“No one’s going to give me any money,” Hailey said.
“Your parents’ income isnotyour income,” Elaine reminded her. “And if you feel like this is the right fit, then The Walker Foundation for Women has funds to cover tuition.”
Hailey’s gaze snapped back to Elaine. “I am not going to let you pay for my degree.”
“I won’t be paying for your degree,” Elaine said smoothly. “The Walker Foundation is the business. I am Elaine Walker, a mere woman.”
“You’re a superhero,” Hailey said with a laugh. She looked down again. “A veterinary technician. Yes, I think this is a good fit for me.”
“I think so too,” Elaine said. “You can specialize in large animals, small-animal pets, ranch animals, farm animals—even zoo animals.”
Hailey giggled. “Zoo animals?”
“Oh, yeah. I watched a video about a guy doing his internship with camels and elephants.”
“Wow.”
“Now, he was a DVM student,” Elaine said. “But they need technicians, too. It’s a wide-open job field, especially here in the Panhandle. If you want to stay close to your parents, friends, and siblings, there are lots of opportunities.”
“Let me guess…You know who owns both veterinary clinics in town.”
“Yes, I do.” Elaine leaned back in her chair and folded her arms. “And I’m not ashamed of it.”
Hailey laughed, then closed the folder. “Thank you, Elaine. I’m going to look at this more and see what I need to do to apply.”
“Their online programs start in either the summer or the fall,” Elaine said. “That gives you plenty of time to find an apartment and move to Amarillo if you’d like—which I can help with. I know the student housing options, and a little bit about the assistance programs. You probably won’t qualify since you’re single without kids, but I can still talk to Belinda in Amarillo.”
Hailey nodded, and her eyes looked brighter when she glanced up again. “Thank you so much for this, really,” she said. “I’ve been so lost.”
“Oh, I know you have, sweetie. But you’re not the only one. We’re all wandering a little bit.”
Hailey sniffled and nodded. “You’re right. You just seem so good at what you’re doing—like you’ve been doing it forever.”
“Finally, my obsession with the internet is paying off,” Elaine said, smiling. “And making a phone call doesn’t scare me, which puts me ahead of about ninety percent of people.”
She really felt like she was making a difference, and Elaine needed that so badly. “It helps that I’m asking for people I genuinely care about, and not myself. That helps me fight for women like you.”
“I really, really appreciate it,” Hailey said. “I’m going to look at all this and see what it takes to apply.”
“I put some of the financial packets and options in the back,” Elaine said. “For the foundation’s funding, outside scholarships, and Amarillo State, too. You might talk to your momma and daddy and see what they say. They might be happy to help.”
“Yes, I’m sure they would,” Hailey said. “Though, my daddy loves having me home.” She smiled with a wry twist. “It’ll kill him for me to be an hour away, because from Shiloh Ridge, it’s really two hours.”
“I heard y’all had a back road to get you to Amarillo faster,” Elaine said.
“Oh, if that’s common knowledge, my uncles arenotgoing to be happy.” Hailey laughed again, and it did Elaine’s heart good to hear it. Only six weeks ago, she’d come in downtrodden and miserable, and Elaine loved watching women change their lives. She loved the tiny role she could play to help them do it.
Hailey stood. “All right, I’ve got to get over to the store. I’m on stationery today.”
Elaine’s whole soul lit up. “If you see any new notebooks, pull one out for me.”
“You got it.”
Elaine rounded the desk and hugged Hailey. “Let’s do lunch again soon. I had so much fun last time.”
“Me too,” Hailey said. “Is it okay if I invite Nellie?”
“Absolutely. She’s awesome, and she always makes me laugh.”
