Hannah's List (Blossom Street #7)(25)

He shook his head emphatically. "Not me."

"It'll only be for a couple of hours."

"Tie him up in your backyard."

Macy had already considered that option. "How would you like a rope around your neck?" Unfortunately the yard wasn't fully enclosed.

Harvey didn't respond.

"Sammy's lost and frightened."

"I'd be frightened, too, if I had Snowball giving me the evil eye."

"Two hours," she murmured pleadingly. "Three at the most."

"Ten."

"Ten what?"

"Hours. I know how you operate, Macy Roth. You have no concept of time. One hour or six--it's all the same to you. I am not looking after that dog, so you might as well accept it right now."

Sammy ambled over to the fence and stared up at Harvey.

"Don't you start." He pointed an accusing finger at the dog, then turned to Macy. "Did you teach him to look at me like I'm his last friend in the world?"

"When would I have had time for that?"

"Go back inside because you're wasting your breath. I'm no babysitter to a flea-infested mutt."

She bent down and whispered to Sammy.

"What did you just tell that mangy dog?"

"Nothing."

"Yes, you did," he insisted. "I saw your lips move."

"If you must know, I told him not to pay any attention and to just go on over and visit."

Harvey buried the hoe in the freshly turned dirt. "Why is it you ignore everything I say? I don't know why I even bother to talk to you."

"Because you love me."

"No, I don't. Now kindly leave an old man alone."

"Can't do that. Sorry. I guess I'll call and cancel my part in the photo shoot."

Harvey removed his hat and wiped his brow. "That trick isn't going to work this time, so you can forget it. I don't care if you lose your job." He wagged his index finger at her. "And you aren't moving in with me if you lose your grandmother's house, either. I refuse to let you blackmail me."

"Not to worry, I told Sammy to stay here and keep an eye on you."

Harvey scowled. "If he's on your side of the fence, it's fine. But I don't want him digging in my garden."

"I'll make sure he knows to wait right here and I'll tell him to look after you, too."

"You do that, because if he sets one paw on my land, I'm calling the dogcatcher."

"Harvey, you wouldn't."

"Don't tempt me."

Macy rolled her eyes. "I'll be back in a few hours."

"Whatever."

"Look after him for me, Harvey."

"I said I wouldn't, and I won't."

Nevertheless, Macy figured it wouldn't be long before Sammy won over her neighbor. She'd let the two of them sort it out.

She put out fresh water for her animals and threw the dirty towels in the washer before grabbing her backpack and heading out the door. She left Sammy in the backyard, confident in Harvey's kindness despite all disclaimers to the contrary. Her cats were inside the house.

When she went to start the car, she saw that she was desperately low on gas. Considering what a nice day it was, she decided to ride her bicycle.

She got it out of the garage and pedaled down the street. It really was a lovely morning.

Chapter Ten

I've always been fascinated by how wise children often are, especially those with cancer. Despite the fact that they've been dealt a crummy hand in life, these kids are impressive. In my observation, children, by their very nature, are optimistic and in most cases far more realistic than their parents. I hadn't been looking forward to this picnic, but my reasons had nothing to do with the kids. My fear had to do with my colleagues. I was afraid some of them--like Patrick--would use the opportunity to set me up with one of their friends. My concerns were wellfounded, judging by the way they'd reacted to the news that I planned to attend.

Saturday morning I arrived at the park around tenthirty. The weather had cooperated, although there was a huge gazebo for shelter in case of rain. The rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, just as they were in Hannah's garden at home. Splashes of soft color all around reminded me of a Monet painting. Children raced around, some with hair and others without. Today was a day for fun and laughter, games and prizes, food and friends. For this short period they could forget about everything associated with cancer. Their parents, too, could put aside their worries and fears and simply enjoy the day.

As I walked to the picnic area I saw Patrick O'Malley strolling toward me. He grinned and held up his hand in greeting. Although we worked in the same practice, we didn't often get a chance to talk. I owed Patrick. He'd covered for me so I could be with Hannah, especially toward the end. That had made turning down his request nearly impossible. Patrick had asked me to help and I could do nothing less.

"Glad to see you made it," Patrick said when we met. "And congratulations. I heard you've been nominated for Fischer-Newhart's Pediatrician of the Year. That's huge!"

I shrugged off his praise. The pharmaceutical company, which specialized in medication for children, gave a major award once a year in four regions of the country. This was my first nomination and it