I should've asked before giving him a new one or thought of a different gift.After all, I didn't want to erase his previous guardian from his life.
"Okay, that's enough wiping," Balthazar said, moving back with a longing look at the window."You're going to make me regret saying yes."
"No, I won't," I said, knowing that we'd just gotten a little bit closer.
With a flick of his orange tail, Balthazar jumped out onto the windowsill and disappeared up on the roof, leaving me wondering what adventures he might be getting up to.It remained a mystery and I was curious if he would keep going out like that with the colder months around the corner.
I supposed I would find out soon enough.
I joined Gran at the breakfast table and slid into my seat where some fresh toast and a cup of coffee were already waiting for me.She was looking at me with a soft smile that looked like there was more to it even if I couldn't tell why.
"What?"I asked while I reached for the jar of jam.
"It's justnice to see you happy," she said with a satisfied sigh."Balthazar is a good cat and I'm glad he'll be here to keep you company when Betty and I are away on our cruise.You won't be alone."
I felt my own smile breaking through while I layered the jam on my toast."You don't have to worry about me, Gran.I'd be fine, even if I were on my own."
"I'll always worry about you, Cassie," she responded, reaching across the table to give my hand a squeeze."I know it wasn't easy for you to return to the Cobblestones but I'm glad you did.I'm glad that I could be here for you.To help you back on your feet."
My throat got tighter."Thank you."It came out as a whisper but it also came from the heart.If it hadn't been for Gran, my life would be looking a whole lot different than it did.She saved me, in many ways, and I was so lucky to have her as my grandmother.
Gran gave me a warm smile."I love you, Cassie.Never forget that I'm always on your side and that you have a home here."
"I know.I didn't expect it but I'm glad to be back in the Cobblestones."
"Because of Faye Li?"Gran asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.
I took a big bite from my toast, just to give myself a bit more time while I thought up an answer.I wasn't trying to hide that something was going on between me and Faye, I just didn't know what stage we were currently in.We'd kissed but we hadn't talked about it yet so until we had defined the relationship, it would be better not to give Gran fodder for her gossip mill.
“This is good,” I said, pointing at the jam.“What flavour is it?”
“Blackberry.And I know you’re changing the subject.”
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said, deciding to feign ignorance.For now, at least.Once there was something to tell about Faye and me, Gran would be one of the first to know.
THREE
It wasn'tevery day that I got to bring out the power tools but I was feeling quite chuffed about it.There was something about swaggering around with a big drill in hand, even if it was for something silly as installing a doorbell.
I crouched down outside of the Lazy Cat with the cheap doorbell that I got online.Maybe I should've gotten Gran's permission before I started drilling holes into the doorframe but...
Oh.
Sticker.The doorbell came with a sticker.
"Well, that makes that easier," I muttered as I peeled the back off and stuck the doorbell down at cat-height.It took ten seconds to install and I looked like a fool with my drill.
I gave it a little whirr just for good measure and nodded, pleased with my handiwork nonetheless.Hopefully the presence of a cat doorbell would help Balthazar feel more at home.
I'd ask him next time he was in the coffee house because he had run off early this morning while giving me his usual vague excuses.Even if he agreed to be my familiar, he was still keeping me at arm's length.Hopefully, as time passed, the distance between us would disappear.
"Cassie?"a bright voice said from behind me."What are you doing?"
My stomach instantly filled with flutters and I stood up quickly, the blood rushing to my head.Faye was only a few steps away and looking at me with a curious-confused smile that made her look so very endearing.
"I'm installing a doorbell.For Balthazar, in case that wasn't clear," I clarified, in case she thought I lost the plot.
Faye chuckled."Cats sure are demanding creatures."
