by Syndi Powell
“Fancy seeing you here, Will.”
Will forced a pleasant expression on his face. At least he hoped it was pleasant. “Councilman Barry.”
The man glanced into Will’s basket. “I’m a big fan of oranges myself.”
“Can I help you with something?” Will didn’t have time to talk about the benefits of citrus.
Councilman Barry huffed, and his eyebrows slammed together. “The budget meeting is coming up next month. You realize, of course, that your job is on the line.”
“Yes, you all have been telling me that for months now.” This was hardly news. Will had slept with it, worked with it and eaten with the knowledge that his job could disappear. He’d taken the post after his predecessor had a heart attack on the job. He’d only been the man’s assistant at the time, but he’d accepted the position and done a great job. Why didn’t anyone else see that? “I’m hoping to have your support.”
“That depends on you, son.” Councilman Barry folded his large arms across his chest. “We pride ourselves on getting results and reward those who do the same.”
“My track record speaks for itself.”
“And the Bylin house? What does that say?”
Will tried not to grimace. He had to bring up Suzy, hadn’t he? “The resident has been given a deadline of a week from now. I’m sure we will see a positive outcome.”
“Rose Bylin had years to get the yard cleaned up, but we can see how well that was enforced.” Mr. Barry shook his head. “The last code inspector was too soft. I’m not saying you are too, but we want results. Success. And the Bylin situation has to be dealt with.”
The man was determined to rub Will the wrong way. But he wasn’t about to react. Not today. This was just a job, not his life. His life was his family. And he needed to finish here and get back to that life. “I appreciate your concern, but we are dealing with it.”
“Results, Will. Not excuses. And then maybe you can keep your job.” Councilman Barry returned to the bakery counter on that pronouncement.
Will closed his eyes. The council wanted results. Well, so did he. And they’d get them.
He checked his grocery list again, but the rest of the items on it now held little interest. In fact, the oranges no longer appealed to him. He considered putting them back and leaving the store. He could shop tomorrow. But then this would be a waste. And if there was anything he hated more than clutter, it was wasted time.
He scanned his list again and walked to the deli department and took a number. He browsed the case while he waited for his turn. The turkey looked good, but he’d had a craving for ham lately.
“I’d recommend the salami.”
Will looked up and found Suzy smiling at him. “Miss Bylin...Suzy, what are you doing here?”
“Choosing a little something for my dinner later.” She perused the prepared salads and pointed at the macaroni. “That would do.”
“You should be working on your yard.”
Suzy glanced down at her scrubs under her jean jacket. “And miss seeing your mother? Not on your life.”
Will closed his eyes and willed the headache away. “You only have...”
“Over a week. Yes, I know.” She examined a package of rolls then replaced them on the shelf. She glanced up at him. “Worried I won’t make my deadline?”
“Your mother never did.”
“She didn’t believe in ultimatums either. Trust me. I know better than you.”
The deli clerk called out a number, and Suzy held up her slip. “I’ll take a half pound of the macaroni salad.”
The clerk left to package up Suzy’s order, and she turned back to Will. “You’ll get your results. Don’t worry.”
“But I do. This is my job we’re talking about.”
She patted his arm, then removed her hand quickly, obviously as surprised as he was that she’d touched him again. She accepted the plastic container from the deli clerk and thanked her before addressing Will. “Speaking of jobs, I need to get going. Don’t want to keep my patients waiting. I’ll see you later?”
“Yes.” He opened his mouth to say more. To encourage her. To make sure that she met the deadline. But she was already gone. The deli clerk called his number. “I’ll take a pound of the boiled ham.”
* * *
SUZY HUMMED AS she walked into the animal rescue building and then greeted the receptionist. “Is Pres in?”
“Of course, she is. In her office.” The older woman scoffed. “She didn’t leave until almost midnight last night and was back before I got here at eight.”
“I’ll talk to her.” Suzy headed for Pres’s office and popped her head in. “You need a day off.”
Pres looked up from her files and took off her glasses. “You talked to Thoramae.” She groaned. “I swear she’s worse than a mother.”
“Why were you here until midnight last night?”
“Stray dog hit by a pickup. I wasn’t going to let him die.”
Suzy tensed. She wished motorists would pay more attention when they were driving. “Did he?”
“Nope. I stayed until I knew he was going to make it.”
“Well, thank goodness.” Suzy came into the office and glanced around before taking a seat on the sofa near the wall of windows. “How are my little furry friends?”
“Why don’t you go see for yourself?”
Pres led her out of the office and down the hall into a large room with several cages and gated areas. Suzy saw three familiar gray balls of fur sleeping in a corner of one cage. She peeked in and poked her finger through the bars to pet one. “They’re still tiny.”
“But getting better.” Pres opened the cage and took one out and handed it to Suzy. “They didn’t like the food I gave them at the beginning, but I finally found the right blend. They’ve been eating more since then.”
Suzy buried her nose into the side of the kitten and breathed in its warm scent. “They should bottle this scent. This and that of puppies.”
“You’re biased.” Pres took out another kitten and gave it to Suzy. “After a month or so, they should be ready to come home. Interested?”
Was she? Oh yeah. She juggled the two kittens as Pres handed her the third. “I’ve got to get the house thing under control before I can. But yes. Let me know when, and I’ll be sure to make a space for them.”
Pres smiled. “Good. I’m sure I could find families for them, but I figured you need them as much as they need you. They’ll keep you company and give you something to love. You won’t be so lonely.”
“You think I’m lonely?” Pres looked her over until Suzy confessed. “Okay, maybe a little. But are you a vet or a therapist?” Suzy rubbed one kitten on her cheek. “I told you I’m doing fine.”
“And the house?”
Suzy groaned. “Don’t remind me. It seems impossible. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“So let me help.” Pres put her hand on Suzy’s shoulder. “That’s what friends do, you know? They reach out and give a helping hand. All you have to do is ask.”
“Not exactly my strong suit.” Suzy laughed then glanced at her watch. Crud. “I gotta go. Duty calls.” She handed the kittens back to Pres. “We’re still on for pizza and TV on Tuesday at your place?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
* * *
AT THE NURSING HOME, Suzy found Wendy, the physical therapist, working with Mrs. Stone. “I want you to push with your foot against my hand.”
“Why?”
“You need to build your strength back up.”
“I don’t see how kicking your hand is going to do a thing.” But she pushed her foot against the therapist’s hand.
Suzy smiled extra hard. “So, it seems like things are going well in here.” Wendy gave her a
look as if she didn’t believe a word Suzy said and neither did Mrs. Stone. “At least you two are doing something instead of fighting.”
“Can you be with Mrs. Stone tonight while she’s doing bicycles lying on her back?”
Suzy nodded. “I’ll make her do whatever you want.”
“Fat chance.” Mrs. Stone glared at them both. “I do what I want, when I want.”
“Then do it so you can go home.”
She opened her mouth to answer Suzy, then shook her head and looked away.
Suzy put a hand on Mrs. Stone’s shoulder. “I’ll let you finish up with Wendy and check on you later.”
She gave the physical therapist an encouraging smile and returned to the nurses’ station. She could get through to Mrs. Stone. She knew she could.
* * *
A STREAK OF green tried to rush past Will as he walked towards his mom’s room later that evening. He held out his hands and captured his nephew. “Conner, where’s your mom?”
“Talking to grandma.” He stopped and slouched his shoulders forward “Suzy said that they have ice cream tonight in the dining room.”
“I’m sure she meant for the seniors.” He continued down the hall and put his arm around his nephew. “Getting a little cooped up in grandma’s room?”
“Just a little.” He shrugged off Will’s arm. Right. Teenage boys didn’t like being touched. “It’s so boring.” A little chirp sounded from his jean’s pocket. He pulled out his cell phone. “It’s Ashley.”
And just like that, his teenage nephew disappeared into his own world. Will steered the boy into the room as he texted on his phone, fingers flying faster than Will had seen anyone else do. When he entered the room, he saw Tori with her head over Brady’s school book. She looked up at him and smiled. “Good. You’re here. This algebra thing has me stumped.”
He went over and kissed his mom’s cheek. “Hey, Ma. Lovey.”
She blinked at him and shifted her gaze back to the iPad she held, probably belonging to one of the twins. Will joined Brady by the window ledge and took the book from Tori. “All right, let’s see if we can get this figured out.”
After a few minutes, Will got Brady on the right track. He motioned with his head to Ma and asked Tori, “Has she said anything?”
His sister glanced at their mother who kept her gaze on the tablet’s screen. “She’s still not talking to us. Though she did say plenty to the boys.”
“So we’re still on her list.”
“Where you’re going to stay until you get me out of this place.” Ma glared at him, but it had little effect now. When he’d been Brady and Conner’s age, it might have made him straighten up. But he was almost thirty-five now and wasn’t about to...
He flinched. “Aw, Ma. You know this place will be good for you.” He took a seat at the end of her bed. “Why won’t you give it a chance?”
“I want to go home.”
“Yes, you’ve made that clear. Many times.” Will rubbed his forehead. “I love you to death, Ma, but you’re giving me headaches.”
“Why don’t you ask that nurse for some aspirin then? She seems to think she knows what’s good for everyone.” She turned back to the iPad and shut him out.
Fine. He didn’t have to be treated like this. He stood and walked over to Tori. Kissed his sister on the cheek and ruffled Brady’s hair first then Conner’s. “I think I might as well leave.”
“And none too soon.” Ma mumbled from her bed.
“You just got here,” Tori said. “Don’t leave yet.”
Ma turned the volume up on the iPad while Will did his best not to lose his temper. “Sorry, sis. But this evening is going from bad to worse.” He turned to their mom. “Good to see you, Ma.”
Conner and Brady both stood. “Take us with you, Uncle Will. We’re starving.”
Tori laughed. “They’re always hungry.” She grabbed her purse and opened it, finding a few bills. She stuffed them into Brady’s hand. “All right. If you’ll take them and get some dinner, Ma and I will have a little girl time.”
Their mom scoffed at the suggestion. “Don’t need any girl time. What are we gonna do? Paint our nails?”
“And maybe fix our hair too. Who knows?” Tori motioned to the door. “Go on now. It’s an estrogen party, and no boys allowed.”
Will appreciated his sister’s offer, grateful to leave with an excuse and no guilt. “I promise to feed them a healthy dinner.”
The boys groaned. Will winked at them. “Pizza hits all four food groups, right?” He ushered them out the door as they gave each other high fives. “Maybe we’ll try that new place off Main.”
On the way out, Will glanced at the nurses’ station and saw a familiar face. He gave her a quick nod as they left. But it must not have been quick enough to miss his nephew’s notice. “Who’s the chick, Uncle Will?” Brady asked as they got into his truck.
“First of all, Nurse Suzy is not a chick.”
Conner laughed. “She definitely doesn’t look like a dude to me.”
“She’s a woman who deserves our respect.” When the twins fell into peals of laughter, Will shrugged. “What did I say?”
“You like her.”
Weren’t teenage boys supposed to be clueless? Especially about the opposite sex. “She’s a nurse who’s taking care of Grandma, so of course I like her.”
“No, you like like her.” Conner laughed again and pounded on his twin’s shoulder “Oh man, wait till Mom hears about this.”
“Your mom doesn’t need to hear about this because there’s nothing to tell.” Will wondered why he’d agreed to feed these horrible children. “And I have respect for Suzy but I don’t have any other feelings for her.”
“So it’s Suzy now, huh?”
He was just making it worse for himself. He pulled out of the parking lot and concentrated on the road. Maybe if he ignored the teasing, they would stop.
After an hour of listening to the twins, however, Will knew he was in trouble. And all the more for liking their teasing about the pretty nurse.
Wait. Pretty? He thought of Suzy’s perky nose. Expressive brown eyes. And those strawberry blonde curls. Oh, yes. Definitely pretty.
“He’s thinking about her.” Brady nudged his brother. “Look at his goo goo eyes.”
“My eyes do not goo.” He glanced at their plates with several half eaten pizza crusts then the empty pitcher of pop. “But my belly could definitely use a cookie from the Sweetheart. You guys game?”
The twins stood, almost as if they were racing to see who could get to the bakery first. Will left a generous tip then put his arms around both of their necks and pulled them outside. “If you want a cookie, then no more talk about gooey eyes.”
Because Will was afraid they might be right. He just might like like Nurse Suzy.
* * *
SUZY CHECKED ON Mrs. Henderson then heard the television blaring from Room 23. At the open doorway of Mrs. Stone’s room, Suzy asked, “Can’t sleep?”
The older woman chastized her. “You don’t have to hover over me.”
“Not hovering. Merely checking on you.” Suzy entered the room and scanned the monitors. Everything seemed normal. “Warm milk usually helps me sleep.”
“I sleep just fine.” She turned the television off. “At least I do in my own home.” She punched the pillows behind her. “There’s too much going on here for me to relax.”
“I understand that. What would help?”
“Besides getting me out of here, you mean?” Mrs. Stone chuckled. “I don’t know. When I was home, I’d have a cup of tea before bed and read the newspaper. It was...comforting.”
Suzy got the need for rituals. “Give me five minutes. Let me see what I can do.” She left Mrs. Stone’s room and walked down to the main off
ice. She found the day’s paper and took it with her to the nurses’ station. She heated some water in a mug then carried that, plus a tea bag, with the paper. Mrs. Stone looked up when Suzy returned to the room. “I don’t know if you like herbal or green tea, but I found a tea bag and the paper.”
Mrs. Stone looked shocked, then reached out and ran her hand over the top of the newspaper. She glanced up at Suzy. “Why are you being nice to me after the horrible way I treated you?”
“It’s my job.”
Mrs. Stone shook her head. “Nope. Don’t buy it. This is going above and beyond. So why are you being nice to a cranky old lady?”
“Being nice doesn’t cost me anything. And you look like someone who could use some nice.”
She narrowed her eyes at Suzy. “Did my son put you up to this?”
“He loves you.”
“If he loved me, he’d let me go home.”
Suzy countered, “It’s because he loves you that he wants you to stay here and get better. He and Tori both want you to be around for a long time.”
Mrs. Stone looked at her then sighed. “Maybe.”
“Definitely.”
Long moments went by as they stared at each other. Eventually, Mrs. Stone accepted the newspaper and searched the front page. Suzy backed away and took her leave. But before she did so, she heard another soft “Thank you.”
Suzy kept her eyes on the door. “You’re welcome.” And then she left.
It wasn’t quite a breakthrough in their relationship, but something had changed with Mrs. Stone. She only hoped it could continue.
* * *
SUZY STRUGGLED WITH the third bag of trash and groaned at the thought of dragging nine more to the curb. There had to be a better way to do this, right? She set the bag next to the mailbox post and expelled a deep breath. Stretched and twisted. She might not need to do her workout if she kept up this physical labor.
A sky blue pickup truck honked at her as it pulled into her driveway. The town’s mayor, Rick Allyn, gave a wave then hopped out. What was he doing here? Sure, he’d been a friend of her family for years. Her mom had been his dad’s assistant for twenty-two years before he died then she’d retired when Rick’s brother Dan had taken over the company. She’d seen Rick at company parties and picnics, and of course, at school. He’d been five grades or so ahead of her, but she knew about him. The whole town did.