Dante smiled. “Thanks, Bro. I appreciate that. I’m not going to do anything rash. It’s just something to think about.”
“Okay. Good. I’m not going anywhere, so there’s no need to rush into anything.”
“So…uh…we were thinking that maybe Kizzy could give Mallory a few leads on art therapy jobs. Apparently, these jobs are hard to come by, and she might have some connections.”
Oh crap.“I…uh…I’m not seeing Kizzy anymore.”
Dante’s spine straightened. “What? I thought you really liked her.”
“I did. I mean, I do. She’s just going through some family shit right now. It’s not a good time for a relationship.”
“Okay, so don’t be in a relationship. Try just being her friend. It sounds like she might need one.”
“I—I don’t think she wants me involved.”
“So don’t get involved. Just keep the lines of communication open. When stuff settles, and I’m sure it will, you’ll still have a friendship. At least call her and ask how she’s doing. Where would Mallory and I be if I just dropped her like a rock?”
Noah leaned back and crossed his arms. Her brush-off seemed pretty firm, but he really would like to stay in touch with Kizzy, more than just hitting the like button on a Facebook post—although she hadn’t posted anything there for a while. “You know, maybe asking her about a job for Mallory would be a good excuse to at least call her.”And figure out if she’s done with me for now or forever.
“Now you’re talking,” Dante said.
Noah got up and disconnected his cell phone from its charger. “Here goes nuthin’…”
Fortunately, Kizzy did have her phone, thanks to him. After a few rings, he heard her voice, sounding harried as she puffed, “Hello.”
“Hi, Kizz. Did you have to run for the phone?”
“Uh, yeah. Sort of. Hi, Noah. What’s up?”
“I’m actually calling for a favor. I mean, if you can handle it right now. I want to help out my brother’s girlfriend. She’s looking for a job as an art therapist. We thought you might know someone who could use an apprentice.”
“Oh. I…uh…I don’t know if I can do much for her right now. I mean, I wouldn’t be able to write a letter of recommendation…”
“Yeah. No, I’m not asking for anything like that. Just a lead, if you have one. Someone she can call.”
“Okay. The psych ward at the hospital might have some suggestions. They refer people to day care programs all the time.”
“Day care? We’re talking about adults, right?”
She laughed. “Yes. That’s a terrible name for it. Outpatient care or aftercare might be better.”
“Okay. So she should ask the psych department about outpatient care. That’s a great idea. Who should she ask for?”
“Um, I don’t get up there very often. And actually, I’m not working right now anyway. You’d be best just asking for the social work supervisor.”
“You’re not working? Why? I mean, if it’s not too personal a question. I’m just asking as a friend. I won’t tell anyone.”
She sighed. “I know, and in a way, I’d like to talk about it. It’s really weird.”
“Weird is my specialty.”
Her soft chuckle reassured him—somewhat.
“Okay, you can’t share this with anyone. Not even Dante. Swear.”
He didn’t dare hesitate, even though he knew his brother, with his paranormal senses, could hear every word. “I swear I won’t repeat anything you tell me.”
“Good. Here’s the weird part. I’m blind, and medical science can’t fix it.”
