Page 68 of Edged

Kaley waited silently until he let out a sigh. “Not good news.”

“According to this.” He wiggled his phone. “It’s going to be hours. They’ve reopened the road but are doing one way traffic control four cars at a time.”

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

“You always have a sunny attitude.”

“Not always.” She released her seatbelt and shifted in her seat.

“Well, what shall we do? I don’t have a deck of cards or we could play strip poker.”

Kaley laughed. “Strip poker in a car?”

“Okay, maybe go fish, but since that isn’t possible, and I don’t want to drain our phone batteries. What would you like to talk about?”

She swallowed. Her therapist had told her that she needed to explain to Anthony about her fear of knives and why. Was this a good time? Her gut clenched.

“I didn’t think it was that hard of a question.”

“Sorry.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t need to be sorry. Just talk to me.”

“About what?”

“What are your dreams for your business?”

Kaley barely hid her shock at the question.

“You weren’t expecting that, were you?” He tapped her nose. “I know you have plans.”

“I do.” She shifted. It didn’t matter how comfortable a vehicle was, once stopped, everything began to ache from sitting, and they hadn’t been there more than ten minutes.

“Tell me your plans. Your dreams. I want to know.”

“Only if you tell me yours.”

“Deal, but you’re going first.”

“I want to establish a dog grooming shop but not just that. I want to be able to have people bring their dogs in, and I want to keep the mobile grooming business as well.”

“But if people can bring you their dogs, why do you need the mobile unit?” He tilted his head.

“Not everyone is mobile or wants to drive.”

“Like my gran.”

“Yes, so this way I can accommodate those who want to take their animals in with those who prefer home services.”

“That’s a nice plan. How is it coming along?”

Kaley relaxed against the seat. “Good. It’s still going to take a couple of years, but I’ve got a steady income.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. Can I ask about where you live? Have you thought about moving to a better neighborhood?”

Her lips twitched. “I wondered when you’d bring that up.” He held his hands up as if to fend her off. “It’s been better since the front door lock was fixed, and all the lights are now working.”

“It doesn’t mean I like it.”

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