She unlocked her Honda, tossed in her bag and the store bag with its Wi-Fi system that she no longer needed, and shivered. It was very cold, and it took the Honda forever to warm up. Before going home, she’d stop at the animal shelter, to explain her change of circumstances, and hoped it wouldn’t matter. “The cats couldn’t care less,” she said aloud, puffs of cold air coming from her mouth. She hadn’t heard of any updated travel arrangements from Angela other than to be ready when Mr. Giampalo’s plane arrived. She’d have no trouble doing so now since her parents had practically kicked her out of the store. No, more like they’d fired her. If it weren’t so pathetic, she’d laugh. It was sad because one way or another, her parents were bound to figure out that the lack of sales wasn’t due to her lack of experience. It is what it is, she thought as she made the turn onto Oak Street. The shelter was virtually on her way home, so she’d stop by, see her little feline family, then go home.

The second she entered the shelter, she was greeted by Beau, the friendly parrot, and the young girl, whose name she didn’t know. “Back so soon?” she asked, grinning.

Lauren nodded. “Just wanted to check on the fur babies since I was on my way home.”

“Awesome. They’ll love seeing their momma,” she said. “Follow me.”

Lauren followed her to a different room, which contained only a handful of animals. She spied Daisy in the corner, all comfy on her bed, with Yule and Evie nestled closely beside her.

The girl opened a gate and stood aside. “Stay as long as you want. These lucky creatures are waiting to join their new families; we separate them once they’re adopted.”

That explained the move. “I’ll just be a couple of minutes.” Lauren lowered herself to the floor next to the kitties. “I’m going to be the best friend you’ve ever had,” she said as she stroked their tiny heads. “And you too, Momma cat,” she said, running her fingertips across the top of Daisy’s head and receiving a lengthy purr as a thank-you.

Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. “Hello,” she said as she took turns stroking the kittens’ soft fur.

“I just heard from Mr. G,” said Angela in her usual no-nonsense manner.

“Hang on.” Lauren gave her new family one last pet, then returned to the front office, where she briefly explained her situation to the young girl, asking her if it was possible to change the vet’s visitation for later today. While she checked their schedule, Lauren spoke to Angela. “So, what’s new?” Lauren asked while she waited.