“No. We’re good. I fed him before we came to find you. I’ll need to take him for another potty break before the movies,” she explained.
“I know the perfect spot. Shall we get going?” Ty asked.
Scarlett nodded, still unsure about how all this might work. She signaled Ice to lead her out. Ty fell to her right side and took her hand as they strolled down the sidewalk and around the back of his restaurant.
“I’ll be right back,” he assured her as they entered the covered gazebo. She felt the heat from the small outdoor furnace. “There’s enough room for Ice to go under the table or sit next to you, whichever you prefer,” he informed before leading her to a chair.
Scarlett sat and signaled for Ice to sit beside her. A few minutes later, Ty appeared with one of his staff. They set two trays on the table and his employee left.
“I have water for Ice,” he told her as he removed the covers from the plates.
Scarlett removed the water bowl, and Ty filled it halfway.She placed it near her four-legged friend, who seemed entirely at ease with his new surroundings.
“Thank you. It’s cozy back here,” she said, reaching for her napkin. “What did you make us tonight?”
“Since we’re eating junk food later, I made us farmer salads and your choice of shrimp, chicken, or salmon. I didn’t think you wanted a heavy meal before you taste my popcorn masterpiece,” he said, placing a salad before her.
“You bet I don’t. I’m open to all new experiences,” she told him as she felt for her silverware on her right.
“What type of meat do you prefer?” he asked.
“May I please have the salmon? After you mentioned Bear brought it from Alaska, I wondered if it tasted different from what you get at regular restaurants. There’s no telling how long it stayed frozen there.”
“Bear usually goes twice a year to Alaska. Since he’s married to Julie, started working for Leo, and Tommy’s in school, I don’t know when he’ll go,” Ty said, serving the fish.
“What will you do if you run out?” she asked, leaning in and inhaling the aroma. Everything he made seemed like a culinary masterpiece.
“I have a supplier in Seattle, but I prefer Bear’s business. How did your first day go with Ice?” he asked, sounding eager to hear about her experience.
“Everyone congratulated us, and Ice behaved beautifully. They told me I’ll have more questions as we navigate going places. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more self-conscious. It’s not him, I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong. They prepared me for everything, but I’m worried someone might get offended by us. Allie mentioned an incident she experienced and she’s a pro.”
Ty placed a glass of tea beside her plate. “The way I see it, Ice resembles an extension of your left hand. He’s a part of you and no different than a wheelchair,a walker, or an oxygen tank. If someone can’t accept he’s a medical necessity, then they have the problem, not you.”
“What about people who have an allergy to dogs? I hope I don’t run into any of them,” she sighed.
“Eventually, you will. It doesn’t change anything. I know you don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, but have you ever thought of how you might feel if you found yourself in the middle of the road with no cane or anyone to help you? It’s not about entitlement. If you have the opportunity to stay away from someone without sacrificing your safety or his, then I know you’ll do the right thing,” he assured her.
“Thank you,” she murmured as she mixed the dressing in her salad.
“For what?” he asked.
“For making me see this in a different light,” she confided.
“Don’t dwell on the problem, Scarlett, work around it. You’re a smart woman. Everyone’s talking about how quickly you and Ice were paired and how well you made a great team. In the meantime, let’s eat. We have popcorn and candy waiting for us,” he coaxed.
She picked up her fork, marveling at how a man like Ty remained single. He turned her fears into solutions without making her feel dumb or silly. After their initial greeting, he ignored her dog and focused on her. He made her feel normal and capable of doing anything. She only hoped she lived up to his hype.
CHAPTER 15
Leo satat the facility’s kitchen table and rubbed his forehead. Patch Shadow and Knight showed up a minute later and joined him. Saint arrived five minutes after with a box of freshly made donuts from Bryanna’s bakery.
“What’s wrong, boss? Did someone piss in your cereal this morning?” Patch asked.
“We have two jobs today.” He pulled out a small box and slid it across the table toward the men. “Kit Kat, Melody, Grace, and Carol went on a girls’ trip for Carol’s birthday. Derrick Jr. and I are bunking together for the first time. When I work nights, he stays with Kassie and the night nurses. I solemnly swore to take care of Melody’s goldfish and since I knew I was going to be here and dealing with Derrick, I gave it extra food to tide it over until I returned home this morning. I found him floating on top of the water.”
He saw the men shake their heads. Scowling, he continued, “Shadow, you’re in charge of picking up Taco and Tess. Patch, you’re in charge of finding another goldfish exactlylike this and have it in my daughter’s fishbowl by fifteen hundred. Knight and Saint, you’re with me. Jeremy Stewart made a scene at the community center, spouting crap about the hospital and Chase and Kassie. I staked out his house last night and he never left. He went to bed at eight and left his son working until eleven. Ben’s a couple of months away from turning eighteen and he treats him like crap.”
“Do you think he’s causing all the problems?” Shadow asked.
