The Maureen Persona

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

It was five in the morning when Jonathon closed the trunk and assured himself that Mr. Whisker’s carrier was safely secured in the back seat before sliding into the driver seat of the rental car. He looked over at Megan.

"You did take care of Salvador didn't you?" Megan asked as she opened her purse and pulled out her phone.

"I called his assistant and informed her that you had other obligations and would be unable to start any project with the company in the foreseeable future."

“Thank you for handling that,” Megan sighed. “I don’t think I’d be able to be around Salvador, at least not anytime soon. I forgot to ask, this Airbnb is pet friendly isn’t it?” Megan spoke without looking up from her phone.

“I’m sure,” Jonathon responded as he turned the ignition and put the car in drive. “I think the contact for the Airbnb is your friend Lenore.”

“I thought the number looked familiar,” Megan laughed as she looked out the window. “It will be good to see Lenore after all these years.”

“When was the last time you saw her?” Jonathon asked as he switched lanes and headed for the interstate.

"Three years," Megan laughed. "I call her at least once a week, so it's not like we haven't stayed in touch.”

“I must say I’m surprised you opted to drive to Elizabethtown,” Jonathon noted. “I thought you’d want to fly.”

“Maureen would fly,” Megan spoke in a flawless English accent then smiled as she gave Jonathon a sideways glance. “But I’m Megan for the next few weeks,” Megan reverted to her normal southern drawl. “Plus it’s less stressful on Mr. Whiskers if he travels by car.”

"And we don't want a stressed-out Mr. Whiskers do we?" Jonathon chuckled.

“No we don’t,” Megan said looking in the backseat at her cat curled up in a ball sleeping soundly in his cat carrier.

The drive to Elizabeth town took roughly ten hours. After being on the road for five hours Jonathon pulled over to a rest area to give himself Megan and Mr. Whiskers a much needed leg stretch. The further south they traveled the more unusual looks they received when Megan walked around with Mr. Whiskers on a leash. One woman even told Meagan she should have left her cat at home. Megan glared at the woman and explained she had no room to talk as she looked at the iguana the woman had in her arms. With a huff the woman turned and walked away, disappearing inside her SUV and slamming the door shut.

They stopped several more times before finally reaching the turnoff that would take them straight to Elizabeth town. Parking the car in the driveway Jonathon was unprepared for the welcome he received when he arrived.

“I can’t believe you made it,” Lenore squealed as she rushed to open the passenger door.

“Careful,” Megan said as Lenore pulled her out of the car and pulled her into a hearty embrace.

"I haven't seen my best friend face to face in years," Lenore smiled. "Don't expect me to hold back after not seeing you in over three years.” Lenore pulled Megan into a friendly embrace.

“You must be Jonathon,” a man of average height and weight with brown hair and hazel eyes extended his hand to Jonathon. “I’m Edward, Lenore’s husband.”

“Yeah,” Jonathon accepted his hand and gave it a firm shake. “I hope us coming a week early isn’t a problem.”

“Not a problem at all,” Edward assured him. “Lenore was actually hoping Megan would come early.”

"I should get our luggage," Jonathon hit the button on the car remote and then started toward the back of the vehicle.

"I'll help you," Edward offered as Jonathon leaned into the back of the automobile and pulled out several suitcases. The men followed Lenore and Megan to the front door Lenore unlocked the door and handed Megan the key.

“I went ahead and stocked the fridge with the essentials,” Lenore said as she stepped into the living area and headed toward the back of the house. “Your favorite is orange soda right?”

“Always,” Megan smiled as she put down the cat carrier in the living room and followed Lenore to the back of the house.

“There’s a grocery store about five miles away and they do deliver,” Edward handed Jonathon a list of the local retailers and popular tourist destinations and his contact information. “If you need anything we’re next door.”

“Thanks,” Jonathon took the list and looked over it. “I’m sure this will come in handy.”

"And you wouldn't believe the tall tales Ingrid was spreading about Bart," Jonathon overheard Lenore as she spoke to Megan. "It was the most ridiculous thing any of us had ever heard like Bart would buy anything but a Ford.”

“Well a Hyundai is one of the most reliable cars out there,” Megan said as she looked at Lenore and they both started laughing.

“Well I’ll go and let you get settled in,” Lenore smiled as she headed toward the front door. “Renee, Gerald’s fiancé is having a bridal shower next week. I can get you an invite if you want to come.”

“That sounds great,” Megan smiled. “It’ll be good to see Gerald again,” Megan gave Lenore a friendly embrace before she walked out the door.

“Now if there is anything you need, or if you just want to sit and talk,” Lenore gave her a look. “I’m right next door.”

"I'll probably take you up on that," Megan smiled as Lenore and her husband left.

Megan and Jonathon looked at each other in uneasy quietness, when loud meow cut through the awkward silence.

“I think Mr. Whiskers is ready to explore his new digs,” Jonathon said as he and Megan reached for the carrier. Jonathon's hands brushed hers and he yanked it away in embarrassment. “I’ll put our luggage up. Which bedroom do you want?”

"It doesn't matter," Megan said as she unlatched the pet carrier. Mr. Whiskers hesitated as he slowly poked his head out and tentatively stepped on the carpeted floor. Sniffing the air he retreated back into the carrier. "You'll come out when you're ready," Megan reached her hand in the carrier scratching the feline under the chin. "Won't you Mr. Whiskers,” Megan was rewarded with a loud purr as the cat nuzzled her hand.

“I’ll take the one closer to the kitchen,” Jonathon grabbed his suitcase and headed toward the bedroom door just left of the kitchen. “As soon as I finish unpacking I’ll order a pizza.”

“Sounds good,” Megan said as she took the handle of her suitcase. “Come on Mr. Whiskers,” Megan picked up the cat carrier causing Mr. Whiskers to instantly jump out. Rubbing Megan’s leg he looked up at her and meowed. “It’s alright Mr. Whiskers I didn’t forget you,” Megan opened the side panel of the carrier and pulled out an unopened packet of moist cat food. “I’ll feed you first.”