Another two weeksflew by with the same schedule. Scarlett ate with Sledge, met for PT, service dog training, and then worked at the community center. Debbie always greeted her and took her under her wing.
“A couple of the kids have come down with the flu. They can’t serve the food. Can I count on you to help pass out the frozen meals? On the weekends, we close right after lunch. Usually, we do inventory for the following month, but since José and Lucas will be leaving us soon, we’re coming in early on Sunday,” Debbie said, giving her the instructions.
She stood against the wall, greeting families as they came in for the extra food. The strong scent of cologne filled her nose at the same time as Jeremy approached the table.
“I’ll take a casserole,” he said gruffly.
“There you go. Did you want some frozen rolls to go with it?” she asked pleasantly.
“Put them in the bag,” he ordered. “Did the Winters send you down here to make everyone see the good they’re doing? What’s more pathetic than a blind chick serving food?”
“I…I, no,” she said, surprised by his outburst.
“Jeremy, you’re holding up the line,” Barb said firmly. “I have fresh, hot chili over here.”
Debbie moved to Scarlett’s side. Like a protective mother hen, her voice turned stern. “I don’t care for your tone. Scarlett volunteers like the rest of us and you have no business harassing her.”
“I’m fine,” Scarlett shoved the food at him. “Have a great weekend.”
Debbie tsked as he walked away. “I don’t know what’s gotten into that man. He used to come in and help with the kids. Over the last year, he seems mad at the world. He didn’t scare you, did he?”
“No. He didn’t,” she murmured as another family approached. She smiled and greeted them, passing out the food.
When she finished, Sledge picked her up. “How did your day go?”
“Good. What about you?” she asked.
“Kim and my baby girl called. They’re coming up again for another weekend.”
She heard the excitement in his voice. “Oh, I can’t wait to meet them. Kassie asked me to come to a party next Saturday night. It felt kinda weird to say no, but I’m not sure why she asked me.”
“When I arrived, she invited me to dinner with the team. They take hands on to a whole new level,” he said as he drove past the parking lot.
“Wait, where are we going? You passed the hospital,” she exclaimed.
“I’m supposed to take you someplace else,” he said mysteriously. A minute later, he stopped the van and opened the door. He went around, helping her out.
“Why did we stop?” she asked.
“Trust me, Sassy P,” he said, leading her up the sidewalk.
They walked into the training center, and Scarlett scowled. “I already did PT today and worked with Ice. Have you lost your mind?”
“Surprise!” The room echoed with voices, and she stopped in midstride.
Allie approached and took her hand. “We wanted to celebrate your work here. You’ve done a great job.”
“You celebrate everyone?” she asked, confused.
“No. We celebrate when we partner a service dog with his handler. You two have done amazingly together. Ice may officially go home with you tonight.”
Scarlett’s mouth dropped open. Her heart raced at hearing Ice barking his way down the hall from the crates. He ran directly to her and she knelt, petting and rubbing him excitedly. She hated every time she left him.
Allie commanded him to sit. “Here are the rules. You still must attend training. He’s to go everywhere with you. Lisa explained your rights. I doubt you’ll get any flak from anyone here, but we want you and him to work on bonding. When you come here, we work, then we give him playtime. Don’t let him loose in places that aren’t secured. I know it seems simple, but it’s about learning and adjusting.”
“Did you hear them, Ice? You can return to the hospital with me. Oh, I don’t have a bed, food, or toys. Sledge, can you take me to the store?”
“Don’t worry, Scarlett,” Lisa said. “We packed enough food to get you through Monday. Candy will take you to town and work with you there. Ice has his favorite toys with him and I have a copy of his medical records for you.”
