I give the cabbie the address of the place, which he keys into his GPS. Once he’s off, I tuck Konnor under my arm to keep him close. With our size difference, he fits perfectly against my chest.
He presses his face to my skin and takes a deep breath. I smile and kiss the top of his head. This feels so right. It feels like we’ve been together for years instead of only having met recently.
I’ve never been one to rely heavily on destiny and love and first sight. But this whole day proves I’ve been wrong.
When we pull up to the curb of our destination a few minutes later, I pay the cab driver and then climb out with my bag strapped across my body. Turning back, I reach in for my boy’s hand, which he gives me with ease. I tug him out of the backseat and spin him to face our destination.
“Kitty Kat’s Kozy Kitchen? That’s a long name for a restaurant,” he says, brow furrowed.
The front is all dark windows to prevent anyone from seeing inside. It’s a privacy thing for customers, and yet another reason why I love coming here. Unless someone knows what they’re looking for, they won’t just stumble inside.
“It will all make sense in a minute.”
It winds up not even taking that long because my boy squeals with delight the second we step inside. I try to take it in for the first time as well, even though I’ve been at least once a month for the last three years.
The walls on either side of the entrance are lined with climbing contraptions for cats. About a dozen or so four-legged creatures roam those, while another four or five mingle with the few guests seated around.
“You were right, Daddy,” Konnor whispers. “The name makes sense now.”
I chuckle and guide him to the front counter. Janelle, the owner and a dear friend, waits with a smile.
“How can I help you tonight, Brett? And who is this adorable friend of yours?” Her eyes light up as she speaks. It makes my boy relax, almost as if he were worried if she’d accept him.
I kiss the top of his head before answering, “This is my boy, Konnor. He and I need some easy food for tonight. He said finger foods, but we’ll take anything you’ve got that’s simple to navigate.”
“Oh, this is wonderful! I have to go get Papa. He’s going to be so happy. One minute.”
She leaves with a twirl through the back doors. My boy’s wide eyes take in her reaction. “Did she just say…”
“Papa? Yes, she did. Part of the reason I brought you here is because Janelle and her family won’t take a second look at us. They’ve got their own happy dynamic going.”
Before he can ask another question, three people come out from the back. Well, rather two people and an adorable kitty.
“Well, it’s just my lucky day, isn’t it?” I say softly as I lean forward on the counter. “Little Luna is here. Do you want to meet my new boy, Luna? He’s shy, but I think we can convince him to give you scratches.”
I turn to find Konnor taking in the group with a hopeful sort of gaze. Like he wants to be accepted by them all.
“Would you like to give the kitty some scratches, pretty boy? She really likes the ones behind the ear,” I tell him as I motion behind my own.
He bites his lip as he steps forward. “Yes, Daddy. I really like kittens.”
His voice is softer now. I can tell he doesn’t want to scare Luna away. He must sense she’s also skittish.
I take his hand with mine and lean us over the counter just enough to reach behind her ear. Together, we give her a tiny scratch. Luna leans into the touch, purring in the back of her throat.
My boy smiles brightly as he practically falls on the countertop. “Such a good kitty. So pretty and nice. I like her. Is she here all the time? Can we come back to play more soon, Daddy?”
The questions come pouring out of my boy. Luna makes more cat noises and then spins around on all fours, as if she’s excited at the prospect herself.
That’s when her and Janelle’s Papa steps in. “It’s nice to see you again, Brett. Glad you found someone to care for. Always knew you would after watching how you’ve treated my girls.”
When he turns to face my boy, Konnor ducks his head a bit. My shy boy doesn’t back away though. I think it mostly has to do with Luna still being so excited, and the fact that she trusts Papa. He knows the big, burly man towering over us isn’t going to harm him.
“As for you, young man, it’s nice to meet you. Everyone here calls me Nellie, except for these two pets of mine. They now call me Papa since we settled on their love of pet play and my desire to be their caregiver. Welcome to our home away from home. I hear you’re hungry and want some easy stuff. Is that right?”
“Yes, sir. I’m starving.” My boy pats his stomach right as it lets out a loud grumble. At the sound, he blushes and moves to hide behind me.
The trio across the counter laughs, as do I. It makes my boy less self-conscious.
