Read a Romance!

Fluff y liked her old home . . . and her owner liked Kate!

Just who are you?” I asked the beautiful white cat on my back steps. I reached down to try to read the tag on her collar, but she ran away.

I closed the back door and went back to stripping the paint off the kitchen cupboards. I’d bought the fi xer-upper several weeks earlier. Lately, I’d been thinking that mint green might look good in the living room, but it would have been nice to get someone else’s opinion.

“I should get a cat of my own,” I said to the empty kitchen. “She couldn’t answer me, but at least she’d listen to my ideas.”

The thought of getting a cat was still in my head when I went onto the back steps to watch the sunset. Suddenly, something soft rubbed against my legs. It was the white cat. “You again!” I chuckled. “Two visits in one day? I’m honored.”

My heart melted. What a cute and sensitive guy!

The cat began to purr as I gently patted her head. Slowly I moved my hand along her collar until I reached her name tag. “Hello, Fluffy,” I said. “And here’s a phone number, too. I bet your owner would like to know where you are.”

Pulling out my cellphone, I punched in the number. After a few rings, a man answered. “Andy Sellers.”

“Um, hello. My name is Kate Johnson, and I think I have your cat.”

“You have Fluffy? I’ve been looking for her all day. Where is she?”

“Now? In my lap. We watched the sunset together. I live on Oakton Terrace, number—”

“106,” Andy finished for me. “I should have known. I used to live in that house, and I don’t think Fluffy ever forgave me for moving. I’ll be right over to pick her up. I’m sorry if she bothered you.”

“She didn’t,” I assured him. “See you soon.”

Andy pulled into the driveway less than half an hour later. From my living room window, I watched him get out of his car. Average height, broad shoulders, sandy hair. “Why did you run away from someone who cares about you?” I asked Fluffy. She meowed demurely.

“Thanks for calling me,” he said. “I’ve been worried sick!”

My heart melted. What a cute and sensitive guy! When handing Fluffy over to him, I couldn’t help noticing that his green eyes matched hers.

“She’s always loved this house. This morning, she sneaked past me when I was going out the door to work.”

“I wonder why she loves it here so much?”

Andy shrugged. “She was originally my wife’s cat. I guess it feels like home to her.” He glanced around the living room. “Honestly, I feel the same. This place always felt cozy and welcoming.”

“So why did you move?” It was none of my business, but I was a little curious.

“To be nearer to work. Plus, I didn’t really need a house since my wife and I got divorced.”

“How did you end up with Fluffy?”

“My ex moved to Australia, and we agreed that Fluffy would be happier here.”

The whistle of the kettle on the stove interrupted us. “Would you like some tea? I’ve been stripping the kitchen cupboards all afternoon, and I’m ready for a break.” “Sure. I’d love that.” We went into the kitchen where Andy admired the cabinets. “Great job!” He sat down at the table and Fluffy jumped back into his arms.

“Owning a home is a lot more work than I imagined. But it’s fun, too” I said, pouring our tea.

He nodded and scratched behind Fluffy’s ears. “I have to admit, I miss working on my own house. Especially painting. If you ever need a hand, let me know. Fluffy and I will be over in a flash.”

“That would be awesome! I’m thinking maybe a mint color for the living room or maybe catnip green.” Fluffy purred her approval.

He nodded. “I’d be happy to help.”

“Really? You’re not kidding?”

“I am sooo not kidding,” he said, taking a sip of tea. “When do we start?”

“How about Saturday? If you come around nine o’clock, I’ll make pancakes.”

“It’s a deal!” he chuckled, shaking my hand.

I leaned back and took another sip of tea. My new house was beginning to feel a lot like home.

— Nell Musolf