A Fool's Gold Christmas (Fool's Gold #9.5)

“Nice to meet you,” Evie said, suddenly feeling like a slacker.

“Rina’s already here,” Tammy said, leading them through the small office and into the back of the building. “She’s putting together a list of who we have to put up for adoption. We already have pictures up on our website and we’ve done some holiday graphics.”

Tammy’s long blond ponytail swung as she walked. Evie and May followed her into an open area with a thick outdoor rug and several low chairs. There were also toys and a feline climbing post.

“This is our biggest greeting area,” Tammy told them. “Where potential pet parents can spend time with some of our residents. Cats are this way and dogs are over there.”

As she spoke, she pointed at two different doors. One had a big cat painted on it, the other had a grinning cartoon beagle.

“Rina’s in with the cats,” Tammy continued and held open the appropriate door.

Evie and May walked inside. There were dozens of large, airy cages and nearly as many cats. Calicos and marmalades, tabbies and cats in solid colors. Some were sleeping, a few kittens were playing together in one of the larger cages. Evie was immediately drawn to a black-and-white long-haired tuxedo cat with green eyes and a disdainful expression.

Evie crossed to him and offered her fingers for him to sniff. He leaned forward slightly and touched his nose to the edge of her finger, then turned a little, as if offering his cheek. She rubbed his soft fur.

“Hi, handsome,” she murmured.

“That’s Alexander,” Tammy told her. “He’s about two or three years old. We’re not sure. He was found abandoned and starving a couple of months ago. He’s friendly enough around people, but understandably wary. He won’t purr for anyone. People want to adopt a cat who purrs.”

Alexander looked at her, as if asking if she would be willing to purr, under the circumstances.

“No, I wouldn’t,” she told him.

Carina McKenzie, otherwise known as Rina, walked into the cat room, clipboard in hand. “Hi, May. Nice to see you again. You must be Evie.”

“Hi,” Evie said. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too. I really appreciate the help with the adoption. I didn’t want to give it up this year, but Dr. Galloway keeps telling me to stay off my feet as much as possible.” Rina wrinkled her nose. “She’s gotten more stern and is threatening to put me on bed rest if I don’t start listening.”

Tammy pointed to the door leading back to the getting-to-know-you room just outside the entrance. “Then maybe we should have this conversation out there, where you can sit, young lady.”

“Oh, yes. You’re right.” Rina put her hand on her large belly.

May followed them out. Evie paused, then glanced back at Alexander. The cat stared at her with an expression that said he wasn’t the least bit surprised by her leaving. After all, humans hadn’t treated him that well. There was no reason for him to trust her, either.

Evie hesitated, then followed the other women out of the cat room.

When they were seated, Rina handed them each several sheets of paper. “This is the layout we used last year at the convention center,” she said. “It worked well. The shelter already has the adoptable pets’ pictures up on the website. I’ve got the advertising started. There will be several mentions on the local radio stations and an ad in the local paper. The posters for the storefronts are going to be ready tomorrow.”

May had her iPad open. “I already have a note to pick them up and deliver them to the various stores.” She smiled. “Glen, Shane and Clay are going to help me. I’m also going to get the flyers.”

“Good,” Rina said. “We want to hand them out to as many people as possible.”

“I would like about a hundred for the dance studio,” Evie said. “My students can take them home.”

Rina smiled. “Great. Kids are my target audience. Now for the adoption itself. The dogs need to be groomed.” She pulled out another list. “Last year I handled most of that, but there’s no way I can be on my feet. However, I have a list of volunteers.”

Tammy nodded. “I’m heading that group. Rina’s been giving me lessons on basic grooming. For the cats, we think a good brushing is enough, and I’m not touching anything that slithers or crawls.” She shuddered.

“Cute matters when it comes to adoptions,” Rina told them. “Sad but true. So we want fluffy, great-smelling pets. Now here’s what we did last year on the actual day.”