Page 21 of Queen Rose

“Oh. Still surprised. But no problem, let’s go.” With that, he takes off, and I sit back in the seat and studiously fiddle around with my phone until the driver slows down in front of the shelter.

“Pull around the back please.” Looking down at the app, I add an extra tip, then pop the door open. When I glance back at him, I point with my perfectly manicured finger to his device, which has registered my extra payment. “That’s to keep your mouth shut in case anyone asks you where I went.”

His head swivels to the screen, and his eyes bug out. Flustered, he nods. “Yes, miss. You got it.”

Inside the shelter’s kitchen, I put my hair up, cover it with the standard hairnet, and grab an apron off the hook before I grin and wave at the regular staff. “Is Melinda here?” I direct the question at no one in particular.

Laura points toward the back where Melinda has an office. “I think she’s working on something. Or fighting with the computer, judging by a few choice words I’ve heard coming from that direction.”

I take a deep breath and head back there. It can’t hurt to ask, but I hope my timing isn’t bad. The door’s open, and Melinda is staring hopelessly at the computer screen. It’s now or never, I guess. “Hey. Do you have a sec?”

She looks up. “If you can help me figure out how I got locked out of my own email account, I’ll do anything you want.”

My brows raise. “M’kay.” Standing next to her, I glance quickly at the screen. “May I?” I ask as I point at the mouse.

“Go for it. I was getting ready to throw the entire thing on the floor when you walked in.” She pushes back in her seat to give me more room.

With three clicks of the mouse, the username and password I know she’s always used, we’re in. I stand up, grinning. “So…”

Melinda laughs. “Stupid technology. Thank you. Now, what can I do for you, Aria?”

“I’m afraid it might require me to give you tech support for the foreseeable future.” I hesitate, folding my hands together and tucking them under my chin as I stare at her with what is probably a pretty good sad-puppy-dog look.

“Sounds like something big.”

“Um. So, I’m sort of seeing this guy…”

Her brows raise a fraction.

“I know, I know. It’s really weird to even say it aloud.”

“Go ahead.”

“My friends and I are going to my family’s lake house over spring break. Nate—that’s his name—has a family that’s super sweet. I was wondering if you’d be able to help them out next week for a day or so, so he can come with me on the trip. His mom, Erin, has cancer and she has a five- and seven-year-old at home with her. We’re looking for help with childcare and checking in on Erin to make sure she’s okay. I’m going to ask Franny, my housekeeper, too, so you wouldn’t have to be there the whole time. And Erin can manage for short stretches on her own as well. She just needs someone reliable to give her a hand.”

Melinda tilts her head to the side, studying me with narrowed eyes. “Tech support forever. And a couple of extra hours here and there when we need you, and you have a deal.”

A relieved burst of air rushes from me. “You got it. Erin really wants Nate to go and have fun for once. He takes care of his family with no real break.”

“And you really want him there.” A hint of a smile appears on her lips.

“I do.” I nod with a hopeful grin.

“I’ve never seen you date anyone before.” She pauses. “He’s good to you?”

“Yes. And for me, too.”

She bobs her blonde head. “All right, then. Text me the details, okay?”

“I can do that.” Impulsively, I lean in and give her a quick hug. “Thank you.”

“Now, go get to work, Aria.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I spin on my heel to leave with a happy grin on my face, but then turn back. “You don’t know what this means to me. Thank you.”

“Actually, I think I do. Enjoy yourself for once, Aria.”

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