Page 85 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

When she didn’t shake his hand, he shrugged and opened his suit jacket. He retrieved a white envelope from the inner pocket. “Give this to his nephew. He said to contact him when I had a serious offer for the shop.” He held it out to her. “Trust me, he’s gonna like this one.”

Via froze, her eyes glued to the envelope.

“Ma’am?” Percival frowned. “Are you just gonna stand there and ogle my offer?”

“I—” With her finger and thumb she took the envelope from him.

Percival squared his shoulders and scanned the bookshelves. “I’ve been waiting for years to get my hands on this shop. Finally, it’s gonna be mine.” He picked something out of his teeth and grinned. “Yep, this is going to make a good coffee shop.”

Coffee shop? “There’s a café next door,” she said, trying to stop the angry tremble in her voice.

“The cat store? That’s a flash in the pan. It will go out of business soon.” His eyes turned beady. “I’ll make sure of it.” He smiled again. “Knocking out the competition is a good business practice. I’m sure Mr. Brewster will agree.”

Via’s stomach hit the floor.

“Make sure you get that to him pronto. I’ll be waiting to hear back.” Taking one last longing look at the shop, he spun on his heel and left.

Via’s hand shook as she read Leo’s name on the envelope. Glanced at the empty parking space where Leo’s Turismo was usually parked. Checked the time. He’d been gone nearly half an hour and would be back soon.

She hurried out the side door of the shop and went to Pawsitive Vibes, blowing past Squeaks, Sir Meow, Dora, a cute little girl with pigtails petting Cinnamon, and straight back to her office. She closed the door and caught her breath. She shouldn’t do this.I can’t do this.

But she had to, for the sake of Pawsitive Vibes... and her livelihood.

The envelope wasn’t perfectly sealed, and with a little careful tugging, she opened it without damaging the flap. She pulled out the folded paper. Opened the offer. Read it... and her head dropped into her hand.

“Via?” Dora said on the other side of the door. “You okay?”

She didn’t answer. The offer was incredibly generous. Lucrative, even. She didn’t know Percival had it in him. Or maybe he always had and Earl kept turning down the huge payday. It was only when Percival talked to Leo that he realized he couldn’t get Second Chapter for peanuts. She clutched her stomach, ready to throw up.

“I’m coming in,” Dora said, pushing open the door.

“Don’t—” Via thrust Percival’s offer behind her back.

Dora frowned and went to her. She peered over her shoulder. “What’s behind your back?”

“Nothing!” She leaned against her desk, the paper crumpling in her hand.

“Via...”

The hurt in her sister’s voice got to her. She shut the door and turned to Dora. “You can’t tell anyone about this. Especially Leo.” She explained about Percival, then showed her the offer.

“Whoa. That’s a lot of money.”

“He wants to put us out of business, Dora. I can’t allow that.”

Dora grew quiet. Then: “Are you going to show Leo the offer?”

“I... I don’t know.”

“But you have to. I can’t believe you’re even considering not giving it to him.”

Via didn’t respond, just turned around and put the offer in her desk. “I need time to figure this out.”

“Via...”

She whirled around. “I need time to think!”

Dora stared at her again, then shook her head. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” She walked out.