Page 52 of Her Cadillac Cowboy
“That’s right.” Doc snapped his fingers.
“So you remember recommending her, Doc?”
“What do you need a nurse for?” Sara’s voice trembled with fear. Josh couldn’t be ill too.
“For my kids.”
“Ewww. You have kids?” Lurlene curled her lips. Josh might as well have said he had cooties.
Sara straightened with relief.
Marty sent Josh a calculating look.
“How’s Millie working out?” Doc asked.
“Just fine, Doc. Taking her onboard before the Springboard center opened was the best move I’ve made in a long time.” Josh gave Sara a studied look. “Millie made suggestions about safety and medical supplies that have saved me a bundle in time and money. She even tended some of my bumps and bruises during construction.”
“Josh, if Mrs. Masterson works for you, how can she help me with Dad?”
“If Doc approves, Millie can pick up your daddy and bring him to the center every day. I’ll call her tonight. If she agrees, she can stay with Carl daily until I open. Once the center opens, your father will get as much exercise as he needs.”
“You want my father to chase after a bunch of toddlers?” Amazement overcame weariness and squeezed Sara’s eyes shut. She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to stave off the headache that knocked just behind her left ear.
Josh’s tone gentled, and he picked up her other hand. “I’ll have kids of all ages at Springboard, Sara. Besides, just because he’s there doesn’t mean Carl will have to chase after anyone. He can have as much or as little activity as he can handle.”
“I don’t know...”
“What other choice do you have, Pipsqueak?”
“None.” The headache walked in and took up residence behind her eyes. She looked at Doc. The older man nodded and moved off. “Okay, we’ll try it. But I’m warning you; if Dad gets out of line, I won’t be responsible.”
Marty leaned toward her again and whispered, “Speaking of getting out, we’d better get going, if we want to do any dancing tonight.”
“Dancing? Are y’all goin’ dancing?” Lurlene, who’d looked decidedly glum since Josh mentioned kids, perked up.
“No, I...” Sara protested.
The other woman ignored her. “Why, I love to dance,” she purred. “Joshie, you and I should join Marty and Sara. We can all go dancing together.”
“I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, Lurlene. With the grand opening next week, I can’t afford any late nights.”
Her face fell into a pout.
“Why don’t you and Marty go? I’m really not feeling up to it tonight.” She hoped Marty wouldn’t hear the eagerness in her voice.
The pout disappeared. Lurlene shot a speculative smile in Marty’s direction.
He smiled back. “Okay, but how will you get home?”
“My car’s still in the shop, so I took an Uber in. I’ll do the same going back.”
Josh’s hand tightened on hers. “That’s not necessary. I can take you.”
Sara wasn’t sure she wanted to spend time alone with Josh. Then again, the way he’d been avoiding her, she couldn’t understand why he offered.
Why was Josh being so helpful? And now that she thought about it, where was Will Talmidge? She looked at Josh. She wanted to refuse but couldn’t think of a reasonable excuse not to accept. “All right.”
The four stood. After paying the bill, Marty and Lurlene left. Josh waited while Sara gathered her things, then escorted her to his car.
