The Purrfect Judge

Going wrong for Everything was her cats Kate. Thank goodness were there to help!

Why on earth did I say that I'd co ok him dinner, when I'm the worst cook imaginable? Kate thought to herself.

She was beginning to panic at her impetuousness earlier that evening.

As if sensing her disquiet, Jerry pushed his soft nose into her hand and purred gently, having won the battle of curling up on her lap.

Tom meowed his disapproval at having lost, before curling up on the sofa beside them.

Being a cat lover, as soon as she' d been able to afford her own place, she' d rescued them from the local shelter.

She gave a wry grin and said: I' m trusting you two will let me know if he' s worth it or not.'

Maybe it was their feline intuition, but her last few boyfriends hadn' t even passed the purring test. Hopefully Adam would. It was her friend, Lara, who' d arranged the date. Come on,' she' d said, `I know you two will get on.'

Kate had raised a brow, ruefully remembering disastrous occasions when she' d been set up before.

Though, to be fair, not by Lara.

After some gentle persuasion, she' d agreed, and her heart had given a little flutter of approval as soon as she saw Adam.

He was smartly dressed in black jeans and a crisp white shirt, with tousled brown hair and handsome features.

But it was his eyes that captured her. They were feline-shaped, grass-green, and twinkling brighter than a chink of sunshine through the darkest cloud.

They' d talked all evening about every subject under the sun, including food, Adam saying how much he enjoyed his mum' s roast dinners.

That' s when things had started to go a little awry.

What had possessed her to suggest cooking him a roast? So stupid! That would be fantastic, thanks.' Adam' s eyes had lit up brighter than a fresh sheen of morning dew.

Panicking, Kate had rung her mum. After all, who else do you turn to in times of a cooking crisis?

Having been told there was nothing to it, and writing down her instructions, Kate shopped for ingredients.

Putting the beef into a roasting tin on the big day, she popped it into the oven, before washing some new potatoes and chopping some fresh broccoli.

She' d bought gravy which she planned on just heating up. After all, surely you were entitled to cheat at some things?

When the doorbell rang, she glanced round, happy with everything, before smoothing her dress and opening the door.

Instant approval shone in Adam' s eyes. You look amazing,' he said, passing her a bouquet of pink carnations, delicately surrounded by gypsophila. They' re beautiful, thank you. There' s a bottle of wine on the table if you' d like to open it.' Great¼ Hello there!' He bent down to stroke Tom and Jerry. You' re as gorgeous as your owner.'

Blushing, Kate hummed to herself as she went into the kitchen, casting an eye in the direction of the oven, before letting out a shriek. What' s the matter?' Adam rushed to her side. Have you burnt yourself?'

Kate' s hand flew to her face in horror. No. I forgot to turn the oven on!'

She wasn' t sure what she was expecting next, but it certainly wasn' t for Adam to dissolve into floods of laughter. Lara said you might do something like that,' he chuckled, whipping out his mobile to make a call. `I wondered why I couldn' t smell anything! Don' t worry. We can pop the meat into the fridge and cook it another time. Dinner' s on me tonight. I' ll just book a table.' I was trying to impress you,' Kate said sorrowfully.

Adam stepped towards her, staring deep into her eyes. And it was sweet of you, but there' s no need. I like you just the way you are. You' re beautiful, fun and kind. And you' re a cat lover, like me. I know it' s crazy, but as soon as I saw you, I felt an instant connection. I don' t care whether you can cook or not. Luckily, I can, so I don' t think we' ll starve.'

Kate cast a glance at the cats who were weaving their way around Adam' s legs, purring like little traction engines.

Or should that be attraction engines?

Certainly, it looked like Adam had met with their approval.

Her stomach rumbled and they both laughed. I' ll grab my coat,' she grinned.

Maybe it was their feline intuition, but her last few boyfriends hadnÕ t even passed the purring test