Page 34 of Mother Clucker

David

“David. Honestly, you donated the food. You didn’t have to come and unload the truck.” Anna indicated the full shed I’d just put the final case into.

I wiped the sweat from my eyes. “Happy to do it.”

If she thought I was going to let her and the other woman who worked there unload the truck alone with the driver, she didn’t know me at all.

But my motivation came from more than the way my momma raised me. I needed some good hard labor to get my mind off that bullshit interview—interrogation more like—at Drew’s.

“Well, we appreciate it. Please, come inside for some cold water.”

“That I will accept. Thanks. Right after I wash up.”

“Rest room is right past the manager’s office door.” She pointed to the back as I opened the door of the shelter for her to walk through before me.

“Thanks. Be right out,” I said.

The water was cold and seemed to wash more than the sweat off my face and arms. It washed away a little bit of the stress of this morning as well.

At least it had, until I opened the restroom door and heard Heather’s voice out in the front. I didn’t catch all the words, but I did hear her say my name.

“I trust him,” Anna replied to whatever Heather had said. “More than just writing a check for a million dollars, the man donated a truckload of food and came to help us unload it.”

Heather said something else, a bunch of mumbled words ending in the word scandal.

I scowled. So now her hatred of me would be complete.

“What happened was horrible, no doubt,” Anna said. “But that hasn’t affected my view of the company or the man. From what I’ve learned it wasn’t at all what the press let on. If you’re concerned, you should talk to him about it.”

“I’m not sure he’s open to talking about it,” Heather said. I heard that loud and clear as I walked down the hall and emerged into the front part of the shelter.

Heather’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

“It’s okay,” I said, eerily calm considering all I’d heard during my eavesdropping. “I’m happy to talk about it.”

“I’m—I didn’t—” she stuttered.

“Don’t apologize. You have every right to your opinion. But I would like a chance to explain so you can base it on facts.”

The color draining from her face, she nodded. “Okay.”

Anna walked over with her wallet in her hand. “Here.” She shoved a gift card to the coffee shop next door in my hand. “Go sit, have something to drink, and talk. On me.”

I tried to wave off the card but she wasn’t having it.

“Please. I’ve got a pro bono client who sends me these all the time as a thank you. I’m more than happy to share.”

“Thanks.” It was easier to just take it than argue. I had more to worry about. Namely Heather. I glanced at her. “Ready?”

“Yeah.”

I opened the door for her and we walked to the coffee shop in silence. I swept my arm toward the counter for her to go ahead and order first.

“Uh, the frozen caramel mocha latte, please. The name is Heather.”

I raised a brow at that order but restrained myself from commenting as I said, “Coffee. Black.”

“Name and size?” the guy behind the counter asked.

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