Page 9 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

“Allergic?” Dora asked.

“Yes.” He tried to shove Sir away, but the cat moved closer.

Via rose from her chair. “I don’t know why he’s acting so weird. He doesn’t usually get attached to strangers.”

Leo unceremoniously set him on the floor. Via winced when she saw the patches of light brown fur Sir left behind on his expensive jacket.

He brushed off the hair with indignant strokes.

“It’s not that bad,” Via said. The guy was overreacting to a little cat fur. “Sir doesn’t shed that much.”

“Are you serious?” He gestured to the jacket, then glared at Sir, who was staring up at him with kitty adoration. “Do you have any idea how expensive this is?”

“Really? It looks off the rack.” Via bit her bottom lip. Leo’s jacket was definitely high-end.

He glowered at her. Obviously her insult hit home.

“I think I’ll head downstairs.” Dora backed away toward the door. “Do you want me to take Sir?”

“No,” Via said.

“Yes,” Leo commanded. Then he shook his head. “I’ll leave,” he muttered and blew past Via, Dora, and Sir and left the apartment.

When Sir started to follow him, Via scooped him up. “No,” shesaid firmly, moving her face to his until they were almost nose to nose. He needed to know this was serious. “Leave Mr. Brewster alone.”

“Don’t you mean Leo?” Dora said.

“We’re not on a first-name basis.”

“I’m sure that will change soon.”

Sir squirmed in her arms. “Shut the door,” she said to her sister. After Sir couldn’t escape, she set him down. “What was that business about my birthmark?”

“I was just having a little fun. His expression was worth it.”

She’d been so busy making sure Dora didn’t give him the exact location of her heart birthmark that she didn’t see it. “What expression?”

“Curiosity. Lots of curiosity.” Dora smiled, then it faded a bit. “I won’t do it again. I didn’t mean to cause a problem.”

Via picked up the bowl, spoon, and glass Leo had used and took them to the small kitchen. The apartment was only one bedroom and on the small side, but she didn’t mind. It was perfect for her and Sir Meow’s needs. “It’s okay.”

She set dishes in the sink and wiped her hands on the dish towel that had a drawing of a little nose with lines on either side, the words “Cats are angels with whiskers”underneath. Sir Meow was being anything but angelic right now. More like a pain in the bucket. She returned to the living room to see Dora frowning.

“Are you sure?” Dora said, looking worried.

Via smiled. “Yes. Although it’s not like you to tease. Then again, ever since you and Charlie got together you’ve been acting...”

“Like I’m in love?” she said with a dreamy smile.

Yes, her sister was definitely in love. “Congratulations?”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Really, I’m happy for you. At least one of the Dalton siblings isn’t a romantic disaster.”

Dora tilted her head. “Do you know something about Fergus that I don’t?”

“No, but considering our brother hasn’t had a serious girlfriend since high school...”