The Strawberry Hearts Diner(47)

“Thank you for this. It’s wonderful, but what’s even better is getting out of that room for a little while. Though sayin’ that makes me feel guilty.”

“Don’t let it. Everyone gets tired when time stands still. It’s not natural.” He drank his coffee and watched people come and go through the automatic doors without saying a word. The silence between them didn’t need to be filled with words.

“Pretty sunset, isn’t it?” he said.

“Gorgeous. They’re putting the pacemaker in tomorrow just as planned.”

“That’s good news. She’ll probably go home on Friday. I love the sunsets in Texas. I’ve seen dozens in many different states, but they can’t compete with our sunsets. How are the girls doing at the diner?”

“I called Emily several times today to give her updates. They did fine. You might talk them out of their strawberry cupcake recipe. They sold every single one that they made.”

Cupcakes. Sunsets. Pacemakers. All rolled up into one conversation. It should be strange—awkward, at the least—but it wasn’t.

“Then take a little advice from a guy who’s been there with an older relative. Take the weekend off and stay home with Nettie. Let the girls run the diner. It’ll make them feel like you trust them,” he said.

She caught his gaze and held it. He looked really smart, but that was the worst bit of advice she’d ever heard. It was going to be hard enough to keep Nettie out of the diner for a few days, but for her to stay at home would have Nettie pitching a first-class southern hissy. She didn’t even like being laid up in a hospital bed and doing nothing. To have someone watching over her at home—that would go over like a dead rat in a punch bowl.

“I can see from your expression that’s not an option.” He took her empty cup from her hands and carried both to the nearest trash can. “She must be as bullheaded as my dad.”

“You got that right.” Vicky stood up. “I should be getting back in there.”

“I’ll go with you, but I’ll only stay a few minutes. It’s getting late.” He picked up her hand and looped it into his arm. “So the thing with Shane and Jancy? I thought they’d been together for ages.”

“They knew each other years ago. She lived in Pick for a spell when she was a teenager, but she only came back a little bit ago. Her car caught on fire in the diner parking lot. If you believe in fate, you can call it that. She was stranded with no family or place to live and we needed a waitress. She’s been a lifesaver in more ways than just by working for us.”

“I believe in fate,” he said. “How else does anything make sense?”

They weren’t so lucky as to have the elevator to themselves that time. It was packed so full that they had to wedge into the thing. Her back met his chest so tightly that she could feel his heartbeat. Sure and steady. She wondered if that was an indication of his whole outlook on life. The doors opened at their floor, and she felt as if the elevator spat them out.

“Whew! Good thing neither of us is claustrophobic,” he said.

“Who says I’m not?” she joked.

“You did pretty good if you are. I don’t mind snug spaces.” He guided her down the hall with his arm slung loosely around her shoulders.

“Well, look what Vicky drug up.” Nettie grinned. “Did she tell you that I’m breakin’ out of this joint on Friday evening? Thanks for the cookies you sent up here this morning.”

“She did tell me, and you are very welcome. I just wanted to pop in for a minute. Since you’ve got a roomful, I’ll be going. Good luck with the surgery. It doesn’t take long and you’ll sure feel better,” Andy said.

He disappeared with a wave, and Vicky settled back into the recliner. “So, Shane, how’d you like being a waiter today?”

“W-we did just fine. Got us a free lunch for an hour’s w-work and even got to eat with the ladies.” Shane wiggled his thick eyebrows. “I’d do the w-work every day for that.”

“Only one more day,” Nettie said. “Then it’ll be back to normal.”

Ryder winked at Vicky. “We were thinkin’ maybe you’d take a week off and get all rested up.”

“Well, you were thinkin’ wrong.” Nettie raised her voice.

Sparks danced around the room, but Vicky couldn’t tell who or how many people were producing them. Vicky wouldn’t try to figure out all that right then. She had a cranky old Nettie who needed every bit of her attention for the next few days.

“We’d better get out of here before she gets all worked up and they don’t let her get her machinery tomorrow,” Emily said.

“W-we’re goin’ to go get us an ice cream cone. You w-want a milk shake or a malt, Vicky?” Shane asked. “I’ll be glad to bring one back up to you. Just say the w-word.”

“Look at that window ledge. Folks have been bringin’ in cookies, fruit, and all kinds of food all day. I appreciate the offer, but no, thanks, Shane.”

“We’ll wait for you by the elevator, Emily,” Ryder said. “Take your time.”

“Be there soon as I kiss these two tired girls good night.” She smiled up at Ryder.

“Good night, Nettie.” Emily bent down and planted half a dozen kisses on her forehead when the women were alone. “I miss you. Get well, and we’ll fight about when you go back to the diner when you get home.”