Chapter 97
Claire carefully steamed the leftover ingredients from her ravioll shop and said, “Cami, take these meat patties to the door and feed the stray cats and dogs.
The ingredients at the ravioli shop were always purchased fresh daily and never kept overnight. Now, the daily leftovers were fed to the Stray animals.
Sure. Camila packed the meat patties into disposable bowls and placed them at the doorway.
Within seconds, several chubby cats came trotting over happily. Camila crouched by the door, quietly watching as the fat cats bowed their heads and eagerly ate. After their meal, they gathered around her feet, looking up with bright eyes and wagging their tails joyfully.
Camila touched one particularly plump cat on the back and felt a warm sensation inside as it nuzzled her hand and purred soothingly. Suddenly, one of the cats squatted in a flowerpot, its face contorting as it exerted itself.
“Oh no, don’t poop in the flowerpot!” Camila exclaimed. It was too late. The satisfied cat quickly scampered off after doing its business. Camila stood up, grabbed some paper towels, and carefully wrapped up the cat’s droppings before throwing them in the trash outside. Afterward, she made a face as she washed her hands in the restroom, using plenty of soap until her hands smelled pleasantly clean.
“Cat poop stinks so bad,” Camila remarked.
A child in the diner giggled, “Miss Camila, poop is supposed to stink. It’s not something you can eat.”
Connor’s face unexpectedly popped into Camila’s mind, and she laughed like a lunatic. “You’d be surprised. Some people actually drink water infused with cat poop.”
“Ew! They are so weird! Don’t hang out with them!” the child said, looking scared.
“Of course, Camila said, holding back laughter as she nodded.
Once the customers left, Claire closed the ravioli diner and took Camila to the farmers‘ market. “I’ll make you some fish and pork ribs,” Claire said with a smile.
I’m drooling already. It’s been so long since I’ve had those dishes you make,” Camila said, linking arms with her mom and playfully burying her head in her shoulder.
Claire laughed and gently patted her head. “You’re in your twenties and still act like a little kid. You could be married by now.”
“I’m not getting married. I want to stay with you forever,” Camila muttered.
“Your uncle finally paid back those money, and with my $15,000 in savings, we have enough for a down payment on a small apartment. Pick a time to go house hunting. I want to buy you a house,” Claire said seriously.
“I can save up and buy a home myself. Keep your money.”
“With your current salary, it will take years to save for a down payment. Now that the housing prices have dropped, let’s see if there’s something suitable. You’re also spending money on rent, so you might as well buy your own place.”
“The company provides good benefits, including housing and meals, and I barely have any expenses.”
“How good can company housing be? Living with several people isn’t exactly freedom.”
Camila noncommittally watched her and smiled. “Mom, why don’t you visit where I’m staying?”
“Sure! Then I’ll buy more groceries and cook for your colleagues, too. How much food should I make? How many people will be eating?” Claire was already planning how much to cook for everyone.
Just cook enough for the two of us,” Camila said, smiling.
“You’re working now. Do you understand how to navigate social obligations?” Claire lightly slapped her back, frowning slightly.
“You’ll see when you get there,” Camila said with a mysterious smile, flagging down a taxi.