The Chocolate Magic Café, page 6
part #1 of Chocolate Magic Series
“I know this is an odd question,” Magda said, “but do you own a cat?”
“Got three,” he answered. “Why?” They told him that she only showed herself to cat lovers.
“The woman must have had the right attitude,” he remarked and went back to his wood and his drill apparently not concerned that he had seen a ghost.
“Right. Have you recovered enough to show me this vat problem?” Magda demanded of Sam and he grinned.
“Oh yes, my man and my boyfriend. It will take a long time to live that one down.”
“It saved you. Didn’t it?” she asked crossly and went inside the café. He grinned behind her back, and Declan gave him the thumbs-up.
Hands on hips she wanted to know what was the problem.
They figured out where everything would go because they needed to put in the plumbing, and Magda could almost see it in her head.
“The cat has no wall to walk through,” she pointed out as the last of the rubble was carted away.
“I expect he will think it’s still there and just walk.” Sam observed. “Now that the place is cleared, I can get these paving stones cleaned. We’ll try a power washer I think.”
“I am off to get the things that Rula needs,” she said, and he suggested they buy something to eat later. “Saves cooking,” she agreed, and he said he would pick her up at six thirty.
“I’ll bring the car instead of the truck.” He grinned. “If I’m the boyfriend, I’ll have to make the effort.”
“Don’t push it,” she warned but kissed his cheek before walking away.
“Thanks, Magda,” Declan called after her and she waved a hand.
The shopping cart was piled high by the time she reached the checkout, and she had put a huge bouquet of flowers on top for Rula’s mom as well. Rula had a small but pretty house on the outskirts of the town, and Magda let herself in with the spare key. She unloaded the shopping and made sure everything was okay, threw away the older things from the fridge, and restocked. She ran a duster over everything, opened the windows to blow some fresh air through and found a vase for the flowers. She put tissues, a glass, and a bottle of water beside the spare bed and a card on the pillow on which she had written a get-well wish, then texted Rula to say what she had done.
Rula rang back to say thanks and do a quick catch-up.
“And Sam is actually not here this time,” she remarked sarcastically. Magda laughed and told her about Loretta Dean.
“The men were all hiding and Sam was rooted to the spot. She terrifies the life out of him.”
“What happened?” Rula queried, and Magda said that she had sent her packing. Then she mentioned about the ghost lady and how Declan had seen her as well.
“He was not bothered at all and went back to work as if he saw a ghost every day. Must admit it freaks me out a bit. The cat I don’t mind but the lady, I am not so sure. Sam suggested we try and find out who she might be, and we looked at that ancestry site.”
“I’ve got loads to catch up on tomorrow,” Rula said. “I’ll text when I am almost home and you can drive over. Mom will be delighted to see you. She is miserable. You know how active she is and sitting still is driving her mad.”
“Drive safely,” Magda said. She locked up and drove home. She had deliberately not told Rula about going out for a meal.
“Think I might wear a skirt for a change,” she thought to herself. “Got better legs than that Loretta.” In the end she found a red dress that clashed with the plum hair but was an up-to-date look. She took some care with the makeup and slipped on high heels. A small purse was almost a match, and she grabbed a biker jacket in case it was chilly later.
When he arrived at the door, she had the jacket slung over one shoulder, and the sight stopped him in his tracks.
“Wow. Whatever did I do to deserve this?” he asked and produced another single rose.
“Thank you,” she said and popped the flower in beside the one already there. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” She smiled. “Got to say that tool belt was a good look.”
“Obviously Loretta thought so as well. All the men were delighted when you got rid of her.”
“Forget her. Let’s go and eat,” she said.
He offered her an arm and a grin. She took it and they climbed into his car.”
“Better than traveling in that truck,” she observed and settled down into the seat. They planned to be free of work by late morning the next day and meet Rula. She called Branston as they drove, and he said he would meet them there.
“Italian?” Sam asked, and she said that would be lovely. He looked across. “Is this a proper date or a trial one?”
“A trial one,” she answered. “We have lots to talk about with the building as well as the ancestry thing and Rula’s mom tomorrow.” But the atmosphere, the candles on the tables, and music in the background was very romantic. “It is good to not have to cook or work or do anything at all for once.” He reached across and covered her hand with his own.
“I have a surprise.” He smiled and pulled out a small package. The flower was from me but this is from all of the men on the site. They chipped in and told me to buy you something.”
“Really? What a crowd. I just told her a few home truths.”
“The young lads really hate it, and they all relaxed after she went away.” He handed her the little parcel, and she drew out a silver bracelet with the tiny charm in the shape of a horse. “Thought it went along with converting a stable.” He smiled.
“Oh, it is just beautiful. Fasten it on for me.” He reached over and fastened the clasp and then lifted her fingers and kissed them. “I’ll have to manage to get over there in the morning and thank everyone.” They drove back to her place, and she asked if he had enough space for an orange liqueur truffle.
“New batch. Katie is learning to make them.” She made a coffee as he sampled the chocolate, and they found the cats lying stretched out on the sofa.
“I think these are superb, but the pecan marzipan takes a bit of a beating,” he told her as they settled together.
“Thank goodness for Katie. I can leave her tomorrow with packaging to do as I go to see Rula. I’ll come to the stable first and say a thank you.”
He kissed the side of her face and was about to pull her toward him when Crystal and Abigail both looked in the direction of the front door. Magda held up a hand, and he looked in the same direction as the cats. There was a sudden bang on the door, and Sam leaped to his feet followed immediately by Magda. He flung the door wide.
10
There was nothing to be seen but as he rushed to see if anyone was running away, he tripped over a big handbag lying right on the doorstep.
“Good heavens,” he called, jumped over the bag, stumbled a few steps, and regained his balance. Magda had dropped down beside the bag. He stopped her from touching it.
“Might be a booby trap,” he warned, but the bag moved and they both looked at it. There was a little cry and Magda opened the zip.
“My word. It’s kittens.” She picked up the bag and carried it to the kitchen. The two Birmans stalked in with very suspicious stares.
“Somebody has dumped the poor little things," Magda said and picked up the first one. Sam picked up one in each hand and they looked at them. “Three kittens. Look about six weeks old I guess. So tiny. What a shame. I wonder if they will take solid food.” She sat on a chair and let Crystal and Abigail sniff the newcomers. They inspected all three and then went back to snoozing on the sofa.
They closed the door to the living room and set the kittens down. They huddled together and didn’t move anywhere. Magda found an old bed from her own cats and popped the babies into it and then she found some cat food. With a little bit of help they ate some and drank some milk.
“I haven’t anywhere to keep them,” Magda said. “This has got to be hygienic for the truffles and the girls are in the next room. We can’t take them to the pound. They’ll end up being put to sleep.”
“If we can manage a few weeks we can find homes for them. I’m sure Declan would have an extra,” Sam said. He looked at her. “You know I was building an extension to the house. It’s built but there is nothing in it yet. They could stay there.”
“We would have to feed them several times a day,” she answered.
“Well, I could do morning and evening if we can find another two helpers.”
“I can fit in one,” she added. “What about Declan. You could spare him for an hour in the afternoon.” He nodded.
“If you have a spare litter box and food, we could take them there now and try it out.”
She hunted out the things they might need with some blankets, fleeces, and food dishes. They put the kittens back into the bag and piled the other things inside the car. With the handbag on her knee they drove to his house. Being Sam’s, the floodlights came on as they entered the driveway and showed the very modern, long and low bungalow. Inside it was immaculate as usual.
“I had forgotten how house proud you are. Haven’t been here for ages,” she said as he led the way through to the rear extension and then stopped in amazement at the new room. It was double height and shot up to a set of narrow windows. A spiral staircase wound up one side to a set of glass doors, and he told her there was a terrace outside on the roof of the existing house.
“Sam, it is just amazing.” She put down the handbag and wandered around to look at it from different angles. Then she stood on the bottom of the spiral staircase and looked upward. Sam took out his phone and took a picture.
She came to look at the result.
“Better legs than that Loretta,” she observed.
“Better everything,” he added. “That dress is just right for you, and you decorate the staircase beautifully.”
“Let’s get these kittens settled,” she said. Getting back to practicalities, they made up a bed, set up the litter box and left out some water and dry food. They made coffee and sat in his living room waiting to see if the kittens settled into their new surroundings.
“The new room will be the living room, and this one will be made into a huge open-space kitchen and dining area. Then I’ll make some glass doors so that the whole thing can be opened up if I ever wanted to.”
“Fabulous,” she said as she tiptoed over and checked on the cats. “You know, I just realized that these kittens are mostly white with some patches of black. Just another spooky thing.” He looked over her shoulder and noted that the new feline visitors were looking content.
“Nothing will disturb them here, and if they are eating and drinking, it will work,” she said. “You are going to have to drive me home again—sorry.”
“You are very welcome to stay,” he offered with a smile, but she knew he was just joking. They had one last look at the kittens and then he drove her home. At the front door, he took her in his arms and claimed a good-night kiss.
“I wonder what will happen tomorrow,” she said when he released her lips. “Never a dull moment these days.” She opened the door and he walked back to the car. She watched him drive away and then stood inside the house thinking about where it was all leading.
“Enough, Magda Caraganic,” she told herself. “Lots to do. Get some sleep.”
Crystal woke her in the morning by patting her face with a paw.
“What is it?” Magda asked as her phone emitted a ping. There on the message was a picture of three kittens eating breakfast.
“They seem settled. See you later,” she texted back and swung her legs out of bed.
The next batch of truffle mix was made when Katie arrived, and the trainee set about making the chocolate for them under supervision. As they worked, Magda told her about the kittens dumped on the doorstep.
“Poor little things. We can’t take one because Dad is allergic to them.”
“Ah, that explains it,” Magda said and then realized that the girl did not know about the ghost cat. She had to relate the whole story. “I hope it doesn’t put you off working there,” she finished.
“No, it’s fascinating. I like cats. I wonder if I will see the ghost,” Katie said and went on stirring. “You could make some chocolate-shaped cats to sell,” she added.
“Mmm. Good idea. Don’t even know what to call the place yet,” Magda told her.
“Ghost might put some people off. Magic might bring them in,” Kate suggested.
“Chocolate Magic. I like that. Thanks Katie.” She texted Sam, Rula, and Branston and asked what they thought of the name. Everyone liked it, and Branston said that Merle thought it was good as well.
Leaving Katie cutting and packaging once the truffles had their chocolate coating, she drove to the building site and found Sam using a very noisy power washer on the paving slabs. He turned it off when he saw her, and she looked at the part he had cleaned. The stones had a gray, almost lavender tinge to them.
“You were right. They are really lovely,” she told him and then went around to everyone to show them the bracelet and to say thank you.
“It’s Sam she’s after, but if she cannot get to him, she will latch on to anybody else around,” Declan told her.
“Did Sam ask you about feeding the kittens?" He nodded.
“Not a problem,” he said and told her he would take one when they were a bit bigger.
By the time she had thanked everybody, Sam had given somebody else the power washing and was ready to go and meet Rula. They were standing just inside the stable, when Declan came to ask what time to go and see the cats, when all three of them watched the shadow of a cat walk through where the wall had been before and melt away into thin air.
Magda looked at Declan and asked if he saw it. The man said of course he had.
“Black-and-white, short-haired cat. I saw it yesterday as well but didn’t say anything in case you didn’t want to know. It’s not doing any harm, so why worry?”
“Good thinking,” Sam said. “If you go and do the kittens now, we can go after we meet Rula. Thanks, Declan.”
“He has the right attitude to it,” Magda said as she drove them away.
Branston was sitting in his huge off-roader at the door, and the three of them went inside. A text told them that Rula was fifteen minutes away so they got coffee underway. Magda had picked up some doughnuts, and both Branston and Sam were eyeing them up.
“Just wait until the invalid gets here,” she told them.
“She won’t like being called an invalid,” Branston remarked. “The woman likes to be out and about.”
The private ambulance arrived with Rula leading the way to the door, and the wheelchair with Rula’s mother was brought down the ramp. The two medics brought her inside, checked she was feeling fine, and drove away. Rula had a car full of stuff from her mom’s house and they all joined in to bring it inside.
Melissa had found out that she could wheel herself around the house by that time, and they all sat around with coffee and doughnuts.
“This is more normal. Thank you, guys. The hospital was very good, but it’s always better to get out,” Melissa told them.
“We can bring you in either Sam’s truck or Branston’s Hummer to my place if Rula is at work. Even if I have to go out, Katie is there,” Magda told her.
“And I can work online wherever I am,” Melissa added. “That makes me feel better.”
“So, tell us every detail of what has happened,” Rula wanted to know. Between the three of them they brought her up to date on the building, the ghost, and everything else.
“Last night was weird because somebody dumped three kittens in a bag at my door, and they are the same color as the ghost cat,” Magda said. “I know it could just be coincidence but it’s still weird.”
“They are in my new extension and safe just now, but we might need you to go and feed them sometimes,” Sam added.
“You two have been together an awful lot,” Rula remarked, and Sam said that he had to talk about the building work.
“Mmm,” Rula said, but Branston blew it by telling the story of Magda chasing Loretta.
“Billy Malone was telling me last night what Magda had said.” He grinned. “’Get off my property and away from my man,’ was the quote.”
“It sent her packing though, so the men chipped in and bought me this.” She waved the silver bracelet around in the air. She did not look Rula in the eye. Melissa saved her and changed the subject.
“You know that your grandparents would remember things about Magda’s grandparents,” she said to Branston. “I know it’s the other side of the family, but they would be around at the same time.”
“Good point,” Magda said. “Can you ask them if they remember anything? They are still bright even though they are in their eighties.”
“Nothing gets past Gran. I’ll jog her memory,” Branston answered.
“And I am sitting in a chair with a computer,“ Melissa went on. “Give me the names and dates, and I will do some searching.”
“That sounds wonderful. Thank you Melissa.”
Branston broke in to say he had some news of his own.
“Left my job at the accountancy firm and going full time at the ranch.”
“Wow,” Magda said. “You can chat up the boss all the time now.”
“Good luck,” Melissa told him. “It’s good to start something new.”
“You see we needed your voice of reason around here, Melissa,” Branston said and added that he would have to go. “Call if you need me for transportation. Merle says she is happy to help if needed.” He left, and they all smiled at each other when he had gone.
“That man is definitely infatuated with the ranch lady,” Rula observed.
“She is very nice,” Magda added and then said they would have to go and feed the kittens.
“Then pick up my truck,” Sam said. “We are all on call if you need us.” He pecked Melissa on the cheek, and Magda finished scribbling down the details for the online search and said she would call later.
“Job done so far,” Sam remarked as they drove away. “She seems well enough by herself. Just needs the legs to mend.”
