Puppies and ice cream can cure a wide assortment of ills. Karl believed magic had the same appeal. Of course, if his gambit didn’t pay off, he wouldn’t survive the night. The women looked at Karl mouths agape. Was this guy for real?

Old Bess was the first to smile, completely disarmed by his tactic. “Um, Karl. I think you’re a bit rusty. We can see the rabbit, hon.”

Becca gave Karl a giant hug. “Well, I think he’s brilliant,” Becca said, flashing an innocent smile. “Do you know any card tricks?”

Karl produced a deck of cards and fanned them before her face. “Pick a card, any card,” he said with a lewd smile.

Sassy, however, had only one thing on her mind. She’d reached her boiling point and was ready to blow her top. If looks could kill, Becca would already be dead. “How could YOU have gone on a date with PAUL knowing full well HE broke MY heart!? What kind of a friend are you!?”

Becca was so enraptured by Karl that she didn’t see or hear Sassy coming, claws outstretched ready for battle.