6

I awoke to soft caressing on my arm and the sound of quiet praying in Spanish.

“Liz.” I squeezed her velvet hand. My family’s faithful friend leaned over me, tears pooling in the bottom of her beautiful brown eyes. I didn’t deserve her compassion. My heart stung with how I’d treated my Bailey.

“Mi’jo, are you all right?” She called every male younger than her ‘my son,’ and the same, mi’ja, for every woman. She tried to mother everyone.

“Just a little glitch. I’ll be back ordering that waitress daughter of yours around before you know it.” I winked at Tracy, who clung to her mother’s arm.

“Mi hermano.” She reached for my hand but then drew back.

“It’s all right, Tracy, I’m fine.” My heart dissolved because she called me brother. I reached for her. Did she know her hermano was the definition of jerk, cad, and scoundrel?

“You know I was just a baby when my Papa died in the Gulf War. I only remember how hard it was for Mom. But when I thought we might lose you, I just couldn’t take it.” Tears spilled out, and she leaned over and hugged me. Then she stood with my hand in both of hers. She smelled faintly of the diner. I breathed in that familiar scent of burgers and fries. I didn’t know how much I had missed it until then.

“Woman, I’m right here, still kicking.” I loved how much they cared, but this pity party just had to stop. “Are the boys getting any work done at the washout, or are they hanging out at the diner ogling Mandy and Macy?”

“A little of both.” Her smirk made me laugh.

It made me wonder if anything was getting done at the washout at all.

“Seems like there’s a little bit of love going on everywhere. What about you, Tracy? Have a beau yet?” Serious-minded Tracy had never brought a boy around the diner that I had ever heard about. Her caramel cheeks flushed, and she dropped my hand.

“Ah, so there is one.”

“Not on your life.” Her sweet disposition vanished. She plopped down on the couch crossing arms and legs.

“Javier Calderon has been calling her for dates. She turns him down flat,” Liz whispered loud enough for Tracy to hear.

“I won’t be one of his many conquests.” Tracy spoke with a determined tone, but her eyes spoke otherwise.

“Don’t know him. Have you invited him to the diner Bible study?”

She just shook her head. She seemed to brush the idea of Javier Calderon right off the table, but I could sense that an interest lingered there. My whole world seemed to be all a-flap and a-flutter with hearts and flowers these days.

“We need to get back to work, Scott. Can we do anything for you?” Liz gathered her purse from the couch.

“Do you have to go?” The presence of familiar friends had a healing effect on me. At least it kept my mind off how my businesses fared without me and how I’d hurt Bailey. If they just wouldn’t look so worried.

“We were here for quite a while watching you sleep and praying. We are so grateful that you’ll be all right.” Liz planted a kiss on my cheek.

Tracy pulled a baseball cap from her purse. “It’s the new team hat.” She bounced over in two steps to place it on my head.

“Thanks!” I took it off and looked it over. “It’s super cool, Tracy. Really brightened my day.”

Liz leaned over close to my ear. “Scott, Mi’ja and I will always be grateful for how your parents took us in after my husband died. The Wests became our family. I’d not have a business to take care of Tracy if it weren’t for your parents supporting me for a time. I hope you know that in your heart of hearts.” Her whispered sentiment broke and tears dropped from her eyes.

I kissed her on the cheek. They were some of the many who’d wandered down Exit 477 into the diner. My parents considered it a ministry to look after searching souls. Liz and Tracy might have been helped by my parents, but they’d been there through thick and thin for the Wests. Liz knew how much we loved her and Tracy. Did she think I was dying?

“I know, Liz, and I love you both. Thanks so much for the visit and the gift.”

“Sure, and don’t worry. Everything back home is under control. You aren’t even needed at all.”

Yeah, that’s what I needed to hear.

Sheesh.