The Woman Who Loved Cats

Lily

A soft purr greeted Lily when she woke. Marlon was sitting on her chest with his eyes closed. She patted his head and stroked his back. He opened his eyes. She smiled. He was such a gorgeous creature. She picked him up and brought his body to her face to nuzzle him before setting him down on the left side of the bed while she slid out the right-hand side.

While she showered, she cast her mind back to the previous night with Ryan. He was a handsome man. Although charming, there was something about him which she found disconcerting. She couldn't put her finger on it but something bothered her about him. Maybe she was wrong, she thought, as she ate her breakfast of eggs and baked beans.

Before leaving for a walk, she fed Marlon whose tail stood high. She walked out the door in tight-fitting jeans, a comfortable blouse, a jacket and new white sneakers. She reached Dee Why beach in ten minutes and wandered along the promenade. She came across people she'd seen before, nodding hello to some. She looked at the dogs some people were walking. There were times when she'd wondered about getting a dog, but the apartment was too small for a dog unless it was a very small breed. Besides, she loved cats better.

She stood for a moment, looking out at the ocean. The waves splashed onto the sand, reminiscent of a white noise sound she played to get herself to sleep. As she moved on, she came across a cafe with tables and chairs outside. One couple got up and walked off, leaving the now solitary vacant table. She ordered a coffee and sat down, watching people pass her table in both directions.

'Well, well, Lily, how are you?'

Lily turned to where the voice sounded, and saw a man whom she had once dated. 'Hello Bob, how are you?'

'I'm great. I have a new boat and a new girlfriend.'

Lily didn't want Bob to sit at the table with her but he did so without being invited.'What's new with you?'

Annoyed, she turned forwards so that Bob, who had put on substantial weight, was sitting on her left side, the one facing the ocean, rather than being across from her. 'Nothing much.'

'Who are you seeing?'

Lily wanted to tell him, it was none of his business, however, to avoid too many questions, she said, 'George.'

'Is he the guy with the thinning hair?'

'Yes, that's him. Is your girlfriend with you today?'

'No, she's at work.'

'On a Sunday?'

Bob's phone buzzed and he extracted it from his shorts. He looked at the caller ID, then said, 'I have to take this.' He got up and walked off.

Lily was grateful for the break. She finished her coffee and wandered off in the opposite direction. As she strolled around the corner she noted that not many people were in the swimming pool. Too cold probably. She was glad to be rid of Bob, a noisy, pretentious man with little to recommend him. She'd dated him for a couple of months and the experience was less than uplifting. George, the latest guy she went out with for more than a few months, was arrogant and vain. Why did she fall for these losers? Compared to them, Ryan was a breath of fresh air. He was good-looking and intelligent. Although he was also mysterious, he was

someone who might have potential. She debated whether she should call him and apologize for how she acted last night.

Seeing Bob made her pleased she had ended that disastrous relationship before it was too late. He prided himself on being a sailor, but when she had gone out on his catamaran for a sail with him, he seemed utterly incompetent. The vessel had tipped over and she had almost drowned.

Lily shook herself like a dog might if water were tossed on him. She stopped before the path over the rocks began. Her phone shrieked which startled her. 'Hello.'

'Lil, it's George. Are you at home?'

'No, I'm out.' She wondered why he had left talking to her until now.

'I'm in the area. I want to make up for the date that went wrong. You know...'

Lily gazed out at the sea. Watching the water swell majestically then crash onto the rocks was soothing. If only her love life could be as satisfying. 'I'm well aware, George, but the night made me reflect on us and I...'

'Stop before you say something you will regret,' insisted George. 'Let me come over please.'

'I'm ten minutes way.'

'That's okay, I can wait.'

'Alright. I'll see you soon.' Although it went against Lily's better instincts, she decided to hear him out.

At home, Lily boiled water in the old kettle and waited. Just when she'd poured hot water into her cup of green tea, the doorbell sounded.

'I've made a cup of tea,' Lily said as George entered. 'would you like tea or do you want something stronger?'

'Scotch on the rocks please,' George said, after pecking Lily on the cheek.

George sat at the dining room table with his glass of Scotch and Lily returned to her seat opposite him with her tea. 'How are you George?'

'I'm fine. Sorry about the other night ...'

'So am I. I don't think we should see each other any more,' Lily said, pleased she'd finally had the courage to tell George to his face.

'What, because of a misunderstanding?'

'No. It's not only about that night.'

'What else?'

Lily sipped some tea. 'There are too many things, but basically I don't think we're suited. There's no point in dragging our relationship out.'

George stood. He took his glass, half empty, and tossed it against the wall behind Lily. "Bitch.' He stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Lily sighed with relief. She hoped he was out of her life. The scowl on his face when he asked what else there was, did it for her. She realized no amount of discussion would ever sort out their differences. Much like the war between Russia and Ukraine.

She finished her tea. She would clean up the mess George made later when she was in a better frame of mind.

Marlon rubbed himself against her leg and purred.

Lily stroked the black cat. 'If only men were as sweet as you, my precious.'