“We can ask Doc who he recommends,” Debbie suggested while heading into the kitchen.
“Come on in, Scarlett. We can chat while Debbie finishes.” Barb took her arm and led her to a chair.
From the way they walked, it appeared all three apartments were set up the same way.
“How did your first day go?” Barb asked. “You have the prettiest smile on your face. What ran through your head?”
“My first day went great, thanks to Debbie. Before the accident, I could see things once, like maps, and they stayed in my head. I was thinking you and Miss Edie’s apartments feel like they resemble each other and maybe I didn’t lose all my abilities.”
“When you lose a sense, they say another grows stronger. You’re correct. All three of us have the same setup,” Barb confirmed.
“It’s nice you can live and work close together,” Scarlett said, sitting back in the chair.
“It’s a blessing. They’re my best friends, my neighbors and coworkers. Plus, we get to work with all the kids and some of the veterans. It makes us feel useful in our old age,” Barb agreed.
“You’re all set. I’m taking Scarlett down for a break before the dinner crowd starts coming in. Do you need anything else?” Debbie asked.
“Nope. It appears you and Scarlett have everything under control. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Barb said, making her goodbyes.
Scarlett rose and Debbie took her arm, leading her out. They went down again in the elevator and Debbie giggled. “Every time I get in this thing, I’ll think of you and your analogy.”
The doors opened and they made their way back into the community center.
“Do you want something to eat or drink? We’ll get busy around five and won’t catch another break until seven,” Debbie told her, leading her to the seat in the corner again. “Rest up. I don’t want you tuckered out on your first day.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Scarlett smiled. “May I getsome water or tea?”
“Of course, I’ll have one of the teens bring it out while I check on dinner.”
Scarlett listened to the teens chattering around her as they got the tables set up for the evening.
“Hi Scarlett,” the deep timber of Ty’s voice vibrated through her body, stirring her in places she thought untouchable.
“Hello, Ty. Did you come to see if I fell on my face again?” she asked cheekily.
“May I sit with you?” he asked. “I didn’t hear anyone yelling profanities outside, so I figured you survived your first day.”
“Oh, boy. Sorry. I’m used to the men cursing around me. It doesn’t even phase me. I’ll remind Sledge and Rocker to keep a lid on it when we’re around the kids and outside.”
“They seemed concerned about you. With the way Leo keeps adding members to his team, I think they come down from the mountain to swear. It’s getting too expensive there,” he said.
“Expensive? What do you mean?” she asked as one of the teens placed water on the table. “Thank you,” she called after them.
“The older kids have picked up a few of their dad’s vocabulary. Catherine has instituted a swear jar and every time Melody hears her father say one, she gets five bucks to add to it. From what I hear, it paid for a new flooring, a sofa, and a family vacation.”
“You’re kidding,” she laughed.
“Scout’s honor,” Ty insisted. “Gabby’s baby, Marcus, doesn’t understand them yet, but she liked the idea. She says living next to Patch and Claire has done wonders for her spa day splurges. Patch has the uncanny ability to know when little Marcus falls asleep and yells across their yard, making Knight curse.”
“How funny. This town seems like a nice place to live, except for your prankster. Before Kassie dropped me off, one of the men found a bear trap and they took him to the ER. I hope he’s all right,” she said, frowning.
“Leo’s guys will catch them. Over the last few months, the prankster has caused some damage to local businesses. We’re anxious to catch the person responsible.”
“People work way too hard. I don’t understand why someone wants to hurt others for no reason,” she said, shaking her head.
A bag rattled in front of her, and Ty took her hand, placing it on the lid. “I brought you some dessert,” he said, his voice lowering.
Scarlett beamed. “I haven’t eaten dinner yet. You’re spoiling me. What did you make?”
