Page 40 of Finders Keepers

“I’m here to pick up Sophie,” I explain, trying to ignore how he smiles. “Is Ms. Lucy around?”

“She’s in the kitchen.” He steps back, inviting me in. “Fair warning though, I think there might be a change of plans.”

The familiar scent of Ms. Lucy’s home wraps around me as I step inside. Cinnamon and old wood with a hint of something savory cooking. I follow Gavin through to the kitchen where Sophie sits at the table, her little legs swinging as she colors intently.

“Mommy!” Sophie spots me and waves her crayon in the air. “We’re having ‘sketti!” She pushes out of her chair and runs up and gives me the biggest hug.

Ms. Lucy turns from the stove, wooden spoon in hand. “There you are dear! I hope you don’t mind, but Jake and I thought we’d feed this little angel dinner. She’s been helping me all afternoon with the garden.”

Jake tips his weathered cowboy hat from across the kitchen. “She’s got quite the green thumb, just like her mama.”

“Oh, that’s sweet of you, but I don’t want to impose-”

“Nonsense,” Ms. Lucy waves the spoon dismissively. “There’s plenty for everyone. Gavin here was down at the barn with Jake checking on Daisy’s new calf. Poor thing needed some after-hours attention.”

“She’s doing fine now,” Gavin is quick to mention. “Just needed some antibiotics.”

“So, we invited him to stay for dinner too,” Ms. Lucy continues. “No sense in anyone eating alone when we’ve got a table full of good food and even better company.”

Sophie looks up at me with hopeful eyes. “Can we stay, Mommy? Please?”

I hesitate, caught between the warmth of this impromptu gathering and my instinct to keep my distance. But the pleading tone in Sophie’s voice breaks my resolve.

“Well, if you’re sure there’s enough…”

“More than enough,” Ms. Lucy assures me. “Now, wash up and grab a seat. Jake just finished up with the garlic bread.”

I take my seat at Ms. Lucy’s oak dining table, the wood worn smooth from years of use. Sophie climbs into the chair next to me, her face bright with excitement. The sight of her happiness eases some of my tension, but I can’t shake the nagging feeling that’s been festering the last few hours.

Ms. Lucy bustles around, setting steaming plates of spaghetti in front of everyone. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, and my stomach growls despite my unease. Jake and Gavin sit across from us.

“Here you go, honey.” Ms. Lucy places a plate in front of me. “And would you like some wine? I have a lovely red that pairs perfectly with pasta.”

My chest tightens. The word ‘wine’ triggers a flash of memory,Matt sprawled in his recliner, whiskey bottle dangling from his fingers, amber liquid sloshing inside. The sharp smell of alcohol on his breath as he’d lurch toward me, his words slurring into threats.

“No, thank you.” I manage to keep my voice steady. “Just water is fine.”

I see Gavin watching me, he must have noticed my delay in responding. I drop my gaze to my plate, twirling pasta around my fork. The food looks amazing, but my appetite has dwindled.

Sophie talks away beside me, telling me about the flowers she helped plant. “And Ms. Lucy says the yellow ones are gonna be real pretty when they grow up!”

“That they will, sweetheart.” Ms. Lucy calls out from the kitchen. “Marigolds are hardy little things. Just like you.”

The conversation flows around me, and I catch pieces of it as I listen in. Ms. Lucy, seated at the head of the table, talks about her garden and the tomatoes she swears are the best in the county. Jake shares a story from the ranch, his hands animated and Gavin adds the occasional comment. Some quick fact or funny moment from one of the animals he’s treated here. I hear their voices, follow the rhythm of their laughter, nod at the right moments. It should feel easy, but even as I sit there, part of me stays quiet, listening more to the noise in my head than the voices at the table.

“Bailey?” Ms. Lucy’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “You’ve barely touched your food, dear. Is everything alright?”

I force a smile. “Everything’s delicious. I just…” I trail off, not knowing how to explain without sounding ungrateful.

“Mommy, are you tired from your work?” Sophie questions, sauce smeared around her mouth.

Ms. Lucy reaches over and pats my hand. The gesture is meant to be comforting, but it makes me want to pull away. “Mary Beth tells me you have quite the talent for arrangements.”

“Thank you.” I take a sip of water, trying to ground myself.

Gavin leans forward. “You know, my clinic could use some freshening up. Maybe you could recommend something that would survive in an office full of animals?”

“I-” My voice catches as I meet his gaze. Those amber eyes wait patiently for my response, no pressure, just interest. “Snake plants are practically indestructible. They tolerate low light and irregular watering. Perfect for a busy vet’s office.” I supply in an effort to get the attention off of me.

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