like I’m in court trying to plead my case, and I’m not a lawyer.”
“Is Riley the instigator?”asked Sarah.She looked into his eyes.“Never mind.I can tell by your expression that she is.”She sighed.“I’m sorry she’s roped Sally into this, and that it may end in disappointment for them both.”
“It doesn’t have to end in disappointment.Does it?”he asked, warming to the idea of a cat, especially when he thought of how happy Sally seemed to be with the idea.
“Riley has a tendency to lose interest in things once she’s won her case,” said Sarah.“I’m reluctant to take on a cat that I will have to care for.Work is always so busy.”
“I suppose it must be.I hear lawyers always work long hours.”
“It’s better since I moved into insurance.I’m predominantly filing paperwork these days, and I’m able to keep regular hours most of the year.And I have my mother’s help, of course.But I’m not looking forward to summer.My younger sister is expecting twins.”
“Right.Riley mentioned that your mother’s going to Ontario to help your sister.That’s tough.”
“Yes, it is,” she said, “which is why I’m not sure about taking on a cat right now.”A small bell rang.“They’re going to start again in a minute.Do you mind excusing me so I can grab a coffee?”
“No, of course,” he said, moving out of the way and bumping into someone.He whirled around in time to apologize to Raven.
“I’m sorry.”He stepped back right away.“Are you okay?”
“Fine,” she said.“My fault for trying to slink off to the exit before the rest of your meeting begins.”
“Thank you for your presentation.It was informative.”He was speaking to Raven but watching Sarah quickly pour coffee and start back in their direction.
“Before you go, could you tell me about the Tumble Twins?Are they spoken for?”He noticed Sarah had paused to listen to the answer.
“There’s a lot of interest, as you can imagine,” said Raven.“But to be honest, since they’re essentially a bonded pair, I’m trying to find someone to take both if I can.Placing two at once is hard, though.Especially since most people only have room in their lives for one.But I’m hopeful.They are cute.”
“In your business, I can imagine cute sells,” said Simon, eliciting a chuckle from Raven.“I hope you find a home for them.”
“If you’re interested in a kitten, you’ll find we have quite a few this time of year.Come by the store next Saturday, or out to the center if you like, and we’ll see if we can find you a match.”
“What time does the event begin?”asked Sarah, stepping into the conversation.
