“Sure, that sounds great, Stella,” he said softly, but still loud enough for her to hear his affirmative answer.  “And good idea about Lics.  You’re making the tea, so I’ll go get her.”  Moving toward the door, he added, “I’ll also leave your door unlocked so I can let myself back in without bugging you to answer it.”<br/><br/>Tesla’s eyes lit up as someone, anyone, neared the source of his confinement.  It was not to be, however, as Anton skootched him out of the way with his right foot.  Naturally, the Maine Coon protested vociferously at his insensitive neighbor’s solo escape.<br/><br/>Less than two minutes later, Stella’s door slowly swung open and the stadium-sized cat was finally free.  A few kitty steps away from the stairwell, he stopped and turned upon hearing his name called by the selfish man.  “Hey Tesla, look who I got,” Anton said with a radiant smile.  Licorice was in his arms, and the coal-black Persian gazed longingly at her beau, a squeak of a meow escaping her lips.<br/><br/>That was all Tesla needed to see and hear, as he bolted back to the thoughtful man.  He swirled around his legs, looking up and voicing his wishes.  Motioning with his head, Anton stated, “Get back inside and I’ll put her down.”  The Maine Coon obeyed, mindful of his prize being so near and so his, very soon.  Before closing Stella’s door, he re-engaged the lock, thus ensuring her key would again be needed to open it.<br/><br/>Licorice was delivered as promised, and the pair of felines immediately began that universal kitty-sniff thing.  The cushioned bench near the window was soon occupied.  Well, so much for sitting there, Anton dolefully thought.  The tea seemed to be ready, as he noticed Stella putting the finishing touches on the pair of mugs.<br/><br/>Waiting to find out where they’d be sitting, Anton reflected on their impending conversation.  Geez, he thought, where to begin?