My Book: The Cats of Stony River by Pookie

Carrie and Suzanna laughed. "I wouldn't make you do that, silly. I'd miss you! But I think it's an idea, we could rescue a couple kittens from the pound, and socialize them real well and offer their company to the guests," Suzanna replied.

"That would be an excellent advertisement for Sunshine. That would really get peoples' attention," said Meows.

"Um...I hate to rain on this parade, but I see a few things wrong with this picture you might want to address," began Bart. "One, you're going to need half the bedrooms -- maybe six of them -- to be cat-free. People have allergies. Also, along that line, the cats should stay out of the front parlor, the dining rooms, the library, and the study. The back parlor, the sunroom, the porch part of the kitchen, the hallway, and the basement would be where they could go. That utility room down there is huge and heated, so they'd always have someplace warm to go. And another problem is, kittens are fine, but you might want to try finding a well-socialized, friendly young adult cat or two to begin with, then bring in the kittens."

Suzanna took Bart's little speech in. "Okay, I follow. Those are sound ideas, Bart. I'll definitely give it some thought."

"Or, we could keep them in our cottage in the back and completely off the first floor. If a guest wants a cat, maybe it needs to stay in that room at night, and be let out back to the cottage when the guest is out. It'd be a lot of cat-toting back and forth, but he's right, the allergy thing could be a problem and you don't want to be sued," suggested Meows.

"That's probably a better idea," nodded Bart. "Also, you do allow dogs, and a cat roaming the halls might be a problem for some dogs."

Pook and Saav agreed. "That would work a lot better," said Pook. "You don't want a screaming cat and dog fight waking everyone up at two in the morning."

"Make sure no one on your staff is allergic to them," added Saav.

"That I do know. None of them are allergic to animals," said Suzanna. "I had to make sure they weren't because Sunshine is already pet-friendly."

"I think it's a neat idea. You also might want to think about hiring an extra person to change the litterbox in the room and refill the water and food bowls. It might have to be an on-call thing or part-time, since you might not have guests who want cats every day," Carrie suggested.

"Oh, yeah. Well, the budget looks good, I actually can hire a couple more people if I need to at this point," Suzanna said.

"Wanted: Professional cat-toter with own litterbox scoop to work at cat house," smiled Meows.
 

They laughed. "My ad agency, there," Suzanna quipped, pointing to Meows.

"I think it's a neat idea," Carrie said. "Adds a homey touch."

"Maybe I can start with one adult cat and see how that goes," Suzanna said.

Meows nodded. "That would be nice."

"Can you get along with just a regular cat?" Suzanna asked Meows.

"Oh, certainly," he smiled. "May I go with you to pick one out?"

"I wouldn't dream of doing that without you."

They finished lunch, discussing advertising approaches and how to fit those in with the existing ones for Sunshine. Meows couldn't wait to find the cat, take pictures of it, and see what he could come up with for the new ads. After the cats relieved Carrie of any leftovers she might have to take home, Suzanna scooped up Meows and took him to the shelter.

The lady at the front desk saw Meows on her shoulder and smiled. "Looks like he needs a friend," she guessed.

Suzanna laughed, thinking this woman looked familiar. "He does. I thought I'd bring him along to pick his new friend out."

"I'm afraid cats and dogs don't last long here," she sighed. "In fact, not a lot of the animals we take in here do. They get adopted almost as soon as they get here. We had a waiting list for kittens, and finally had to get them from another county. Puppies…well, we import those too.”

Suzanna was surprised. "How is that? Usually shelters are overrun with unwanted pets."

The lady smiled. "But everyone here who does have pets, they take care of them. They spay and neuter them. We always have been very short of any unwanted pets. It’s quite interesting, this town and these people.”

"That makes your job a lot easier, doesn't it?"

"Much easier. What are you looking for? I hope not a kitten. We're out, and another litter isn't expected for a while, and if there are only three kittens, they're spoken for."

"An older cat, one that's real good with people," said Suzanna.

"Wow, I have two. Now one, I think, is going to go to a lady when she comes back from vacation tomorrow or the next day. The other just came in yesterday. He's about a year and a half old, and he's a sweetheart," she said, getting up. "Let's go meet him."

Then Suzanna saw it. The slight limp. The pretty long black hair. This lady had been on her hands and knees picking glass out of her carpet a week ago. Suzanna smiled. Victim number two, she thought.
 
The big cage she led them to had the most beautiful long-haired, cream-and-chocolate colored cat they had ever seen.

"He was just groomed this morning," said the lady.

"What kind is he? He doesn't have the smushed nose of a Persian."

"We're not sure, but we think some type of Persian mix. He's neutered, has all his shots, and I can make you a copy of his records from his former vet."

"Why in the world would someone give up a beautiful cat like this?" Suzanna wondered. Meows purred so hard he rumbled. This one was the right one.

"Oh, that part's a little sad. The lady who owned him had a stroke, and now she's in a nursing home, unable to care for him. Her daughter and grandchildren tried to keep him, but their dog didn't like him and after a few weeks, that wasn't working at all. So her daughter brought him here."

"Can I hold him?" Suzanna asked. "Meows won't hurt him. I think Meows likes him."

"Sure," said the lady, and opened the cage door. The cat came right up to them and meowed to be picked up. Suzanna scooped him up and put him on her other shoulder. Both cats purred so loudly she felt like she had an earthquake on her shoulders. This one couldn't talk, but he was lovely and affectionate, and she wouldn't have to worry about this one scaring any of her guests by suddenly opening his mouth and talking. He was a regular, sweet cat, and the way Meows was thundering away, she knew this one was it.

"I'll take him," said Suzanna. The lady beamed.

"I think you'll be very happy with him. Looks like he likes both of you...listen to those purrs."

Suzanna followed the lady out. "How much is he?"

"Well, he just got here yesterday, and so except for the grooming, we haven't really spent much on him at all. How about just a donation? Whatever you think you would like to give to help us pay the bills and keep doing what we're doing," said the lady.

Suzanna opened her checkbook, wrote one out, and gave it to her, and the woman did a double-take.

"Oh! This is quite generous," she said a little nervously. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes. You're married, right?" Suzanna asked, seeing a gold band on her left hand.

"Yes, I am. Just got married last month," she said proudly.

"Wow! How nice. Where did you go on your honeymoon?"
 

"Nowhere. We're saving for a cruise," she replied, smiling with anticipation.

"Really? Hmm." Suzanna got her datebook out. "How would you and your new hubby like two free nights at Sunshine Inn in the fall, say the week around Thanksgiving? Call it a wedding gift. Everyone needs a little bit of a honeymoon," offered Suzanna.

The lady's eyes flew wide. "Oh that's right! Now I know where I've seen you. You're the one who owns Sunshine Inn!"

"Yes, and I remember you, on your hands and knees picking glass out of my carpet. I want to thank you, and do something for you."

"But you don't have to do that!" the lady exclaimed.

"How about the weekend after Thanksgiving? Will that work for you?"

"Wow...gosh! Yes! We're both off that weekend."

"Friday-Saturday or Saturday-Sunday?" Suzanna asked, her pen poised.

"Um...Friday-Saturday? Is that okay?"

"Sure, and I'll give you the room I usually try to give newlyweds. It's a lovely one with a fireplace and there's a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. It's especially cozy. I love that one. What's your name?"

"Ellen Duckett. My husband's name is Ben. This is wonderful of you, Ms. Pearson. I can't wait!"

"Call me Suzanna. And if you'd like to see the room first, I'll give you a tour when it's between guests in there."

She shook her head. "Ben and I were one of the first ones there on your opening day, when that guy smashed the champagne bottle. We saw all of them, and I know which one you're talking about. I love that one."

"Oh, good. Then I'll see you the day after Thanksgiving," Suzanna smiled. "And you'll see this little guy there. He's going to have a special role there."

"Official mousecatcher?"

Suzanna laughed. "Not exactly. Check out our ad in the paper in a couple weeks or so, and you'll see," she replied, and winked. "Thanks so much, Ellen. Thank you for helping me."

"No problem," Ellen smiled back. "You need a carrier for him?"

"No thanks, he'll be fine. It's only a couple blocks. Thanks again, see you in November."

With a smile and a wave, Suzanna went out the door with their new housemate.
 
"I like him," said Meows when they got in the truck. The other cat curled up next to Meows on the passenger seat.

Suzanna scratched the new cat under his chin. "How's the name Sunshine sound?"

"Quite fitting, Suzanna. I like it. Hello, Sunshine."

Sunshine looked at them, perfectly content, and Suzanna started the truck.

The beautiful cat fit right into the little household behind the B&B. After a week getting used to his new home, it was time to introduce him to the staff, get the ads in before the deadline, and hire someone to take care of him.

She needn't have worried about the last one. The staff was thrilled and offered to share the job. They loved the cat, and he seemed to like them. Luckily, he seemed to like everyone. When Suzanna took him to Carrie's shop, he got along fine with the other cats there, and didn't seem to really notice the other cats acted differently. He played with Belle and sampled Ralph's goodies, and he liked riding in the truck.

Meows, after the first week, ended up being a little disappointed because Sunshine didn't talk. He brought that up one night as all three of them were piled on the bed.

"Well, look at it this way," Suzanna said. "At least you two won't be fighting over the computer."

Meows did the feline version of a shrug, which was twitching his ears and whiskers. "Maybe. But it would be nice anyway."

"He's a regular kitty, Meows. And it's better. Remember when Carrie told us about Belle blowing their secret wide open to Ralph? You don't want panicking guests here, do you?"

He thought about that. "No, I guess not. Not everyone understands it."

"And also, if he did talk, and someone found out, and had less than the best of motives, he could be stolen and exploited. You don't want that either, do you?"

Meows sighed. "No, I guess not. I think maybe it's safer for him, that he can't talk. But I like him...on a feline level. I just wish I could have a conversation with him, find out who he is. That kind of thing."

"But you can. Just watch him. Notice his habits. Have you ever noticed he likes to curl up in the laundry basket? He likes our smell, he likes being associated with us. He follows us around all the time, so he likes people and other animals. You just have to watch him, and it's harder to do that than it is to talk to him...if he could talk. He also acted very friendly
 
toward everyone, and I think somewhere in his mind he understands what we want him to do here and he's trying to say, 'No problem, I can do this.' And I think he likes the idea, too. As if it suited his personality and his needs," said Suzanna.

Meows looked at his sleeping feline friend. "I guess so. That makes sense. If I want someone to talk to, I can always raise the others on messenger." He brightened. "Then again, after hours online with Belle zapping me with questions and sending me on endless searches because of her insatiable curiosity and zest for learning, sometimes the peace and quiet is nice."

Suzanna laughed. "I bet. But she is doing really well, from what I'm hearing."

"She's doing wonderfully, as usual. Very bright little one. Pook and Saav, I found out, are math, science and technology wizards and Bart's strong suits are philosophy and sociology, politics and religion. Interesting fellow, he is. When Pook and Saav distract Belle enough, we have some very enlightening discussions."

"That sounds very interesting," smiled Suzanna, thinking that discussions like that for hours on end would send her off the deep end screaming. She was glad Meows had the others to engage in that kind of activity with, and not her. She had gotten burned out on endless conversations like that with her peers in the law firm, and had to put up with stuffy, boring and arrogant fools who truly and completely believed they knew everything there was to know and then some. At least Meows wasn't like that. She had heard some of his discussions, and it seemed to her Meows spent more time trying to understand others' opinions rather than promoting his own. Unless, of course, he was asked. Or genuinely trying to help, such as his suggestion about trading the Mercedes. Practicality. More than once, she'd had reason upon reason to thank Meows for pointing her in the right direction. To show her gratitude, her license tag read MEOWS1. He was proud of that.

"It wouldn't really be to you, but it is to me. I know how you used to say if you heard one more overblown opinion you were going to choke the person it came from. I don't blame you. Those people you used to hang out with in the city were the most insufferable creatures I had ever met. And by the way, most of the time, they were wrong. I'd go look stuff up on your computer that I had heard mentioned, and wonder why the American Bar Association even bothered with them."

She was surprised at this. Again, he knew what she was thinking. "You went and looked it up? How come you never said so?"
 
"It was for my own information. I didn't think I needed to bore or upset you by bringing up those peoples' opinions. You already knew they were wrong, and there was never any need to revisit a useless argument. Besides, we had nicer things to talk about. Still do," he smiled. "Real things in our life. Sunshine and Sunshine Inn. Our cat and human friends, whose opinions we really do value and cherish. Our plans. What we want for dinner. Important things."

She smiled. "You are the best friend anyone could ever have."

"So are you. You take good care of me, too. You kept my secret for three years, til that day at the shop, keeping me safe. I think we make a good team." He looked over at the beautiful pile of chocolate-and-cream silky fur still sound asleep. "With a most impressive sidekick."

She smiled and petted him. "I think you're right. As usual."

Summer was on the way in the sunny days of June, and the big B&B bustled with guests in and out. The flowers and azaleas in the beds in front of the stores downtown were in bloom, splashing colors up and down the streets. Suzanna's insurance had come through, and again, there were changes to the Friendship Parlor. She had printed out flyers announcing the change and distributed them to as many people as she could, and the stores were passing them out to customers. And again, they all came to see it. Today was the third of the seven days of the open house, and she was exhausted but jubilant. This room looked even better than it did before, so many folks had told her. That pleased her to no end.

Sunshine the B&B cat was wildly popular. He hardly ever spent the night at the cottage now, and guests who had him in their room sometimes asked to buy him. Suzanna had decided not to charge extra for him in the room, but did ask that the guest leave a tip for the folks who took care of his box and fed him. The tip jar was often overflowing, and the staff enjoyed the extra money.

Sullivan's Antiques and Gifts was booming too; with the success of the B&B parlor, it seemed to revive an interest in antiques and Carrie was busier than ever. Sunshine Inn was attracting a lot of attention out of their county, and more and more tourists were discovering the B&B in the charming little mountain town, and they were discovering the stores as well. Since the B&B opened, Carrie's business was up by 30% and still going. Lowery's Porch was closing an hour later now to accommodate the out-of-towners, and Ralph was delighted. Many people were doing better because of Sunshine Inn, and they never failed to tell Suzanna of the increase in business they had.
 
One of the oddest of these was the lumberyard. The owner, Padraig Brennan, an Irish immigrant from Galway, stopped by to tell her he appreciated her restoring the old place back to its former beauty.

"Really?" asked Suzanna, puzzled. Maybe he just liked looking at it, she thought.

"Yep. Got a lot of these do-it-yourselfers around here who decided they needed sunrooms or wraparound porches after seeing what you did. They're adding dormers and all kinds of things. Great for the lumber and hardware business," he smiled.

She hadn't thought of that. "Oh, my...that's great! I'm glad," she replied, delighted.

He had shaken her hand and left, and she stared after him, amazed. Maybe this was good for the town, she thought. No one's complained yet. She hoped no one would.
 
Chapter 7 – The Curve in the Tunnel

The phone rang at one o’clock on a Saturday morning, jolting Suzanna awake and startling Meows on the laptop. She grabbed it.

"Hello? Carrie? What...I'll be right over." She hung up and flung herself out of bed. Sunshine was spending the night with a guest, and Meows jumped after her as she began to dress in a hurry.

"What's wrong with Carrie?" asked Meows, worried.

Ignoring the question, she asked, "What time does the Bear's Den close?"

That was the closest local bar. "In about an hour," he said. "What's wrong with Carrie?"

"Kyle just left her. We're going over there," she said, pulling on a shirt.

Meows frowned. "Poor Carrie. Why did you ask about the bar?"

"Because that's the only place I can think of that might sell me a little brandy, Carrie is horribly upset. He took the dogs."

"Mind if I tell the others? I was on Messenger with them."

"Make it fast. We're out of here as soon as I get dressed," Suzanna replied.

He nodded, and went to the laptop and pawed away furiously. Suzanna didn't want to know what invectives he was using, because it was obvious he wasn't happy. He had the computer off just as she grabbed her purse and keys.

"Let's go," she said, and he jumped to her shoulder. She strode quickly out to the truck, and he hopped into the passenger seat. Backing out a little too fast, her tires squawked in protest on the asphalt driveway. Meows's eyes widened, but he didn't say a word. They drove to the bar, and Suzanna went in while he waited. She returned a few minutes later with a small bag.

"I probably broke several laws doing that," she said, backing up again and turning out onto the street. "But the bartender knows me. All he asked is that I wouldn't drive if I drank."

Meows laughed. "Fat chance of that happening. You won't even get near a car when you've had a drink."

"True. But this is for Carrie. She's upset."

"Why did he leave her?"

"I don't know yet. I can't imagine why he would. I never knew of any problems between them."

"Are you sure the dogs are gone?" he asked nervously.

"Yes, unfortunately. Damn these stoplights!" she cursed, slowing down for another one. "That's why you're coming this time. I may go back and get Bart and Belle and their stuff. I don't know. C'mon, light!"

The light turned green, and she took off through the empty streets. Once out of town, she turned onto a narrow road that wound its way steeply
 
up a mountain, then into a driveway. Gravel was flying behind the truck as she willed the vehicle to go faster. They pulled up in front of a huge 2-story log cabin, and piled out. Suzanna grabbed the bag and Meows.

"Remember, she doesn't have a litterbox. You'll have to let us know when you need to step outside."

"Okay," said Meows from her left shoulder.

Without knocking, Suzanna yanked the front door open and blew in.

"Carrie!" she called from the foyer.

"Up here," came the sobbing reply. Suzanna flew up the stairs in the direction of a lighted room and went in.

Carrie was sitting on the bed, a box of tissues next to her. Suzanna didn't say anything. She put Meows and the bag down and sat next to Carrie and put her hand on her shoulder.
"I'm here for you," she said simply.

Carrie sobbed, and couldn't say much for a while. Then the whole story came out.

Kyle was supposed to have spent the weekend at home with her. Instead, he stayed for a few short hours, telling Carrie he was leaving, and telling her she could have the house, half their savings and investments, the shop, her Jeep, and he would provide alimony for her.

"He was so matter-of-fact, like we were discussing the weather, not the end of eighteen years of marriage!" cried Carrie. "And he said he was keeping the dogs. I was so numb by then I guess I agreed, hell, I don't know. Then he left."

She began to cry again, and Suzanna looked at Meows. He was seething with rage as his snapping green eyes met hers.

Kyle must be a real piece of work to do this to Carrie.

"Honey, did he say why he was leaving?" asked Suzanna.

Carrie shook her head. "Not a word. No reason, no nothing. Just that he was leaving, and said he would be back this week to get his personal things. He'd call and let me know when. That was it. Eighteen years -- poof! I can't believe it. I never knew he was even unhappy. We didn't fight or anything, we never have. I thought we had a good marriage, even if he was gone a lot."

"Oh, no. I'm so sorry, Carrie. Here, wait a minute."

Suzanna turned and gently touched Meows. "Meows, keep her company while I fix us a drink," she said.

Meows promptly crawled into Carrie's arms and licked a tear on her cheek. Suzanna got up and took the bag downstairs with her.
 
"Carrie, can you get your dogs back? I know how much you love them."

She shook her head. "No. They were actually his dogs until he started being away so much, and I guess they rightfully belong to him. I know he loves them, and he will take very good care of them."

"Then I guess it's time Bart and Belle moved in here," he suggested with a smile.

Carrie hugged him. "Yes. At least I have them, and you and Suzanna and the others."

He looked up at her with sympathy. "It's not the same, though. But we all love you."

Suzanna ascended the stairs and heard what he said.

"He's right, Carrie, we do love you," she agreed, handing Carrie a small glass of brandy.

"Um, don't drink that yet, Suzanna," Meows said. "You have an errand to run."

She and Carrie looked at him quizzically, then Suzanna realized what he was talking about.

"Oh! I'll go get Bart and Belle and their food and box and what they'll need for tonight," she said.

Meows nodded at Suzanna. "And I'll stay here with Carrie and take care of her til you get here with them."

"Suzanna..." began Carrie. "Could you...would you and Meows be able to stay tonight too? I don't want to be alone."

"Absolutely. I'll swing by the cottage first and grab some overnite stuff, then go get the cats. We can stay as long as you need us."

"Thank you," said Carrie with a sob.

Suzanna leaned over and planted a sisterly kiss on the top of Carrie's head and set her drink down on the nightstand. "Meows, make sure she finishes her drink. When she's done, give her this one too. Be back in a bit."

"Okay," replied Meows, patting Carrie's knee with a gentle paw. "I will."

Suzanna yanked up her purse and sped downstairs and out the door. A second later, they heard the truck start, and then roll out of the driveway, going a little bit more slowly this time.

"What a friend," said Carrie.

"The feeling is mutual, believe me," smiled Meows.

Carrie was quiet for a moment, sipping her drink. "I don't know what I'm going to do now."
 
The cat felt badly for her. "Of course you don't. This is a terrible shock to you right now, and your emotions and nerves are overloaded. Don't worry about it yet. Just take it one day at a time, and the answer will come."

"Tell me something. Was Suzanna as bad as me when her husband left her?"

"Absolutely. Probably even worse. You get to keep your shop; she was forced to sell out of the law firm and start over. But she did it, and she did a good job of it. You will too. You just don't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet because this tunnel has a sharp curve in it. When you get through the curve, you'll see the light," he assured her.

Carrie looked at him. "What's the curve?"

"Coming to terms with the circumstances and dealing with it head-on. That will take a while, after the shock and numbness and anger and grief wears off a little and you realize you're still alive and loved and a human being worth something. You'll get there, and then you'll know what to do."

"You are a very wise cat. I'll remember that," she said, a little smile coming for the first time.

"Nah, I just read a lot," he said, and winked at her. "Now be a good girl and take another sip or two of that vile stuff in the glass."

That almost made her laugh. "Okay, Meows."

Suzanna arrived back at Carrie's house in record time with Bart and Belle. They rushed up the steps to where Suzanna pointed, and piled on the bed. Carrie gathered them in her arms.

"You okay, Carrie? Here we are," said Bart.

Belle sniffed Carrie's tear-streaked cheek. "Oh, no, you've been crying."

Bart bristled. "Did he hit you, Carrie? I'll shred him."

"No, no, he didn't. I'm just sad, not physically hurt," Carrie replied.

Suzanna appeared in the doorway. "Have you eaten anything yet?"

"No, and I don't want to yet. But I'm starting on your drink now, which seems to help."

Suzanna laughed. "Okay, give me your empty glass and I'll make myself one. Where do you want their box and bowls?"

"In the utility room next to the kitchen. That will do for now. I don't want to think."

"Gotcha." Suzanna winked, and headed downstairs. Belle looked around at the beautiful room with its warm log walls and rich colors.

"Wow, you have a pretty house," said Belle. "It's so different from what you have in the shop."
 
"I didn't pick out the house or do the decorating," said Carrie. "Otherwise it would be quite different."

"You can always change it," suggested Meows. Bart nodded, as Suzanna had brought them up to speed on the way there.

"I guess so," she replied.

Belle kneaded the soft comforter, careful to keep her claws in. "This is nice and soft."

Bart looked around. "This is the first time we've been here."

"Me too," said Meows. "It is a lovely home, even if it is different from the shop."

"Can we sleep on your bed with you tonight?" asked Belle.

"Oh yes. Tonight and every night. If Suzanna brought your beds we'll take them back to the shop tomorrow, since there are four beds to choose from here."

Belle's eyes widened. "Wow, that's neat! But I like this one. It's yours."

"And yours too," Carrie said, tickling the kitten's whiskers.

Suzanna came in with her drink. "The bowls and box are in, and so are the plates Ralph left. I brought those so they'd have their treats. Now where do you want me?"

"Right now? In here with us. Later on, pick one."

She smiled, and perched on the other side of the bed. "All right."


Pook and Saav waited by the computer, but Meows, Bart and Belle never came back.

"I guess Suzanna picked them up too, on the way," Pook guessed.

Saav sighed. "Think we need to wake Mom up?"

"I don't know what she can do. It's almost four in the morning, and she’ll be up in a couple hours. We can tell her then, and maybe she can call Carrie later or go by the shop and see what's happening."

"This is awful. Poor Carrie. I wonder why he left."

Pook shook her head. "I don't know, Saav. I guess we'll find out later."

"Well, at least Carrie's not alone. That jerk took her dogs!" Saav grumbled.

"Look at it this way: she still has Bart and Belle. She might move them from the shop to her house, and bring them in every day to the shop," said Pook.

"If she gets to keep the shop," Saav muttered unhappily.
 
"He's got his own business, and makes lots more than Carrie. He'll let her keep it. They'll probably split their stuff down the middle and leave it at that."

"Yeah, I hope, but we've heard some pretty awful stories about separations and divorces. You can't help but worry when it's happening to your friend," Saav sighed.

"I know. I'm just trying to put a more positive spin on it, though. We really don't have any facts right now, except he left and took the dogs, Suzanna and Meows are there, and she probably picked up Bart and Belle, since the dogs are gone. But we really don't even know that for sure; it just looks that way because none of them are online."

Saav pawed at the keyboard. "I'm going to email them and tell them to email us as soon as they can. We don't know where we're going today, since it's Saturday. I'm worried."

"Me too," Pook agreed with a sigh. "This is no fun."

Joyce got up around 6:30 and walked out to the kitchen to put the water on for tea. Pook and Saav bolted from their vigil by their laptop and ran to her.

"Mom! Kyle left Carrie last night," cried Pook.

"Yeah and he took her dogs!" exclaimed Saav. "Come read this last IM from Meows!"

"Whaaaaaaaat?!"

"Come see," said Saav.

"Okay," she said, following Pook and Saav to the livingroom, where the girls' laptop was set up for them on the coffeetable. Saav pulled it up, and Joyce read it.

"Oh my God," she sighed. She glanced at the clock. "Carrie's probably had a long night, and it seems to me Suzanna would probably have stayed with her. I think as soon as they're up, one of them, probably Suzanna will call us, since they know you girls know just the beginning. Somebody will let us know how Carrie's doing."

"I hate not knowing!" Saav fussed.

"I do too, Saav. But I'm sure she's okay. Like the IM said, we know Suzanna and Meows went to her last night, and I think if Meows had returned home, he would have IM'ed you. He didn't, so my best guess is that they stayed, and Bart and Belle may be there too. Suzanna's not the type to bug out on someone when they're down."

Saav still looked disgruntled.

"Okay. How about I drive you to the shop right now. You girls can buzz in through the cat door and see if Bart and Belle are there. If not, then
 
we drive by the inn and look for Suzanna's truck. If it isn't there either, then I bet they are all at Carrie's. Fair enough?" Joyce suggested, yawning.

"Now?" asked Pook.

"Right now. As soon as I get some clothes on."

Pook and Saav raced to the door and waited. Joyce dressed quickly, grabbed her purse and keys, and they got into her car.

Their first stop was the shop. Pook and Saav bounded in through Bart's cat door, and the shop was empty. Bart and Belle weren't there, and Belle's box and their food bowls were gone.

"Not there," Pook said as she jumped back into the car, followed by Saav.

"Okay, then at least Suzanna picked them up and took them to Carrie. Next stop, Sunshine Inn."

They drove by slowly. No blue truck.

"Okay, Carrie's not alone," sighed Saav. "That helps."

"Can we stay home and wait online for them to IM?" asked Pook.

"Sure. Carrie always calls on my cell anyway," said Joyce. "We won't make a move until we hear from them, one way or another."

That seemed to make the girls feel at least a little better. After a long, anxious night, they fell asleep in front of their laptop, waiting for the sound of the computer chime to alert them to an incoming instant message.

Joyce tucked their afghans around them, and headed to the kitchen for tea. She let the dog outside to the fenced-in back yard, then took her cup and went out on her front porch to read the paper and wait for a call.


June was an especially bad time to separate with all the weddings going on. At times Carrie thought she would scream if she heard "looking for a wedding present" one more time. In her home, Carrie felt like a stranger, a lonely stranger. If it hadn't been for Suzanna and the cats and other friends, Carrie would have given up and crawled under a rock, never to come out.

One morning in early July, she pulled up in front of the shop, and something made her look up. She had just put the house up for sale; she didn't want to live in it any more, surrounded by all those memories. Not knowing where she would go when it was sold, she looked up at the second story of the building that held the restaurant and the shop. She and Ralph were the owners of that building, each owning half although Ralph's restaurant was almost twice the size of the shop.
 
They'd been there for fourteen years, and at times they tossed around ideas for the second floor, but never did get around to doing anything to it. But now...

Her heart leaped. Bart and Belle looked up at her questioningly. Quickly, she opened the shop door and they went in.

She ran to the back room and up the steps to the unfinished second floor, which stretched from one end of the building to the other, empty except for dust. She paced back and forth, looking, squinting, checking the windows and the floor. It was sound enough.

Carrie raced back downstairs and grabbed a sheet of paper and a pencil. Bart and Belle jumped up on the counter and watched. She was drawing out a rough sketch of a floor plan.

"What's that?" asked Belle.

"An idea. How would you guys like to live above the shop if I built us an apartment up there?"

Bart twitched his whiskers and smiled. "I'd love that."

"Me too," said Belle. "I always liked it here."

Meows bounced into the shop from the rear cat door. "Good morning, Carrie, Belle, Bart. How are you all doing today?"

"Wonderful! Carrie's gonna build us a house upstairs we can all live in!" exclaimed Belle. Meows and Bart traded a rather proud-big-brother look. She loved life and everything it had to offer.

"Well, I need to know if Ralph would mind if I put in a little apartment over my part of the building. He owns half of it," said Carrie.

"He'll be in the restaurant in just a moment. I saw his car pull up in the alley when I came in," said Meows. "Suzanna will be by in a few minutes. A guest accidentally cracked a lamp globe in the library and she needs to order a replacement. You can talk to her about your apartment plan, too. She did a great job with Sunshine Inn."

"Yes, she really did," said Carrie.

Ralph poked his head in. "Good morning, cats! Morning, Carrie!"

Everyone greeted him, and Carrie asked, "Ralph, do you have a minute?"

"I have hours and hours for you, dear. What's up?" he smiled.

"Would it be okay to build a small apartment just over the shop area so I can live there? I put the house up for sale."

Ralph looked around, and frowned. "That's a good idea, but I have a better idea. Come with me."

Carrie and the cats followed Ralph upstairs, and he began pacing off an area. "You see, I have almost twice the room you have downstairs. To
 
make it even, you should have the same-sized space up here that I have downstairs, which would leave room for a storage area for me. We both win. The space is divided evenly between us. You get a larger, more comfortable apartment, I get a storage space I really do need now that business has picked up so much," he explained.

Meows looked at Bart. "Now that is exactly what I call fair."

Bart and Belle nodded. "It is," Bart agreed.

Carrie looked surprised. The question of who had how much space had never occurred to her. "Are you sure about that?" she asked him.

"Of course! And it would make sense for you to build a place here. At least for now, in town, closer to your friends. Later on, if you get a house, a bigger apartment is a better rental investment than a smaller one, especially with the downtown location and alley parking right behind the police station. It would be a good start for you, a good investment later on, it raises the property value, and old dead space gets a function. What do you say?"

"Go for it!" shouted Belle from the doorway, completely taken by Ralph's idea.

Carrie and Ralph laughed.

"I think I'll do what she said. I think I'll go for it," she said, smiling.

"Then it's a deal? You build the apartment, I'll build the storage area?"

"Deal," she agreed, and they shook hands on it with the cats as witnesses.

"Well! Now! We finally settled on something for this floor after all these years," he boomed, as they headed back downstairs.

"That's going to be a big apartment, though," said Carrie.

"That's the whole idea," Ralph grinned at her. "I have a big restaurant."

"And a very nice one with excellent fare," added Meows.

"Thanks, buddy. I'm glad you think so," Ralph replied. "Well, I gotta go cook. Cats! breakfast is ready!"

They followed him to the kitchen, and Carrie turned and went into the shop.

Meows had been right. She had gotten through the curve, and the light was now in sight.

A week later, the din upstairs was unbearable. The cats couldn't stand it, and they stayed with Sunshine in the cottage behind the B&B instead of the shop. Carrie and her customers had to yell at each other to be heard, but no one complained.

It was just as bothersome to Ralph's customers too, but people liked Carrie and were happy to see her move right into their midst.
 
Not only that, but in tiny towns like Stony River, news traveled fast and everyone knew Carrie's husband had left her and she hadn't been herself for weeks. But now she was bouncing back, becoming more like her usual happy self each day.

Several asked to see the work going on and took a peek with Ralph or Carrie.

Towns like Stony River don't forget favors either. Many people remembered Carrie's two truckloads of furniture for Sunshine Inn when the front parlor was damaged so badly and Suzanna had barely been able to make ends meet at the time. Over the years, she had helped others, giving valuable things away to auctions to help handicapped children and other charities, and her unfailing help to Ralph every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

A family's home partially burned one year, and she provided two rooms of furniture and beautiful lamps and vases when they rebuilt. Some of the work on her new apartment was provided to Carrie for free or a much lower cost. The electrician installed heavy-duty copper wiring and charged her for the cheaper aluminum. Somewhere along the way he forgot to charge her for labor. Paint and lumber from Brennan's Hardware, for some reason, was missing from the bill she got.

Somehow she got twice as many windows as she paid for. Half the town was laughing up their sleeves as they'd see her go argue with people about the bills, and they found it hard to keep a straight face when they told her the bill was correct, she must be tired, oh well, if it's a mistake, it's a mistake, who cares...and Carrie was totally confused.

"Nothing is adding up right," she told Suzanna one night over dinner at Suzanna's cottage.

Suzanna was in on the whole thing too. "Really? Are you sure?"

Carrie looked offended. "I've kept my own books for over fourteen years. I know mistakes when I see them. These bills are wrong."

"Well, if you're not being overcharged, I wouldn't worry about it if they refuse to do anything about it. Mistakes do happen, and people do like you, so maybe they really don't care if you didn't pay full price for something. How many times have you given huge discounts to people and given things away? Sometimes it just comes back," explained Suzanna.

"Not like this it doesn't. I've always paid my way."

"And you do. Sometimes life has other ideas, or it's karma, whatever. Don't worry about it. It's going to be a great apartment! The cats are going to love it," Suzanna said, trying to change the subject. Carrie was in for a real surprise in a couple weeks, and Suzanna was the orchestrator of that one. If Carrie didn't quit fussing about the bills, Suzanna was going to be unable to keep a straight face. She really didn't want to blow it, it was going too well. Carrie was totally befuzzled.
 
"Oh, yes they will. They're helping to decorate too. Don't ever give Belle free rein over decorating your place, Suzanna. It'll look like a really gaudy brothel."

Suzanna laughed. "I'll bet. She loves bright colors."

"I can't believe it will be ready to move into by September! They're days ahead of schedule."

Her friend nodded. "They're not building a house, so rain doesn't bother them. The little balconies in the front and back are really nice touches."

"Ralph likes it too. He's been such a wonderful help with this, and he's using his accounts to get me a really neat stove and refrigerator at a real discount," Carrie said. She sighed. "I can't help but think how great this little place is going to look. And you know why? Because it's mine. All mine."

Suzanna nodded. "That's what I love about the inn and all here. It's an incredible feeling."

"That it is," she agreed. She looked out the window at her Jeep in the driveway, and another thought struck.

"What's out there?" Suzanna asked, following her gaze.

"Something else that needs to be changed," said Carrie.

"The Jeep? What's wrong with it?"

"Kyle picked it out for me two years ago. I never wanted a Jeep. I wanted a Subaru station wagon. He said the Jeep was better, but I still like the Subaru better. That Jeep's kinda high off the ground and can be hard to get in and out of," said Carrie.

"Well, then trade the thing in on what you want. Whatever's practical for you. You don't want to get stuck with anything you don't want in your life ever again," smiled Suzanna. "You are creating your own world this time."

"Yeah, I guess I am, aren't I?"


Two weeks later, a truck pulled up to the back of the store, and the driver went to Carrie in the front.

"Are you Carrie Sullivan?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, coming around the counter. "May I help you?"

"Where do you want the Jacuzzi?"

"What Jacuzzi? I didn't order a Jacuzzi. I ordered just a regular bathtub."

"Hmm. Says here that order was cancelled and this replaces it, and shows you paid for the difference," he said, showing her the paperwork.
 
"That's not right," said Carrie. "I didn't pay for it. There has to be a mistake. Besides, a Jacuzzi won’t fit.”

"There isn't any mistake here, ma'am, see? And it’s the style that fits in a conventional tub space.”

"He's right. There is no mistake," said a chirpy voice behind them. Carrie whirled around and saw Ralph and Suzanna. "The paperwork's faked," laughed Suzanna.

The driver laughed. He was in on it too.

"What the -- ?" Carrie was really confused.

"There were three Jacuzzis ordered for the B&B," said Suzanna. "Four arrived. I thought, well, if I need a spare, I'll have one. I had the money for the extra one, so I paid for it. It's been sitting in my basement ever since, waiting for a home. Taa-daa!"

"Oh my God," breathed Carrie. "I can't take this, Suzanna, really, I --"

"Give me five hundred and fifty-four reasons why and I'll take it back," she teased.

"Oh YOU!" Carrie laughed.

Suzanna laughed. "Oh, by the way, your refund on the regular bathtub you ordered," she said, giving Carrie an envelope.

"How did you pull this off?" asked Carrie.

"It's a secret. Now answer the man's question," she smiled.

"Oh! Upstairs, um...in the bathroom. The big bathroom off the master bedroom," Carrie told him quickly.

"Okay," he grinned, and disappeared.

"I can't believe you. A Jacuzzi. That's going to make me late for work, you know. I won't want to get out of it," said Carrie, hugging her friend.

"That's the whole idea. Then when you're late opening the shop, I'll just run around town telling people why," Suzanna said.

"Meanie," laughed Carrie.

"Could be worse. She could have told you she'd run around town showing pictures of why you're late," said Ralph.

"Oh no!" Suzanna choked.

"Oh, Ralph! That's awful!" laughed Carrie.

"The stove and fridge should be here within the week," said Ralph.

"Wonderful! Boy, it's really getting close! I'll be able to move in upstairs by the end of August. That's only thirteen days away. I can't wait."

"Neither can we. We've been since July the fourth without an excuse to have a party," Suzanna said with a grin.
 
Moving day arrived, and Suzanna left the B&B in her staff's very capable hands to open Carrie's shop and help her move.

Joyce came by to help as well, since it was a Saturday. The cats stayed with Meows and Sunshine in the cottage, and Justin stopped in for a short time to hook up the cable to her TV and DVD player, reassemble her stereo system, set her computer up, and to give her his own housewarming gifts: second-floor wireless and a porcelain tea set he ordered from a shop in Ireland. Carrie was delighted.

It was a lovely, light and airy place, with a skylight in the living room and master bedroom. French doors led from the dining room to the little balcony, and the kitchen had a sunny breakfast nook. Carrie's bedroom featured a big bay windowseat, which afforded the cats a terrific view of the street, and of the big B&B on the corner. Throughout the apartment, the polished hardwood floors gleamed, with colorful throw rugs here and there. It looked a little like the B&B, as Suzanna's and Carrie's tastes were quite similar, but more modern and updated. Carrie liked softer colors, where Suzanna liked a lot of contrast.

Last to come were the cats. They tore in through the cat door that evening, just as the shop was closing and Joyce had a chance to go get them. Because of the noise, the cats hadn't seen the place yet, preferring to wait, and Belle learned all about anticipation.

Belle wasn't used to highly polished hardwood floors, and came in so quickly that she skidded and bumped into an end table. She swatted the table.

"Animal!" she hissed, waving her tail at it and stalking away. Carrie and Suzanna shared a silent giggle.

"Belle's home," Carrie said drily.

The apartment looked perfect, and everything was in its place, due to careful planning and efficiency. The cats explored thoroughly, and were delighted to find cat doors to the balconies, where they could watch the comings and goings below.

The bay window would soon be a favorite, and in Carrie's computer room, there was a small writing table that held Bart and Belle's laptop in front of the big window from which they could see the street and the B&B. Meows complimented Carrie on her decorating abilities, Bart couldn't wait to curl up in the bay window, and Belle eyed the pretty writing table with the laptop on it with interest. She couldn't wait to sit there and watch the world open up to her on the screen while her own little world went on below her within sight. Pook and Saav had never seen an apartment before.

"Where's the yard?" asked Saav.
 
"It's an apartment, built into a business area, and it's an upstairs apartment, so there really aren't yards, per se, in areas like this," said Meows.

"But the B&B has a big yard," Pook said.

"True, but it's different. B&Bs usually do have yards," Meows smiled. "Especially if you allow dogs there."

Suzanna brought out a champagne bottle, and Ralph brought up the cats' plates. He always saved some in a take-out box for Sunshine, too, who had a guest to keep company that day. Joyce headed home to catch up on cleaning her own home, promising to be there tomorrow for the house-warming. Pook and Saav congratulated Carrie and left with her. Soon Suzanne and Carrie sat at the table with two glasses and the bottle. Suzanna poured two glasses.

"To a new beginning," she said, raising her glass.

"It's about time," smiled Carrie.
 
End of Chapter Seven. I'm pooped!

Hope all of this is easier to read and thank you to SeaBreeze for helping me and being a great editor!
 
Chapter 8 – Paul

September was a beautiful month in the mountains. The days were clear and crisp, the nights were just starting to get slightly chilly. Carrie and Suzanna found themselves using Carrie's balconies and Suzanna's porch quite a bit in the evenings, laughing at the cats' antics, poring over catalogs, listening to the public radio station, or just chatting about their day. Little Belle was still absorbing as much information as she could from the Internet and her home-schooling lessons and the older cats as she continued to grow.

One evening in the middle of September, the cats came racing to the balcony.

"Look," said Meows, pointing down the street. "There's a very large limo parked at the B&B, blocking the drive. Did you have a VIP coming in tonight?"

"Not that I know of," said Suzanna, frowning. She set her teacup down and began to get up when her cell phone rang. Grabbing it from her purse, she flipped it open. "It's Sunshine Inn."

Suzanna stepped away from the table and strained her eyes toward the B&B.

"WHAT?!" she erupted suddenly. "Call the police. I'll be right there."

She snapped the phone shut. Carrie got up, and the cats raced ahead through the cat doors and waited by the apartment's front door.

"What's wrong?" asked Carrie.

"Some woman is down there insisting on a room, and apparently she kicked Sunshine." She clenched her jaw. "If he is hurt, whoever this broad is will wish she'd never even gotten out of bed today."

Three pairs of cat eyes narrowed, three sets of cat ears flattened, and three fur coats crawled with rage. They waited irritably while the women put their cups in the sink and filed out the door. Once outside, the cats bolted toward the B&B, not waiting to ride with Suzanna and Carrie. They would beat them there.

The cats waited on the back porch as Suzanna and Carrie pulled up in Suzanna's cottage driveway. The limo was blocking the entrance to the B&B parking lot, and they couldn't get in there. The cats froze when they saw who it was. That weird, icy woman with the yappy poodle who had come into the shop months ago demanding that the cats get out was now standing in the big foyer, demanding a room this time. The poodle started yapping and barking when it saw the cats, who again hissed and fluffed up. Meows hadn't seen her before, but knew instinctively this woman was bad news. Bart and Belle would never forget her. The guest who had Sunshine sat with him in his lap, comforting him, and Suzanna flew to her cat.

"His side seems to hurt him. He got a vicious kick," said the man, putting him in her arms. "I'm so sorry, it happened so fast and I was just too late in seeing what was happening."

Suzanna cuddled Sunshine, but Carrie frowned.
 

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