Chapter 10
‘Well, it is good to see you.’ Mollie settled behind her small desk in the office and Noah took a seat in the surprisingly comfortable chair on the other side of it. ‘You must have had a lot on, lately, what with your business and Jack’s estate to sort out.’
Noah nodded. ‘It’s been hectic, yes. But I couldn’t put things off any longer.’
Mollie looked at him shrewdly. Noah had known Mollie since he’d begun visiting his grandfather as a boy, and he rather got the feeling that she was weighing him up. ‘You’ve worked hard to build that business in a very competitive market. Jack was proud of you, you know.’
Noah felt his throat growing tight at the compliment.
Jack had lent him the money to start up the estate agency when the bank he’d applied to had turned him down, and although he’d paid his grandfather back, with interest, the gesture had meant the world to him at the time.
Now, he’d hand it all back over for one more minute with his grandfather.
‘Thank you,’ he replied quietly.
‘In fact,’ Mollie continued, ‘the only thing he loved as much as you boys was Monty. And poor Monty misses him so much.’ She looked intently at Noah. ‘Have you and your brothers decided what to do with him?’
‘I was hoping you might be able to give us some help,’ Noah said. ‘I, er, suppose him staying here is out of the question?’
Mollie stayed silent for a beat or two. Noah could see from her pensive expression that she was debating how to put her next ideas to him.
‘He’s welcome to stay, of course,’ she began. ‘But can I be honest with you, Noah? It’s going to cost a lot to keep him here. Boarding rates are going to increase in September, and although Monty gets a discount as a long-term resident, it’s going to cost you.’
‘Money’s not a problem,’ Noah said quickly. ‘I’m more than willing to pay for his care.’
Mollie regarded him again, and her direct stare made Noah feel as though she was looking at the boy he was from years ago, rather than the person he was now. ‘It’s not just about the money, Noah.’
‘What is it about, then?’
‘Your grandfather loved Monty. He gave that cat the very best life he could while he was his owner. It doesn’t seem fair for Monty now to be living out his days in a pen, with only a small outdoor space, when he was used to having the run of the cottage and its garden.
We all love him, but he needs a proper home, with an owner who can care for him for the time he has left.
If you’re not going to be his new owner, then perhaps it’s best we try to re-home him, don’t you think? ’
Noah felt a pang of the guilt he’d been trying to suppress ever since he crossed the threshold of Purrfect Paws.
‘I can’t take him with me,’ he said flatly.
‘I live in London, and I’ve only got a balcony.
I might not know as much as you about Bengals, but I do know they like to climb.
He’d be on the roof, or worse, falling off it, in the time it took me to buy his favourite cat food. It’s not practical.’
Mollie nodded. ‘I see that. And your brothers?’
‘Both living abroad at the moment and unlikely to return any time soon. Besides, Marc’s wife’s ill and Joel lives in the Emirates in an even smaller flat than I have. We don’t have the space for Grandpa’s cat.’
‘I see.’ Mollie’s expression was sympathetic, but Noah was sure he wasn’t imagining a trace of exasperation there, too.
It made his defences prickle. Just because she’d devoted her life to raising the waifs and strays of the feline world, it didn’t mean he had to do the same.
If Mollie wasn’t happy to keep him on at the cattery, then perhaps she could help to find him a new home.
‘Of course, it’s not going to be easy to find new owners for a cat Monty’s age,’ Mollie continued as if she’d read Noah’s mind.
‘He’s eighteen now, and probably doesn’t have long left, and the vet’s diagnosed a heart murmur.
He may not need medication, but if he does, people tend to be put off by that, too.
The chances of finding somewhere that’ll take him and give him the freedom to roam while he can are quite low. ’
‘But you can try?’ Noah asked. ‘I mean, you must have a lot of contacts.’
‘I do, but times are hard for people.’ She sighed. ‘And most owners want kittens, or young cats. It could be hard to find anyone prepared to take Monty on.’
Noah’s exasperation fought with guilt. He couldn’t help the defensive tone in his voice as he replied. ‘Well, I guess he’ll have to learn to love his pen, then, won’t he? I can keep paying for him, so long as you’re willing to keep him here.’
‘Very well.’ Mollie nodded, but Noah got the impression from the slightly stiff incline of her head that she was holding back from telling him what she really thought about his decision.
‘I should make you aware, though, that any veterinary fees Purrfect Paws has to pay on Monty’s behalf will be billed to you in future.
He’s the family’s responsibility, Noah.’
‘I understand.’ Noah suddenly felt as though he needed to get out of Mollie’s office. He needed some fresh air, and the guilt at leaving Monty in limbo at Purrfect Paws was impinging on his ability to think clearly.
‘We’ll be in touch.’ Mollie stood with a creak. ‘How long will you be in the village?’
‘Only until tomorrow morning,’ Noah replied. ‘I’ve got to get back for work on Monday.’
As they walked back to reception, Noah’s desperation to get outside and away from the cat sanctuary began to rise. His gut churned, and his heart was beating at a speed that surprised him. He turned quickly back to Mollie. ‘Bye, Mollie. And thanks.’
‘Did you not want to put your head in on Monty before you leave?’ Mollie asked, her brow wrinkling.
Noah shook his head. ‘Not today. I’ve, er, got lots of things to sort out at the cottage. I’ll see him next time.’ He needed to get out of there. He felt sick to the stomach and frustrated with the whole situation.
‘All right, then. Take care, Noah.’
Noah nodded, and, not bothering to say goodbye to Bella, who was sorting through paperwork behind the counter, he hurried back out to the car.