Page 27 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

“Are you?”

“It takes a lot to offend me, Harvard Boy.”

“That’s Leo to you, Smitten Kitten.” He couldn’t help but lean toward her. When was the last time he’d spent time with a woman whose prime directive wasn’t to be seen in his car, go out to expensive restaurants on his dime, and bring him along to parties he had no desire to attend? That lifestyle had worn thin fairly fast, to the point that he rarely dated anymore.

The thought had him sitting back and toning down. Just because she was single and unlike any woman he’d ever met didn’t mean anything. It had to mean nothing if they were going to spend any amount of time together. And from what they were discussing, they would be together a lot. He went back to the list. “I doubt your sister will want me being a third wheel at the pumpkin patch.”

“Oh, trust me. She won’t mind you tagging along.” Via sipped her orange pop.

Leo thought he detected a touch of annoyance in her tone. He grabbed another french fry. Even though they were getting cold, they were addicting. “This seems important to you.”

“Bucket lists are very important. Don’t you have one?”

“Nope.”

“You don’t have any hobbies? What do you do in your free time?”

“Free time?” He scoffed. “What’s that?”

“Looks like Leo is all work and no play, Sir,” Via said, rubbing her thumb on the spot above the cat’s little triangular nose, causing him to purr loudly. “That’s a shame.”

“I take my career seriously,” he said, feeling a little defensive.

She turned to him, her eyes dancing. “Since you’re on vacation, why not have some fun?” Her face suddenly fell. “If my list is boring—”

“I don’t think it’s boring, Via. Obviously these are things you enjoy, and a few of them do seem interesting.”

“You don’t have to say that.” She looked down at the table.

“I’m serious. I’ve never gone to a pumpkin patch. Or picked apples...” He was sounding a little pathetic, and a lot like the workaholic he was.

“Really? You need to get out more.”

Maybe it was time he had some real R & R. Her idea that they do the bucket list together had merit. It was clearly significant to her. So was Second Chapter, and her own personal stake in the future of the shop. He grinned. “When do we start?”

Chapter 6

The next morning, Via and Sir went on their walk early before any of the Pecan Corner shops were open, except for the Corner Eatery. Sir missed his treat from Sally, but it couldn’t be helped. Via had to get to the café early and head Dora off at the pass. Leo was set to come in at eight o’clock and they were going to plan out their schedules for the rest of the month. Tonight was Dora’s Pawtrait Night and she usually came in at noon because the café stayed open late, but she’d asked Via last week if she could have the afternoon off for a doctor appointment and come back after. To keep her weekly hours consistent, she would be opening today.

It was still dark, but the streets of Pecan Corner were well lit. By this weekend there would be even more autumn decorations than there were now, including orange, purple, and dark red strings of lights on every facade. Earl hadn’t been all that excited about lighting up his shop last fall, but she convinced him to let her add that little bit of bling, along with a single pumpkin next to the door. She’d added a little more decor this season, and the lights would be the final touch.

Via huddled inside her coat, wondering what Earl would thinkof Leo’s handling of things. She’d probably never know any details about their relationship, although she had a feeling they were close to nonexistent. But she was sure Earl would be glad Leo wanted to do right by him.

As she turned the last corner before reaching Pawsitive Vibes, she reminded herself for the umpteenth time not to think about Leo so much, but that was getting harder to do. She was no Smitten Kitten, but she had to admit it would be nice to do some of her bucket list activities with someone instead of doing them alone—the pumpkin patch with Dora being the exception. She would stick to going camping by herself, though. Leo didn’t need to tag along for that.

Via and Sir zipped past Second Chapter, as dark inside as the rest of the businesses. Their walk had been so brisk that she had some time to go upstairs to do a few things before going to the café. She still had to go on that grocery run. They were halfway up the stairs when Sir started yanking hard on his leash.

“Hey!” She tried to slow him without hurting him. When that didn’t work, she decided to let him free if he was that determined to get to the top.

Then she saw Leo coming out of Earl’s apartment and Sir’s behavior made sense. When Sir reached the top step, Leo shut the door and smiled at her.

“Morning, Via.” At Sir’s insistent meow, he bent down and awkwardly patted the cat’s head. Instead of his Harvard sweatshirt, he was wearing a patriotic red one with an American bicentennial logo on it. He paired it with navy blue gym shorts, socks, and running shoes. His face was scruffy, his hair not so perfectly coiffed. Her pulse quickened. He really was drop-dead fine no matter what he wore.

“Just heading out for a run,” he said, standing up and facing her.

That was a surprise. “So you do have a hobby.”

“More like a necessity. I prefer to swim, but a run will have to do.”