Page 13 of Big Risks

"And what about you, miss?" Amber asks me.

"I'll try the Rocky Top Road," I say, studying the colorful array of flavors.

"Excellent choice," Amber says. "That's one of our most popular."

Olivia bounces on her toes in front of the display case. "I want... blue moon! No, wait. Campfire S’mores! No, Fried Pie Surprise!"

Walker places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "One flavor, Liv. We talked about this."

"Fried Pie Surprise," she decides firmly. "With sprinkles."

We take our cones to a small table by the window. Olivia immediately launches into a detailed explanation of her kindergarten art project involving macaroni and glitter glue. Walker listens attentively, asking questions at all the right moments. He's different with her, softer, more present.

I catch him watching me over Olivia's head. "What?" I ask.

"Nothing," he says quickly. "You just... you're good with her."

"I'm a school nurse," I remind him. "Kind of comes with the territory."

"Right," he says, turning his attention back to his ice cream.

Olivia finishes her cone in record time, her face smeared with chocolate and sprinkles. "Can I go look at the ice cream and plan my flavor for next time?" she asks, and Walker nods.

“Did you ever leave town, or did you grow up here your whole life?” I ask, circling back to our conversation on our way over here.

He looks at me but doesn’t answer. “You ask a lot of questions.”

"Professional hazard. Diagnosis requires information."

"And what exactly are you diagnosing here?"

I smile. "The terminal case of seriousness afflicting one Walker Ellison."

For a moment, I think I've gone too far, but then, miracle of miracles, the corner of his mouth twitches upward. Not quite a smile, but definitely movement in the right direction.

"Terminal, huh?" he says. "No hope for a cure?"

"Well, early studies suggest regular exposure to ice cream and friendly company might help, but the research is still preliminary."

This time, the almost-smile reaches his eyes. "I'll keep that in mind."

As we finish our ice cream, I notice a bulletin board by the door covered with community flyers. There is a farmer’s market, a charity car wash, and a notice for an outdoor movie night in the town square tomorrow.

Walker follows my gaze. "The whole town turns out for those," he says. "They set up a big screen in the gazebo, and people bring blankets and picnics."

"Sounds fun," I say, wondering if it would be too forward to ask if he's going.

Olivia saves me the trouble. "We're going!" she announces, returning to the table. "Daddy promised. They're showingThe Princess Bride. It's his favorite movie ever."

Walker actually looks embarrassed. "It's a good film," he says defensively.

"I love that movie," I say, delighted by this unexpected piece of information. "As you wish!"

His eyes meet mine, and for a second, I see something there, a flicker of connection, maybe. But then Olivia tugs on his hand, breaking the moment.

"We should get going," he says, standing up. "Thanks for joining us."

"Anytime," I reply, meaning it more than I expected to.

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