When Love's at Work by Merri Hiatt

I was, Meggie, but you
two look perfect together and look how comfortable she is with you.
I want you to have her. Besides, you have a more regular work
schedule than I do and I think stability is important for
pets.”
    “ Then I know just what
I’ll name her.”
    “ What?”
    “ We have to live with it a
while, to make sure it’s the right name. We’ll tell you in a couple
days,” Meg replied.
    Meg was definitely the right choice to be
little calico kitty’s new owner. And, as one of Meg’s best friends,
she’d have visiting rights. It was a win-win.
    The week went by quickly for Purity and by
the weekend she was ready for some down time with Court and Meggie.
The three women were each bringing their favorite movie over to
Pure’s apartment, along with some type of salad to accompany
Purity’s famous roasted chicken.
    As everyone said their hello’s and exchanged
hugs, Courtney was introduced to Misha, the sweet little calico
kitten Purity had rescued and then given to Meg.
    “ How did you come up with
the name?” Purity asked.
    “ It’s Russian for
friendship,” Meg explained.
    Aw’s echoed from Courtney and Purity’s
mouths. Pure gave Meggie a hug and said, “It’s perfect!”
    Indeed, it seemed that the kitten not only
liked the name, but was developing her personality rapidly after
receiving it. Courtney snatched Misha out of Meg’s arms almost
immediately and then placed her inside a paper bag that was tipped
on its side and laying on the floor. Court was tapping the end of
the bag and running her fingers across the opening. Misha was
batting at Courtney’s fingers furiously.
    “ I think we have a little
attention whore on our hands,” Courtney proclaimed as Misha poked
her tiny face out of the bag to make sure all eyes were on her and
then scurried back inside her playground.
    “ I’ve decided to quit my
job and start my own accounting firm,” Meg dropped the bomb on the
two unsuspecting friends.
    “ Really?” Court asked, not
quite sure whether to believe her friend, although the look in her
eyes was new, and determined.
    “ It is so past the time
when I should have done this.”
    “ This is so exciting,
Meg!” Purity beamed at her friend and gave her a big smile and a
heartfelt hug.
    “ I found some space in an
office building for $325 a month. It’s just a little space, but I
think it will be perfect for what I need.” Meg paused. “I’m
terrified, thrilled, and I want to throw up.”
    “ Like that time on the
spinning tubs?” Courtney offered. “Remember??
    “ I remember,” Meg said,
the reminisce burned into her brain. “It’s exactly like
that!”
    The trio were all lost in the past for a
moment as the vision of Meg puking into the bushes after spinning
around so fast her head felt like it was going to fly right off.
Her stomach contents were not sure which way was up or down. Meg
loved carnivals and fairs and was the first one to start spinning
the circular amusement ride. Of course, Courtney and Purity had
joined right in. Before they knew it, they were all feeling a bit
green around the gills, although Meg was the only one who tossed
her cookies. Half an hour later, all three of them were on the ride
again, with Meg stating defiantly that it wasn’t going to get the
best of her! This time no one vomited. Meg had been triumphant.
    If she wanted to venture out on her own,
Courtney and Purity knew Meg could do it and they’d be right there
to help in any way they could.
    “ Meg, I bet Tapestry would
help you decorate your place,” Purity said, knowing how much Tap
loved to create a warm, welcoming space.
    “ What about me?” Court
asked, slightly insulted. “I’m creative and I know how to
decorate.”
    “ She doesn’t want shrunken
heads and castrated penis art, Court,” Purity said, smothering a
giggle.
    “ I resent that,” Courtney
began.
    Meg interrupted her by saying, “I’m sure
you’d do a great job, Court. but you’re right, Pure, I’m