Page 7 of Her Counterfeit Christmas
“Merry Christmas, Clark. See you in the new year.”
“After this, I wouldn’t count on it,” I say, but he’s already ended the call. I glance at Layla. “Do you believe me now?”
“I sure do.” Her lingering laughter makes her words uneven. “Why do you only visit Brock Pine Home every other week?”
A change of topic is a great idea. Whether it’s because she’s embarrassed or she’s kind enough to save me from my embarrassment, I appreciate it. I also notice that she’s inadvertently admitted to knowing my schedule. All is not lost.
“I spend one week in Salt Lake City and the other in Elko, Nevada.”
She scrunches her nose adorably. “Isn’t that a long drive?”
“Four hours tops. I grew up in Nevada. My mom and brother live there.”
Her eyes light up. “I’ve always wanted a sibling. I’m an only child.”
“He’s eighteen years younger than me, so I was out of the house by the time he was born.”
She settles in the corner between the door and seat back so she faces me. “Were you upset when he ruined your single child status?”
“Not at all. I love being a big brother.”
She studies me for a few seconds. “I bet he loves having you as a big brother. So, if you’re not a therapy dog handler, what do you do that allows you to live in two different states and spend afternoons at Brock Pine Home?”
I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. That can be a tricky question to answer, but I’ll keep it vague. “I started a manufacturing company a few years ago with a friend. Our headquarters were here and I grew to love Utah. I sold my half of the business not too long ago, and now I’m trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.” Before she can ask me what kind of company I sold, I continue. “Until I figure that out, I own and manage a landscaping business.”
“Mmm. This isn’t your normal week to visit.”
It sounds like an accusation, but I’m glad for the change in my regular schedule because I’m here with her now. I’m not so happy about why my schedule changed.
“No, it’s not. I was up in Elko this week, but my mom, brother, and I drove here yesterday because we fly out of the Salt Lake airport tomorrow to visit family for the week.”
“Is Greta going with you?” She turns in her seat and pets Greta’s head. If she were a cat she’d be purring.
“No. She likes the car but hates flying. I’m dropping her off at a friend’s house tonight. I’ll miss her.” I rub Greta’s chinjust the way she likes. Greta’s in puppy heaven with both of us giving her attention. “I’ve only had her since May, but she’s family now.”
Greta goes for a lick attack and gets my lips before I pull back. I don’t even mind because Layla laughs.
The server taps on the window, and I lower it.
“What would you like tonight?” he asks.
I glance at Layla. “Just fries? Or would you like something more?”
I want her to order an extra-large meal so we have more time to talk, but she shakes her head. I stifle my disappointment.
“Just a large fry with lots of ketchup. I can get it.” She opens her purse, but I wave away her offer to pay.
“My treat.” I turn to the server. “Two large fries, please.” I hand him my card and he heads back inside. “What is it you do for work?”
“I’m a middle school choir teacher.”
I love that she’s a teacher. “My dad was a teacher. Math.”
She grimaces. “Not a subject I’m proficient in.”
“But you enjoy teaching?”
“I love teaching choir.” Her eyes shine with happiness. “Especially the students who are there to learn and not just to fill in an arts requirement. My tryout choir, Vocal Jammers, is amazing this year. They sound like high school students.” She sighs and sinks further into the seat. “Though I am thrilled to have a two-week break. Middle schoolers take a lot out of me.”
