The barb didn’t even hurt. “Someone with heart,” I said. “A girl who can trust, who knows how to give herself, who isn’t afraid.” Tara walked down the stairs, carrying a bag. I took it from her and she took my arm. “Goodnight,” Tara said sweetly, as we walked out the door. We walked down the block and she yanked on my arm. She pulled me behind some bushes and kissed me fervently. I wrapped my fingers in her hair, and basked in her touch, her taste. “I missed you,” I whispered. She took my hand and we walked down the street again. “The night is young,” I said to her. “We could go to the Bronze.” She shook her head.  “We could go have coffee, or we could go the bookstore downtown.” I watched her profile, the gentle sweep of her eyelashes and the smooth curve of her jaw. “We could go get a kitten,” I suggested. “A kitten?” she said hopefully, as her face lit up. I knocked on my friend Clem’s door. “Hey, man,” he said happily. “What’s up?” He patted me on the back. “Who’s this?” asked the loose skinned demon, as he spotted Tara. “That’s my new girlfriend,” I said proudly. “Her name’s Tara.” “Pleased to meet you,” she said as she shook his hand. “Please come in,” he said as he gestured us in. His apartment was small, and had bookcases up against every available wall. A sofa and chair sat in front of a low coffee table. Tara took off her coat and sat down. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked. “I have beer and some wine coolers. Raspberry and peach, I think.” “Peach, please,” said Tara. “I’ll take a beer,” I said. “I’ve still got some of that Guinness you brought over last week,” he said. “Lia, Spike’s here,” he called down the hall as he went into the kitchen. “This sure is a whole lot of books,” commented Tara, as she looked around the room. “Clem loves to read,” I explained. “He can read a page in the blink of an eye. You’ve never seen anything like it.” A tall, thin girl with long black hair walked into the room.  Her skin was white with a subtle tinge of green, and delicate antenna protruded from her head.  “Hi Spike,” she said warmly. I kissed her cheek. “This is my girlfriend Tara,” I explained. Tara and Lia shook hands. “Can I get you guys a drink?” asked Lia. “Clem’s on it,” I told her. She sat down next to Tara, and I sat on the floor in front of them. “So, why haven’t I met you before?” Lia asked. “We just started dating,” Tara explained. “Well, I’m glad to have another girl around,” said Lia. “It gets boring when those two start going on and on about poker.” “Speaking of which, that’s actually why we’re here,” I explained. “Tara wants to pick out a kitten.” “You like kittens?” said Lia, surprised. “You don’t seem like the type. I don’t like them, myself. I prefer flowers.” Tara nodded uncertainly. “Yes, I like flowers and kittens too.” “Nasturtiums are quite tasty,” the other girl continued. “I really prefer rose petals though.” Clem returned with our drinks and handed them to us. “Did I overhear something about kittens?” “Tara wants one,” I explained. “As a pet.” “Oh”, he said, surprised. “I got six cats today. Four Siamese, a Maine Coon and a tabby. But they’re for poker.” “We can part with one kitten for this nice girl, Clem,” his girlfriend said. “Okay,” he agreed, and Tara smiled at him. “Can I see them?” she asked, as she sipped her drink. "I'll bring them out," offered Lia. She quickly returned with a large wicker basket and set it on the floor next to me. Tara bent down and picked up a small ball of cloudy brown and black fur. "Look, Spike," she said happily. "Isn't it cute?" The kitten had a tiny little face, and its nose and paws were a delicate pink. It looked like it was smiling as it slept. "It really is cute, Tara. " I reached out and stroked it with a fingertip and it purred. "I want this one," she said decisively. "It's just the happiest little ball of energy. She has a wonderful personality, so bubbly and fun." Clem and Lia looked at me oddly. "She's a witch," I explained. "She senses things." They shook their heads in understanding. Tara cradled the kitten in her long black skirt, a look of serenity on her face.

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