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“My father didn’t come up with anything more innovative?”
“His recommendations were great, but not as comprehensive as I want.” Hunter closed the laptop and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if what I want even exists. I hate bugging Rory all the time, but she knows so damned much, and she always gets what I’m trying to explain, you know?”
“Yeah.” Grant swallowed some coffee, not sure if he should ask his next question but taking the plunge anyway. “You ever think of hiring her to work for Monarch?”
Hunter chuckled. “She was the first person I wanted to hire, but I can’t afford to pay her what she’s worth. At least, not long-term. She already did a crapload of work for free on the Mariposa Street database. Even if I could eventually pay her well, I don’t think she’d be interested in working with us.”
“Why not?” A spindly kitten butted its head against Grant’s leg. He bent to pick it up, and it promptly hooked its claws into his shirt.
“I asked her about the possibility, but she said historic restoration and development aren’t her areas of expertise.” Hunter scratched Fang behind the ears. “It’s a limited scope, too.”
Grant glanced through the adjoining window at the front room. “What has Aria said about it?”
“She’s all over the idea. She worships Rory.” Hunter pulled his feet off the coffee table and stretched. “But she also thinks Rory needs a variety of projects to keep her interested and to make the most of her skills. Anyway, it’s enough that she’s helping us find the right software. Again without pay.”
Aria came in with the muffin and croissant, which she set on a table beside Grant. She nudged Hunter’s arm and indicated the wall clock. “Meeting at ten. Don’t forget.”
“No, ma’am.” He stood and grabbed her hand, tugging her closer for a quick kiss.
After Hunter left, Grant finished his coffee and food with the kitten pawing at his shirt and crawling over his lap.
“That’s Button.” Aria stopped in again to refill his coffee. “She’d been adopted, but the family returned her to the Rescue House because they said she didn’t get along with their dog. So she’s looking for her forever home.”
“Her what?”
“The home where she can stay forever with a family who loves and wants her. She’s really friendly and curious. She’d be a great companion.”
Grant couldn’t help laughing. “Not afraid of the hard sell, are you?”
“Not when it comes to cats.” She straightened and smiled. “My sales pitch is truthful, though. And you’d be a great pet owner because you practically work from home. You’d be able to check on Button regularly to make sure she’s not lonely.”
“Much as I appreciate your cause, I’m not looking for a pet.” Grant plucked the weightless kitten from his shirt and set her back on the floor. She let out a little mew of protest. “I doubt you’ll have any trouble getting Button adopted.”
“Okay, but if you find yourself thinking about her a lot, you’ll know that she’s meant to be yours.” Aria picked up the plate and mug.
Grant thanked her again and left the café. If only that theory also applied to Rory.
