“Then you should wait, Hannah. One has to be the clear winner.”

“I think you’re right. But let’s get back to the real problem. What am I going to make for dinner?”

“Sausage. That cooks in no time at all, especially if you get the precooked kind. Fix sausage and potato pancakes, and some of your cookies for dessert.”

“Sausage it is,” Hannah decided, “but potato pancakes aren’t quick and easy.”

“Yes, they are. Pick up a package of frozen hash browns. They’re already grated. Just chop them up so they’re in smaller pieces and follow your favorite recipe.”

“Good idea!” Hannah began to smile. “What else?”

“Get applesauce and don’t forget the sour cream. You can serve those on the side. I’ll wrap up your sausage while you go and get the rest. And pick up some ice cream. You can serve it for dessert, along with some of the cookies you always carry around in your truck.”

“Sausage tonight,” Hannah announced to the cat that hurtled himself into her arms the moment she pushed open her door.

“Rowwww.”

“I knew you’d like that. And Uncle Mike is coming for dinner.” Hannah stopped and stared down at Moishe, who was staring up at her with startled yellow eyes. “Did I really call him Uncle Mike? I did, didn’t I?” She kicked the door shut behind her and placed her resident feline on top of the couch so that she could shrug out of her parka. “Sorry, Moishe. I must be hanging around Andrea too much.”

Moishe said nothing. He was a smart cat. Hannah went back outside, picked up the Kitty Valet boxes and the sack of groceries she’d propped up outside her door so that she’d be able to catch him, and carried them inside. She tossed the boxes on the couch and carried the sack to the kitchen. The ice cream went into the freezer, the sausage and the chicken breast that would constitute the meat portion of her dinner went into covered pans in the oven, the hash browns sat on the counter waiting for her attention, and the kitty crunchies came out of the bag in her broom closet.

“I know you’re hungry. Just hold on a second,” Hannah said as she scooped up a generous portion and put it in the bottom of Moishe’s empty food bowl to cover the grinning portrait of Garfield, whose cartoon countenance appeared every time the bowl was emptied. Another generous scoop ensured that Hannah would have time to mix up the potato pancakes. Once Moishe’s water bowl was filled, she was free to continue the preparation of Mike’s dinner for at least ten minutes, maybe fifteen, or until her cat ran out of essentials.