“I mean, this is crazy, yes, but you’re not losing it.”Tara gives me a smile, but there’s a tightness around her eyes that belies the same worry I still feel.
Prudence claws her way out of my coat, using my collarbone as a springboard, an experience I’d not like to repeat any time soon.She lands on the floor noiselessly, winding around Tara’s ankles and purring loudly.
“You’ve seen some things, haven’t you, sausage witch?”
“I really would prefer if you called me Tara, Prudence.”
“I want a sausage, witch.”
“I’ll pay for her,” I tell Tara, embarrassed by my feline companion’s rudeness.It’s one thing to have it directed at me, but another to be slightly responsible for her behavior in public.
“Flip the sign to closed and follow me to the back, okay?I’ll get you both fed.Coffee or tea?”Tara asks.
“Coffee would be amazing.And I’ll take whatever food you recommend.I don’t think I’ve ever been so relieved in my life.”
“Trust me, I get it,” Tara lets out a loud laugh that lasts just a bit too long.
She sucks in a breath through her teeth, and I raise my eyebrows.
There’s definitely a story there.“I want to hear whatever that’s about.”I gesture randomly.
“Oh, here she goes again, flailing around,” Prudence says from her spot on the floor.“Watch her, or she’ll fall down for no reason.”
My molars grind and I pivot, turning to lock the door and flip Tara’s sign to say “Closed.”
“You know, I might not have a familiar, but I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to be helpful, and not a bitch.”Tara’s voice is firm, and I wince because I have a feeling I know how Prudence is going to take that advice.
“I’m not a bitch.I’m a cat.A feline.Words have meanings.”
“Yeah, and you know exactly what I mean, so stop acting like you don’t.”There’s a real bite to Tara’s words now, and my grimace deepens because that talking kitty has claws.
“Fine.”
I turn around, not sure I’ve heard my mean black cat right.Did she say fine?Surely not.It was probably a different four-letter word that starts with f.
“How do you like your coffee, Sylvie?”Tara calls out from behind the counter.
“A little half and half and some sugar,” I say.“Thank you, seriously.”
“I have a tray of sausage, egg and cheese klobasnik in the oven, and there’s another that’s a special jalapeno venison sausage roll—they’re pretty spicy, but they’re my favorite.And then I have cinnamon apple and cream cheese kolaches today, too.”
My stomach growls, my mouth watering.“Wow.”
“You know what?I’m going to get you one of each and you just eat whatever you can.”
“That’s not necessary?—”
“Shut up,” Tara says congenially.“You need to eat.Besides, we’re about to get real close real fast.The least I can do is feed you.”
“And me.”Prudence flicks her tail, glaring daggers at her.
Or maybe that’s just her face.Perma-mean cat-stank-face.
I mean, she would be adorable if it weren’t for the fact she’s completely terrifying.
“Of course, Prudence.”There’s a note of sarcasm in Tara’s voice, and from the silence on Prudence’s end, I get the feeling she wasn’t quite ready for Tara’s force of character.
Heh.
