Our realtor’s office was nearby and I had just left a 9am meeting with her when I decided to pay Layla, Buddy and Mama a visit.

Entering the shop, I loved hearing the old bell at the top of the door announcing my arrival, and as usual Mama appeared within seconds to greet me.

“Bonjour, Mr. Jim!” she said, smiling ear to ear. “What a pleasant surprise. You’re here early this mornin’!”

“Yes, Mama, another meeting with the realtor. I thought I’d drop by and say hi to you guys,” I said.

“Oh, yes, so nice to see you! Have you found a house?” Mama said as she walked up to me and grasped my hand with both of hers.

Looking around the shop, wondering where Layla and Buddy were, I said, “No, Mama, we haven’t and it’s not looking too good. It’s one of the reasons I dropped by. I’d like to chat with you about your offer to keep Buddy in your yard. We are just going to have to stay in our apartment until something comes up, and there aren’t many houses in the Quarter with yards.”