But Char could handle it. She was the strong one in the family, always had been. I’d stick around long enough to collect my paycheck and make sure Gramps was settled somewhere before I took off again. That meant the clock was ticking, and it was time to get started.
Zina
I pulled up Lacey’s number on speaker as I made my way across town. Zeb had an appointment with his therapist and refused to take the free shuttle that provided rides for local veterans. He said it reminded him too much of being on the transport vehicle when they’d run over the IED that ended his military career.
“Hey, what’s up?” Lacey asked.
“I just wanted to let you know that I ran by the Phillips House and dropped off your linens.”
“Great, thanks.” Lacey must have held her hand over the mic. Her voice sounded muffled as she said something to someone in the background.
“And I ran into someone interesting.” I waited for a response. When none came, I continued. “He used to play football against your brother and Zeb.”
The phone clunked like Lacey had dropped it. I knew my best friend had taken on too many obligations since she’d been elected mayor. And she’d added even more to her overflowing plate when she married Deputy Sheriff Bodie Phillips last spring and became the sole contact for Ido’s budding wedding business. But somehow, with everything else she had going on, she’d always found time for me. At least until recently.
“Hellooooo?” I said. “You there?”
A click came through the phone. “Go ahead. Sorry about that. You were saying?”
“I was trying to warn you that you’re going to be getting a call from a guy who stopped by the Phillips House.”
“A guy? What kind of a guy?” Lacey still sounded distracted. She’d lost interest in other men when she’d tied the knot with her own childhood crush.
“A hot-as-hell piece of man candy I’d like to lick in all the right places.” I smiled to myself. That ought to get Lacey’s attention.
Silence. Usually Lacey would shoot back a snappy reply to a comment like that. Instead, a deep laugh rolled through the speaker.
“Should I be worried?” Bodie asked.
My cheeks burned like they’d been seared on a flaming barbecue grate. “Bodie? Where’s Lacey?”
Lacey’s laughter filled the cab of the pickup. “I’m right here. I’ve got you on speaker. You might want to curb your enthusiasm. Not everyone needs to know how long it’s been since you had the chance to lick a proper piece of man candy.”
Stunned into momentary silence, I contemplated hanging up. “I realize y’all are married now but for the love of all things holy, do you have to share everything with him?”
The phone clicked again. “I’m sorry. You’re off speaker now. Feel better?”
“No. In fact, I don’t feel better. Who else knows how long it’s been since I’ve licked anything?”
“No one. Bodie just stopped by with some paperwork I needed to sign. He’s leaving now.” The sound of a smacking kiss, then a giggle from Lacey made my stomach churn.
“Want to call me back after you’ve violated your husband in the privacy of your public office?”
“No. He’s gone now. I promise. Please, fill me in on this lickable man.”
“Forget it.” I pulled into the drive of the group home where my brother lived. “I try to do a good deed by giving you a heads-up and now I’ll never live it down.”
“I’m sorry. It’s too easy to poke fun. Seriously, though, what did he want?”
“He wants to talk to you about renting the warehouse.”
“For what?”
“I have no idea. But I gave him your card, and he said he’d be giving you a call. My duty is done. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to drive Zeb to his appointment and get back in time to meet the roofing guy.”
Lacey clucked her tongue. “Did you get his name?”
“Who, the roofing guy?”
