Make You Mine

She pulls into the parking lot of Friends Care, and I charge out before she can ask any more questions. I almost wish I’d stayed home when I walk inside and nearly collide with Dotty.

In addition to being our part-time receptionist, Dotty Magee is the town’s busiest busybody. She’s holding a cardboard tray of coffees, and her cheeks are so red, I’m afraid she’ll explode.

“I didn’t think you’d ever get here,” she cries, and I know the look of hot gossip.

I keep walking, straight to my office. “Sorry, Dotty, no time to chat. Is Darlene in yet?”

“She’s not on the schedule til nine. You’ve got fifteen minutes.”

“Dotty! Coffee, stat!” Ruby cries, charging into my office right behind her. “Which is the low-fat soy?”

Dotty turns the tray, and Ruby takes the paper cup with the black R marked on it. Dotty hurries to my desk. “I asked them to add a little cinnamon to yours today.”

“Thank you, Dotty.” I’m doing my best to wake up my computer quickly.

The last thing I need is to be armchair analyzed by the staff. Still, they’re both standing on the other side of my desk watching me with wide eyes.

I give up. “Okay, let’s get it over with.”

“Grayson Cole is back and he’s re-opened his uncle’s garage. I sent that young man Billy James, you know the one of Hispanic descent? I sent him over first thing this morning.”

“He’s Mexican, Dotty,” Ruby jumps in. “It’s okay to say he’s Mexican.”

Dotty’s worried eyes fly to her. “I wasn’t trying to be provocative.”

I scrub a hand over my eyes. This entire conversation is provocative. “You sent Billy to the garage? Why?”

“He’s been hanging around here, butchering the lawn and pulling the flowers instead of weeds. I confess, I was shocked at what a terrible landscaper he is. He leaves big patches of uncut grass…”

“Dotty, seriously. You have got to evolve.” Rolling my eyes at the overt stereotype from Miss Non-Provocative, I remember Hunter’s observations. “Hang on, does Billy cut Mrs. Green’s lawn?”

“I’m not sure, but I can ask him.”

My eyes go to Ruby’s, but she’s confused. “Maybe Billy’s taking the yard ornaments!”

“Well, I’ll be dogged,” Dotty whispers. “I never thought he stole anything.”

“I did not say stealing.” Shaking my hand, I wave her away.

Dotty’s eyes are wide as she looks from me to Ruby. “Maybe he’s selling them on the black market. I heard about that dark web on the Today show…”

“My poor wiener!” Ruby cries, playfully. “He’s being trafficked!”

“Nobody’s selling anything.” This is how rumors get started. “I’m sure there’s a logical explanation.” I’m checking the clock. Where’s Darlene?

But Ruby’s into it now. “So you sent Billy to the garage. What did he say when he came back?”

Dotty gives me another worried look. “Gray told Billy he’d give him a job. Billy was real excited about it. Said he’d start next week.”

So he’s planning to stay a week. My lips tighten, and I fight against the knots tying up my stomach. Push it down. Compartmentalize.

“I know!” Ruby jumps up, suddenly inspired. “We should have a w

elcome home party for him.”

“No!” It’s an involuntary cry, but if I were any closer, I’d kick her in the shin.

“Why not? He’s a hero. We should welcome him home.”