The woman was not about to give up so easily and argued for another ten minutes, but finally, Amalia walked out into sunshine, away from that horrible stench, with Jehoshaphat in the cat carrier.

The old gray puss did not like riding back to the apartments in Amalia’s bike basket. He hissed and meowed and, before long, howled. This is ridiculous! Stupid. Why in the world am I doing this? All the way home Amalia berated herself. So did Jehoshaphat.

She locked up her bike and carried the cat box to her door, set it down, and let herself in. “Welcome to your new home, Jehoshaphat. I have a dish of cat food waiting for you, and clean water, of course, and a nice cat bed scented with catnip or something. The salesgirl said it’s an aroma cats love. I’m going to set the pet carrier beside your food dish and let you get used to the kitchen. Then I’ll let you out. You’ll notice also that you have a fancy litter box that is guaranteed not to stink.”

Jehoshaphat was not impressed. He continued to wail.

The phone chimed. Amalia answered.

“It’s Loren here. I have your books. May I drop them by at five?”

“Excellent. But, Loren, you know I could come to the library and get them.”

“I know, but it’s on my way. I’m happy to.”

“Thank you.”

“Amalia, do you have the TV turned up too loud? What am I hearing?”

“Not the TV. My cat. I’ll be waiting out front at five.”

* * *

“Hey, you want to celebrate with me tonight?” Roxie asked her daughter.

“Sure, why?” Loren replied, her voice coming through brightly over the phone.

“Offer has been accepted and they are on the fast track for closure since both parties want that to happen, and they already have approval for the loan, which isn’t surprising, since they are putting fifty percent down.”

“Good for you, Mom! How about going by the furniture store afterward and looking at that rug for your office again? Be just the thing to tie it all together.”

“Loren, you are a girl after my own heart. Grand way to celebrate.” Roxie grinned to herself. “What time are you done there?”

“Should be home by five. Hey, we’ve heard the buzzing about last night even here at the library. I think I’m going to put up a display of craft books and we’ll post a sign about the new group meeting. Keep in mind that we could host the group here if you outgrow the Yarn Shop.” Loren always sounded so upbeat.

“I’ll mention it to MJ. See you when you get here. Or if you’re too hungry, I could come by there and we can throw your bike in the back and head out sooner.”

“Thanks, but I’ll ride. I have some books to deliver to Amalia for one of her shut-ins.”

Strange. Amalia had seemed just fine. “She okay?”

“Yes, I just said I’d do this for her.”