Page 50 of Hearts Aweigh
“Midnight?” Spencer moved his body halfway between Abby and the Shippers. “She’s suffered an injury. Should she be up so late?”
“The man has a point,” Gerry said. “Why not make it an afternoon picnic? Cedric’s evening shift doesn’t start until six.”
“Just a minute.” Spencer held up a hand. “Ms. O’Brien still needs to care for Madeleine.”
Daisy spoke. “I don’t mind filling in. We can go for pedicures and eat supper together. Would you like that, Madeleine?”
“Yes, Grandma,” Maddie said. “What’s a pet-a-gure?”
Daisy laughed and began to explain the enchanted world of foot baths and toenail polish.
“I can hardly believe it.” Abby bounced on her good heel. “Cloud Nine! Thank you, thank you!”
Emily lifted her gray eyebrows at Spencer. “Any other objections?”
He shifted to Abby. “Are you sure your ankle can take it?”
“You betcha.” She made a muscle. “I’m as strong as an ox.Mooooo.”
Madeleine giggled. Abby wrapped an arm around her and squeezed.
He cleared his throat. “Very well. As per our agreement, you have forty-five minutes.”
Abby grimaced at the ugly bandage on her leg. “I hope I can find a skirt long enough to cover this thing.”
Dr. Timothy Grant exited the exam room. Streaks of premature gray adorned his mahogany-brown hair. He halted when he spotted their group. “I didn’t realize how popular our waiting room was. Hello, Emily. Are you getting enough exercise?”
“Yes, of course.” Emily batted a hand. “How long will Abby be out of commission?”
His white lab coat lent him a distinguished air, which was counteracted by his mischievous grin. “Don’t worry. As long as she doesn’t sign up for any samba lessons, her ankle should be right as rain in a few days.”
Emily rubbed Abby’s arm. “Sorry, dear. No dancing dates in your near future.”
Dr. Grant’s smile teased. “I haven’t heard about this, Abby. Are you dating someone?”
“Anyone who will have me,” Abby joked.
An irritated huff sounded from Spencer.
“If my workaholic boss will give me the time off,” she added.
“Is there a sign-up sheet?” Dr. Grant’s grin widened. “I might want to get in on this.”
“A date with a doctor? Be still, my heart.” Abby laughed. “But talk to the Shippers. They’re representing me.”
“I might—”
“It’s time for Madeleine’s lunch,” Spencer took his daughter by the hand and led her over. “Ms. O’Brien, if you’ll accompany her to the room, I have some business.”
“Yes, sir.” Abby straightened and saluted. “On the double, sir.” She laced her fingers with Maddie’s and smiled at the doctor. “Hopefully the next time we cross paths won’t be for medical reasons.”
“Count on it,” he said.
Spencer disregarded the man and herded Abby and Madeleine to the chair where they’d left their things.
Was it Abby’s imagination, or had she heard Spencer mutter, “Don’t count on it”?
CHAPTER 24
