Kitty Hero Chronicles

Chapter 10

As Java emerged from the building, her eyes constricted to adjust to the brightness of the outside world. The time had grown later, but there was still a sliver of light in the evening sky that it was comparably brighter than the dark interior of the building.

She found that she was starving as she began her trek back into town. It had been one ruthless day of training, and she thought it about time she treated herself to a night out. As she approached the lights of the town square, her stomach had begun talking to her in a low gurgling language which she knew to be translated into "Feed me!"

She could go back home and fix a quick meal, but that wasn't her idea of treating herself. Someone else would have to do the cooking (not to mention the cleaning up afterwards) for it to be considered an official night out.

The only place that sounded good as she rounded the corner of the square was Eva's, a romantic seafood restaurant with a delicate atmosphere. Too bad the romantic part didn't fit her current situation, but at least the atmosphere would help her to forget that part, if only for one evening. And the food would definitely do its part in wiping her memory of the same as well.

Eva was a Siamese cat with a flare for artistry, much the same as Butch; in fact, much of her best stock came from Butch's Grocery and Processing. She had owned the restaurant for years, and it was still one of the most popular places around town for a romantic evening out on the town. Couples from everywhere came to Eva's to celebrate anniversaries, weddings, and just for the occasional fine-dining meal where they could enjoy each other's company, much as they had on their first dates together.

And speaking of first dates, was that Hershey Poodle she saw from the outside window? And was he with a date of his own? She wasn't usually the type to meddle in other people's business, but after seeing Hershey and his supposed date Java decided she most definitely would have to swing by to see what was up.

"How many?" the maitre d', a slender white ferret, said as she walked through the door.

"Just one, please," Java replied.

"Very well, let me check the seating chart. Ah yes, we have one available for a beautiful single feline such as yourself. Right this way."

Java didn't appreciate being declared single right off the bat, especially by a stranger she didn't even know and vice versa, but she followed him to her table.

"Here we are," he said, stopping at a booth in the center of the room. Great, she thought, now the whole restaurant will know I'm single; nothing says it like an entire booth to yourself. He placed a menu on her table and took her drink order as she sat down.

Luckily for her, the booth the maitre d' placed her at was in viewing distance from where Hershey now sat with his date, friend, whatever. She looked intently but was only able to see the back of Hershey's head, his curly-furred ears taking up most of the booth. Java was unable to see who he was with, so she gave up her efforts and sat waiting for her actual waiter to arrive and take her order.

She was looking over the menu when she heard paw steps approaching. "I'll have the cedar plank smoked salmon filet with capers and a sprig of catnip and fresh lemon grass, please," she said as she folded the menu and held it out for the waiter to retrieve it.

"I would oblige you, but I'm afraid I'm not the best cook you ever had the pleasure of meeting." Java nearly dropped her menu. What she mistakenly thought was the waiter had instead been a familiar face staring back at her.

"Tom!" she said, flustered. "What a...pleasant surprise meeting you here." She felt obligated to say it, but she also felt it was most definitely untrue. She didn't want anyone she knew to see her here all alone and pity her singleness, least of all her personal physician.