Martha thought it over and decided maybe they should leave the boys be for awhile and invited Samantha and Frances in to stay with her instead.
"You know what? I have some great tea here that I got at the grocery store the other day. Why don't we leave the boys be for awhile and just have some grown up time." Martha opened the door wider and let the two women in.
"I think that's a fantastic idea," replied Samantha as the three women made their way to the kitchen. Martha put the kettle on and then pulled out the canister of tea and three mugs.
"How are you getting settled in?" asked Frances, looking over the house. "You have a lovely home by the way."
"Thanks. We're acclimating. It's, um, a lot to get used to." Martha placed a tea bag in each of the mugs.
Frances nodded in agreement. "Indeed it is."
"Why don't we go in the living room while we wait for the water to boil." Martha led them to the living room. Samantha and Frances sat down on the couch and Martha took a seat in the chair next to it. I've got to keep a distance, Martha told herself, not accidentally lead them on or anything.
"So, what do you think about Nate joining Ben's pack?" asked Samantha.
"I'm trying to get used to the idea. Clearly he's going to do it regardless so I'm just trying to be supportive," replied Martha. "I'll admit it still weirds me out a little to think of it. No offense." Martha gave them both a feeble smile.
"None taken," said both Samantha and Frances in unison.
"Although, if I was being completely honest, part of me is really fascinated by it too. Especially the idea of werecats." Martha leaned in closer. "The sleek, furry female forms, the gracefulness, the long, ropey tail..."
Just then the whistle on the tea kettle went off. The water was ready. Martha silently thanked it for stopping her from potentially making a huge mistake. She walked into the kitchen, thinking to herself that maybe it wouldn't be a mistake. William went and slept with a Freshman student of his and then when he got her pregnant tried to pay her off to get an abortion. She could feel her blood pressure rising again as she thought of that whole mess again. She almost divorced him then and there but ultimately decided to stay with him for the sake of the kids. It was all just so cliche though, why couldn't it have been another professor or something. But a student? Martha shrugged it off. She didn't want to think about it. She poured the water into the three mugs and then carefully carried them into the living room. She set them down on the coffee table and then handed one to Samantha and one to Frances.
"You know, if you were interested Martha, we can certainly introduce you to some of the other werecats," said Samantha.
"Indeed, we'd be happy to. In fact, there will probably be some at Nate's welcoming ceremony," added Frances.
Martha silently cursed herself, wondering what she had gotten herself into. She then decided she didn't have anything to loose and nodded in approval. "That'd be nice, thank you."
All three took a sip of their tea as the discussion turned to other topics and Martha learned some more about Samantha and Frances.