16

Sarah knew one thing as she brushed her teeth and got ready for bed. She and Chris were going to have a talk. When he and Olivia had said good-bye shortly after dinner, he did not have the look of a man who still had a huge problem—namely, who was going to look after his niece after school. In fact, he looked happy and relieved. And Sarah intended to impress upon him just how unsuitable the arrangement was and to remind him that he needed to keep right on looking.

She punched her pillows as she propped them up against her headboard before climbing into bed with her book. She felt bad for Chris. She really did. He hadn’t asked for this. And she felt bad for Olivia as well. But her concern was for Gran. Sarah found her place in the book and snuggled back against her pillows. She’d stop by the Dip ’n’ Dine tomorrow and offer her help in finding someone. After all, other than Chris himself, she knew Olivia better than anyone in Last Chance. And unlike Chris, she knew the rest of the folks in town too. There had to be someone besides Gran in Last Chance who could see a diamond in this little lump of coal. They just had to find her, that’s all.

The book and the soft night wind ruffling her curtains had pretty much done their work a half hour later and Sarah was beginning to nod over the page when her ringing phone snapped her to wakefulness. She smiled as she answered.

“Hey, you. What are you doing up so late?”

“Is it late? I just got home, and I wanted to tell you good night.”

Sarah glanced at her watch. “It’s nearly 1:00 where you are. That’s pretty late for someone who has to get up early tomorrow. What have you been up to?”

She winced. Did she sound friendly and interested, or nosy and possessive? She certainly was not ready for Brandon to read anything more than casual friendship into their conversations.

“Some of my co-workers took me out for dinner, sort of a welcome to the team. We finished up with drinks someplace else. I guess time just got away.”

“How do you like your co-workers? It’s nice that they took you out.”

“There are some really sharp people in the company. I’m not the smart kid in class anymore, that’s for sure. I just got there, but I think I’m going to love it.”

“Tell me.” Sarah put her book down and snuggled back into her pillows as Brandon described his first day on the job and the people he had spent the evening with. She caught the names of at least a couple women and was surprised that they would jump out at her like that. Of course Brandon would be working with women. That’s just the way things are—and should be, for that matter.

“Anyway, the restaurant where we ate was incredible.” Brandon was finishing his account of the evening. “I guarantee that you’ve never seen anything like it in your life. And I can’t wait to take you there when you come. Which brings me to the question: When are you coming to see me?”

“Wow, Brandon, I don’t know. I guess I won’t really have any time off until Thanksgiving.”

“Can’t you take some time? Isn’t that what subs are for?”

“I can’t just get a substitute and go flying off to Chicago my first month of teaching. Get real, Brandon.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll just have to come to you.” Brandon sounded cheerful, maybe even a bit tipsy. “Lemme check.”

Sarah heard him humming to himself for a minute or two, and then he was back. “How’s the first weekend of October sound? I’ll fly out Thursday night, take a personal day Friday, and then take the red-eye back Sunday night.”

Sarah smiled into the phone. “Perfect. That’s the weekend Chris is having that jazz and chile night at the Dip ’n’ Dine. I’ll get us tickets.”

There was a long pause on Brandon’s end. “Sounds . . . great. Just what I had in mind.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t be that way. It will be fun. There’s a jazz band coming down from Albuquerque, and Chris always has great food. Everyone’s coming.”

“And the kid’s gone home, I take it.”

“Olivia? No, actually she’s staying. In fact, just this evening Gran said she’d watch her after school.”

Sarah tugged her covers up to her chin and prepared to fill Brandon in on what had been going on in Last Chance since last they talked, but he spoke first.

“Well, she’ll have her hands full. Listen, it is awful late. And I do have work in the morning. You take care, and I’ll call you soon.”

She looked at the “Call Ended” message on her screen a moment before turning out the light. Brandon was right. It was awfully late, especially where he was. He needed to get to bed. Otherwise, he would have remembered to ask about her day. She was almost sure of it.

“I had a long talk with Sue Anderson last night.” Juanita was talking before she got completely through the front door the next morning. “And we just may have your problems solved.”

Chris indicated with a tip of his head that Olivia, who was eating scrambled eggs and biscuits at the counter, could hear her, but that did not slow Juanita for a moment.

“No, Olivia needs to hear this too. And we should probably talk about it before the customers start coming in.”

“What do we need to talk about, Juanita?” Chris’s voice was cool, but Juanita didn’t seem to notice.

“What we talked about all day yesterday.” Juanita plopped down on a counter stool next to Olivia. “Where this child is going in the afternoons after school.”

Olivia glared at Juanita and stabbed her sausage patty with a fork like it was trying to get away. She held it up and tore off a portion with her teeth.

Chris shot her a warning glance before turning his attention to Juanita. “Actually, we got that all taken care of last night. But thanks anyway.”

If Juanita even heard him, she gave no indication of it. “Sue’s still not at all sure it’s going to work, but I did manage to talk her into giving Olivia a trial run. But . . .” She paused for emphasis. “She only agreed to a trial, and she does have some conditions.”

“Juanita . . .” Chris tried again.

“First, you and she have to agree on some form of discipline. She does, and always has, run a tight ship. You can tell that just by being around Emma for five minutes. Second, if Olivia is to spend time at their house, she’s going to have to learn some basic manners. We all know it’s not Olivia’s fault that she’s had no upbringing, but that’s no reason to leave things as they are. Sue’s willing to take that on herself, but she needs to know you’ll back her up. Now, third . . .”

“Juanita.” Chris looked grim as he held up his hand. “Stop.”

Juanita did stop. Her mouth got a pinched look when she shut it, and she seemed to swell up. Clearly, she did not appreciate being interrupted. Her eyebrows said, “Well?”

“We have this covered.”

Juanita waited.

“Elizabeth Cooley has offered to have Olivia come to her house after school. So thank Sue for me, but we’ve made other arrangements.”

It took a second, but Juanita found her voice. “Elizabeth? Do you have any idea how old that poor thing is? She’s eighty-five if she’s a day. There’s no way she’s up to riding herd on a child like Olivia.”

Olivia was staring at her food, but Chris had no trouble reading her expression. It was time to end this conversation. “She and Olivia get along great. Thanks anyway.”

“Do Joe Jr. and Nancy Jo know about this? You know they’re going to have a fit.”

“Who?”

“Elizabeth’s son and daughter-in-law. Sarah’s parents.”

“I have no idea. That’s between them.” He gestured with his chin at a car that had just parked out front. “Customers. We need to shelve this conversation.”

Olivia slid off her stool and ran through the kitchen and out the back door. Chris followed her, calling over his shoulder as he left the dining room, “And we need to keep it just between you and me.”

Chris found Olivia sitting on the back step, elbows on knees, chin in hand. She wasn’t crying, but her face was as sad as he’d ever seen it. When he sat down next to her and tried to pull her close, it was like trying to cuddle a broom handle.

“I want to go home.” Her voice was so low he had to bend to hear it.

“I bet you do, Livvy. And you will someday. But right now you are going to be staying here with me. Is that so bad?”

She shrugged and didn’t look up. “Mom said she’d call me every day, and she’s only called three times.”

“I’m sorry about that, Livvy. I know you miss her, but I’m glad you’re here. And I bet Belle is too.” Her stiff little shoulders relaxed a bit, and he went on. “It’s obvious that Miss Elizabeth is glad you’re here, or she wouldn’t have invited you to come over after school every day. And Miss Cooley’s your friend too.”

Olivia shot him a look. “You mean Sarah?”

He laughed. “Better get used to Miss Cooley, kiddo. School starts in just a little over a week, and you know you’re not going to call her Sarah then.”

She sighed as if the world had rolled onto her shoulders. “This is not going to be easy.”

“Maybe not, but you’ve got it nailed.”

The back door opened and Carlos stuck his head out. “Rita’s out there looking for you.”

Chris stood up and squeezed Olivia’s shoulder as he headed back into the kitchen. “Hang in there, Livvy. We’re going to be fine.”

We’re going to be fine. It seemed every time he opened his mouth he was telling Olivia that things were going to be fine. He shook his head. Who am I trying to convince here?

“Hey, boss.” Carlos slid a pan of biscuits in the oven and turned to face Chris as he passed through. “It’s none of my business, but she’s a good kid. You’re doing all right.”

That was the most encouraging thing anyone had said to him since Kaitlyn and Jase had driven their Harleys into his parking lot. It didn’t change a thing, but it helped. A lot. He cleared his throat. “Thanks, man. Appreciate it.”

Through the window, Chris could see Rita sitting in a booth riffling through a sheaf of papers. Rita turned out a flawless event. She was known for it. However, she also could turn the most trivial detail into an hour-long meeting, and usually the sight of her bustling in the front door made him want to take off out the back. But thanks to an offhand remark by his cook, he felt he could even take on Rita. He smiled as he pushed through the door into the dining room.

“’Morning, Rita. You’re up and at ’em early. What can I do for you?”

Rita took the pencil out from behind her ear and tapped the list in front of her as Chris slid into the booth across from her. “I really wish you’d reconsider using those little salt and pepper packets instead of the shakers. They cost next to nothing, and you don’t have enough shakers anyway.”

Chris signaled to Juanita to bring coffee and began to explain his vision for “Hot Chile and Cool Jazz” . . . one more time.

It took a while, but Rita finally seemed satisfied that Chris had the salt and pepper shaker situation under control. She gathered her papers together and slid from the booth.

“Okay, I guess this is it for now. If I think of anything else, I’ll give you a call.”

“You know where to find me.” Chris waved away her attempt to pay for the coffee and walked her to the door. “And I do appreciate all you’re doing.”

“Well, this was a terrific idea, Chris.” Rita stopped at the door, and for a minute Chris was afraid she might decide to sit back down. “I’ve been trying for years to find a way to get this town on the map, but Russ Sheppard and the town council keep shooting down every blessed thing I try to do. But this! This is going to be good. I know it started out with you wanting to do something a little different here at the Dip ’n’ Dine, but it’s going to be great for Last Chance. You wait and see.”

“Hope so.” Chris managed to usher her out and turned to check the clock over the counter. True to form, she had been in the diner for well over an hour, leaving Juanita to handle the bulk of the breakfast crowd herself. And Juanita did not look happy.

“I did not appreciate that comment about Russ one bit.” Several tables of diners had doubtless heard Rita’s criticism of the town council, and Juanita’s comments, though spoken to Chris, were doubtlessly directed toward them. “If I’ve heard him say it once, I’ve heard him say it a thousand times. ‘A little advertising is fine and good, but bankrupting the town to promote it is sheer tomfoolery.’”

Whether it was Rita’s comment about Russ or the fact that she had to call Sue Anderson back to tell her Chris had made plans of his own for Olivia’s after-school care, Juanita’s mood for the rest of the morning made Chris decide that owner or not, staying out of her way was the better part of valor.

A little past noon, Sarah and Elizabeth came in for lunch, and Olivia, who had been sitting at the counter drawing, saw them drive up and met them at the door.

“Well, hello there, sweet girl.” Elizabeth put her arm around Olivia’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze as they walked to a booth. “What are you up to this afternoon?”

“Drawing.” Olivia stood by the table, but when Elizabeth scooted over in the booth to make room, she grinned and climbed in beside her.

“Olivia, we need to let Miss Elizabeth and Miss Sarah eat their lunch now.” Juanita, still a portrait of irritation, set down two glasses of water and held out her hand. “Come on.”

Olivia returned the glare and pressed closer to Elizabeth. Juanita, as she often said, could tolerate just about anything but outright defiance, especially from a child. Her smile was fixed and never reached her eyes as she stood by the booth with her hand outstretched.

“Oh, we don’t mind a bit.” Elizabeth was unperturbed. “In fact, we’d love to have Olivia join us for lunch. Do you think that would be all right with Chris?”

“I’m sure I don’t know.” Juanita put the menus on the table, turned on her heel, and stalked off toward the kitchen.

Sarah watched her go. “So is she going to ask Chris, or what? What’s with her, anyway?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. It’ll all sort itself out.” Elizabeth reached for the drawing Olivia had brought with her. “What do you have here, Olivia?”

Across the table, Sarah watched the white curls and skewed ponytail bend over the place mat while Olivia launched into a detailed description of her artwork. Gran was such a natural with kids. They instantly loved her. And truth be told, Gran was never happier than when she had a child or two at her elbow. Maybe this after-school arrangement wasn’t a totally bad idea. But Sarah still intended to keep an eye on things.

“Olivia, you’re not being a pest, are you?” Chris had appeared at the table.

“Not at all. She’s just telling me all about her picture. Have you seen this?” Elizabeth held up the drawing and smiled at him. “She’s quite the little artist.”

“I’ve got lots more. I’ll go get them.” Olivia slid out of the booth and ran off.

Chris stepped back to let her go. “You’re sure she’s not a bother?”

Before Elizabeth could do more than shake her head and say, “Not at all,” Olivia was back with a sheaf of drawings that spoke of far too many hours spent entertaining herself in the diner while her uncle worked. She scooted back in and began explaining each one in detail.

“Okay, then. Enjoy your lunch.” Chris hesitated a moment before turning away, but Elizabeth and Olivia were already engrossed in her drawings and didn’t look up. Only Sarah smiled her thanks and watched him go. Why had she been so quick to mark him as arrogant and overbearing? She was beginning to think he might be one of the most caring men she had ever known.

“Olivia, these are just amazing.” Elizabeth sat back and looked at the earnest little girl sitting next to her. “You know, Sarah’s cousin is a real artist, and he’s going to be here for a visit in a few weeks. I want you to show these to him.”

“Ray’s coming?” This was the first Sarah had heard of it. “When?”

“They’re coming down for this chile-jazz thing in October. I thought I mentioned it.”

“Lainie’s coming, too?” Juanita had appeared to take their order and seemed as delighted as Sarah was with the news. “I just love that girl. You know, Russ and I were in here having breakfast that first morning she came in. In fact, it was my idea that she stay with you, Elizabeth. Of course, I didn’t know at the time she’d be staying for a year. We were thinking two or three days at the most.”

“It was a good year in so many ways.” Elizabeth smiled. “I came to love her like she was one of my own. And since she married my grandson, well, I guess she is one of my own now.”

“Did you ever hear Lainie sing, Sarah?” Juanita seemed entirely recovered from her earlier fit of pique. “She has the voice of an angel.”

Olivia had frowned when Juanita interrupted them, and the longer she claimed the attention of Elizabeth and Sarah, the deeper Olivia’s scowl etched itself across her face. Finally, she turned herself in the booth so her back was to Juanita.

“Which picture do you like best?” She shoved the stack toward Elizabeth and raised her voice to drown out Juanita’s.

The surprised silence that fell over the group was broken by Elizabeth’s calm voice. “We’ll talk about this in just a minute. Right now we need to order our lunch, and you may not realize it, but you interrupted Miss Juanita. So after you say excuse me, you can tell her what you’d like.”

Olivia heaved a sigh that bespoke a burden heavier than one person should be called to bear. “Excuse me. I want a grilled cheese.”

She looked back at Elizabeth, who only smiled and waited. Olivia sighed again. “Can I have a grilled cheese . . . please?”