“Now I understand,” Marie continued. “None of us should ‘own’ any of the caf? jobs. I was afraid to ask Berlioz if I could perform, because I didn’t want him to think I was trying to take over the entertainment.”
“Can we just agree that we can try whatever we want to?” Berlioz asked. “Maybe we can all be like Spike, and do things because they make us happy. Not because we want to be the best at them or because that’s our one thing.”
“I agree!” Marie said.
Toulouse smiled.“Me too.”
They went together through the door to the caf?. Inside, Pierre was struggling to serve a mama duck and her seven ducklings, all in a line behind her, waiting at the pastry case.
“Looks like Pierre needs some help,” Marie said. She took a step, then stopped. “Hey, Berlioz. Why don’t you go over and lend a paw? You’re so good at talking up everything on the menu!”
Berlioz smiled.“No problem. And, you know, we’re going to need some entertainment in a few minutes. Would you sing a song with me?”
“I would love to!” Marie exclaimed with a purr. “But first, I have some cupcakes to finish. Toulouse, would you like to come help me? I’ll show you how to frost them so the icing makes a perfect swirl on top.…” Then Marie raised one eyebrow. “I mean, it would be fun to do something together that’s not me chasing you.”
“You meanme chasingyou,” Toulouse said, correcting her.
Marie rolled her eyes but then smiled.“That too.”
Toulouse smiled back.“Sure. Let’s show everyone what you and I can do as a team.”
As Berlioz stepped behind the counter and greeted the mama duck, Toulouse followed Marie into the kitchen, purring, with his tail held high.