♫I like cream in my coffee♫
♫I like to sleep late on Sundays♫
♫Nobody knows me♫
♫Like my boss man♫
♫I like eggs over easy♫
♫With flour tortillas♫
♫Nobody knows me♫
♫Like my boss man♫

Finally a chapter where I get to eat. It's about time!

Chapter 12

            Princess Morgan stepped off the elevator into the lobby of the Ritz.  She was still a little early for her dinner meeting with Lyle, so she headed for the coffee shop to pass the time. 
            “What can I get you, miss?” asked the waiter.
            “I’d love a tall skinny decaf latte,” she replied.
            “Warm milk comin’ up,” smiled the waiter.  “You heard about the Chicago monster?  They’re calling him Dogzilla!  Can you imagine?  A dog monster?  No offense, miss, but you dogs really aren’t all that scary.”
            “Bipeds,” huffed Morgan silently and headed for an easy chair by the fireplace.  Just then a slim figure sashayed into the coffee shop, a figure Morgan recognized instantly.  “Now right there is proof that dogs can indeed be scary,” she thought, before exclaiming, “Seva, dear!  What an unexpected pleasure!”
            “Well, well, well.  Princess Morgan Anna Maria, in the fur.  What are the odds, you and I both in Chicago, both at the Ritz?” Seva smiled and adjusted her diamond-studded collar.  Princess Morgan had always suspected Seva’s trademark collar was actually rhinestone, but had never dared to ask.  “Should I buy a lottery ticket?  Seems like quite the stroke of luck.” Seva’s dark eyes glinted mischievously.
            “Blame the weather,” replied Morgan.  “I was supposed to be in Washington today, discussing campaign platforms and trade embargoes.  I’m sure you would find it terribly dull.”
            “Without a doubt, Morgan.  You know you could hire dogs to do that drudgery for you.  Politics?  No thank you!  I’ve never attended a meeting where my couch was fluffed properly or my steaks done to my liking.  Truly dreadful.”
            Morgan made a show of looking at the clock.  “Will you look at the time? I really must be leaving.  I’m meeting Lyle the Congressdog at the Barkery Café since I couldn’t make it to D.C.” 
            “What a shame you’re discussing politics.  I would love to see Lyle again.  It’s been ages since he’s visited my studios.  I always thought he had a face for the movies, but he never seemed interested.  Pity.  Perhaps I could join you for a drink afterwards, if you promise not to discuss anything other than my latest film,” she said, smiling.
            Morgan tried not to roll her eyes.  “We’d love to see you.  Later, Seva, dear.”  She headed for the door and was relieved to find her limousine already waiting for her.  “To the Barkery Café, please.”

Chapter 13

            Lyle arrived at the Barkery Café just as Morgan’s limousine pulled up to the curb.  He greeted her warmly.  “Morgan!  You smell great!  Have you been eating chicken?”
            Morgan smiled at him.  “Always the flatterer, Lyle.  You’ll never guess who I just saw at my hotel.  Do you remember Seva?”
            “Remember her?  I’ve had her poster on my wall since I was a pup.  She’s my favorite actress.  Dogvita was the first film I saw her in…Don’t bark for me, Argentina.  The truth is I never left you…” he broke into song, his voice a sweet tenor.
            “Hello, Lyle.  Welcome back to Earth.  Sorry I mentioned it.  It’s just that she may be joining us later.  Do you think you can focus?”
            Lyle smiled sheepishly.  “Sorry, Morgan.  I’m all business.  Well, first I’m all biscuits, then business.”
            A waiter led them to a table.  “Can I start you with something?”
            “Sparkling water for me, please,” requested Morgan.
            “Just a toilet water here,” said Lyle.  “I’m famished.  What do you recommend?”
            “It’s all good.  Why don’t we share the biscuit sampler?  So, Lyle, tell me what kind of reception you expect to get for your chicken proposal on the Hill.”
            They talked and ate for several hours.  Morgan pledged her support to the Chicken Bill, as they dubbed it, and Lyle promised to propose measures to ease trade sanctions in Appalachia.  Their stomachs and agendas were equally satisfied.

Ha! Ha! Chicken Bill! Get it? Like a duck, but cluckier.

♫Was it the champagne?♫
♫Was it the caviar?♫
♫Was it an airplane?♫
♫Was it her daddy's car?♫

♫Was it a yacht club ♫
♫Or a fishing boat?♫

♫Was it a leg of lamb♫
♫Or was it billy goat?♫

♫Was that a snail, baby♫
♫Or escargot?♫

♫I'm just a poor boy♫
♫I like to have fun♫
♫I know a pretty girl♫
♫When I see one♫
 

Writing a novel is more fun than I would have guessed.  It does seem to be missing something, though.  There are a lot of words.  Too many, I think.  What I need is pictures.  I don't think anyone actually reads books for the words.  Everybody likes pretty pictures.  Especially pictures of me. 

The boss man takes pretty pictures.  But this is MY book so I am going to make the pictures.  I am not allowed to use the flashy clicker thing so I guess I will have to draw.

Chapter 14

            Miss Matches knew where she was headed even though she had tried to force herself away.  Somehow her feet just wouldn’t listen.  She had a feeling her heart was steering them in spite of her better judgment.  She was still recovering from the excitement of her exclusive story on the princess.  Ratings had been good, and her producers were pleased.  She should be heading out with colleagues to celebrate.  She should be calling her mom to tell her about the story.  But here she was, heading toward the Barkery Café and somehow unable to turn away.

            “I just want to see him,” she told herself.  “Just a quick hello, old friends and all that, and then I’m off.  That’s all.”  She wished she could believe it.

Chapter 15

            Lyle and Morgan were studying the dessert menu and had finally settled on Frosty Paws when the maître d' approached the table.  “Excuse me, ma’am, sir, but there is someone to see you here.  May I direct them to your table?”

            “Certainly, thank you,” replied Morgan.  “Must be Seva,” she remarked.  They were surprised to see not one, but two dogs following the maître d'. 

            “Seva!  So glad you could come,” said Morgan.

            Lyle’s jaw dropped.  “Miss Matches?”

Chapter 16

            The honking of horns, screeching of brakes, and screaming had become simply background noise.  The stray was following a trail, oblivious to the destruction in his wake.  Not long after seeing the footage of Lyle on television, he had caught a scent.  It was familiar despite being mingled with the smell of motorcycle exhaust.  He searched his memory to place the scent.  He inhaled deeply, and its identity became clear.  Memories of his puppyhood flooded his consciousness.  Brothers, sisters, warmth, love, happiness.  He had found Lyle.