After Dudley got home from work that day, he was in a good mood. Not only had he been given a raise, he'd gotten his very own police cruiser AND a promotion. He was now in the Forensic Division of the force. His lifetime goal was in sight.
He talked to Anna about his work, how finally he was making his way in the world and would soon be earning good money. He'd been down on his luck for the longer part of his life, but that had changed.
Dudley: I know you're a successful journalist, Anna. Top of your career. I just wanted you to know that I take my work seriously too. I owe a lot of my new outlook on life to Di, of course. But you've been a great inspiration.
And before Anna retired for bed, Dudley let her know just how much she inspired him.
That night, Anna went to sleep feeling young and hopeful. She'd been a career woman her whole adult life. Things were about to change. Maybe she had room in her life for romance after all. Dudley had inspired her too.
Di was still awake, so Dudley told her about his newest promotion. Now that he had his police car, he said Di could drive his truck any time she wanted. She didn't have to run around town in that little scooter of hers anymore.
Di: Why, thank you, Dudley. That's mighty kind of you to share your faithful old Rig.
Dudley: The least I can do, my dear. You've been a faithful friend yourself these days.
Then Dudley cleared his throat and came clean about his feelings for Anna.
Dudley: I don't know how or why it happened, but there's just something about Anna that draws me to her.
Di: Well, I can't say that I'm surprised. I understand. Really I do.
And Di did understand. Because the love bug had also bitten her. She found herself thinking about her gentleman caller from the night before.
Di thought there was something special about him too. Mr. Qomiphash was unforgettable.
So the next day, Di was more than willing to help Anna look her very best for Dudley. It was fun to have a girlfriend to giggle with over beaus.
And it was true, both Anna and Di had missed out on love during their younger days. Old maids, the both of them. Anna because of her work. Di because of her isolation in old Twinbrook. Now look at them. What a new world!
Anna was a changed woman.
And Di couldn't stop thinking of kisses. Goodness sake. Kisses! Her. Old Crazy Di Riddle, kissing a man!
Well, and why not? She texted, then called Mr. Qomiphash, and encouraged by his enthusiastic response, she asked him on an outing. Why not meet at the consignment store for a short visit? See how things went?
When she saw him, Di thought her heart would beat right out of her chest. He looked so debonaire!
The two of them stood out by the front of the shop, visiting like they'd known each other for years. They even called each other by their first names.
When Di found out Qedef was an Animal Lover like herself, she knew she had finally met her true love. She blushed at the thought of them together.
And then she quickly suggested they go across the street to the festival park. Dear Qedef was so entertaining, playing games with Di and even entering a hot dog eating contest with her.
But the best part of the day was roller skating with Qedef. Imagine. The two of them, acting just like young lovers.
Skating together was just an excuse to hold hands.
So what if they weren't so used to those skates.
They just laughed it off and smiled at each other. Di couldn't have been happier.
She would always remember her first date with Mr. Qomiphash.
But Watson couldn't keep his hands off the pet toys. He wanted those chew toys and catnip mice back in the boxes where they belonged.
He also couldn't keep his hands off of Poirot. Luckily, the cat tolerated his attentions.
So I ended up enlarging the basement. Not only to accommodate Dudley's new police cruiser, but to also make room for pet activity. And I installed another access point to the basement.
I added a ladder. Pets couldn't use it, but Watson could.
And he did. Often.
I have no idea what Watson wants with Poirot. Maybe he's trying to give him a bath. Good luck with that!
But pet fun continues as usual. All happy and thriving: Spade terrorizing the postman ...
Monsieur Poirot hunting prey of all kinds ...
Miss Marple being the well behaved lady she is ...
And Piper loving the attention she's now getting from the family.
They all get along together despite Spade's snarly attitude. Is he all bark and no bite? Hope so.
Even when he's just following a sim, Spade snarls. He thinks he's a bodyguard and is very protective of Di.
Poirot can find something to swat at even when not officially hunting. Bugs beware!
And as if three dogs and a cat weren't enough animals, Di and Watson also carry pet sprites: Wanda and Alton.
