“Tucker, thank the lady. We have to go now.”
“Thanks, Darla.”
“Anytime, honey.” Darla looks at me and holds her hand out. “And you are?”
I shake it. “Heather, but if I get the job, Ronnie said I looked like a Ginger.”
She rolls her eyes. “Ronnie’s not very original when it comes to names.”
Holding up a lock of my pale red hair, I grin. “Guess not.”
“He giving you a shot?”
“I’m dancing at 4pm. Then he’ll decide.”
She nods. “You got someone to watch the kid?”
“No.” My eyes glaze.
“Hey, you seem like a good person. You got a great kid, and that’s always the proof. I don’t usually do this, but… let me see if my sister is available. You good with that?”
“How old is she?”
“Sixteen. She’s a good kid. Straight-A student.”
“I could pay her. But where would she watch him? I’m in a motel right now.”
“She could watch him at my apartment. It’s only two blocks from here.”
I hesitate. “I don’t usually let strangers alone with my son, but I’m in a bind.”
“Maybe she could watch him in Marnie’s office, but you’d have to clear it with her. Not sure she’s gonna want him walkin’ in the place once we’re open.”
“Right.”
“So?”
“Okay. If you could check with your sister, that would be great.”
“Let me give her a call.” She pulls out her cell and walks to the end of the bar.
I ruffle Tucker’s hair and lean and kiss the top of his head.
“She said she’ll do it for thirty bucks.” Darla grins, returning. “She’s saving up for a prom dress. I told her to be up here at 3:30pm and then you can follow her to my apartment and check it out.” Darla’s eyes shift to Tucker. “Then you can play with Duke.”
Tucker gives her a big grin. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“Who’s Duke?” I ask.
“My German Sheppard puppy,” she replies.
“Thank you so much. I’ll be back later.” I turn Tucker toward the door. “You want to go get a hamburger, kiddo?”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Cody—
