Page 7 of Tumbleweed Temptation
“I do know that.” Ms. Tippler touched his face, her eyes sad. “I sure do miss your mama.”
“I do, too. And Bridget. I thought about her a lot.” He glanced over at the counter where he and Bridget had spent so much time on homework while their mamas worked.
That was one thing he hadn’t expected. He had resented so much coming back to Broken Wheel that he hadn’t thought of all the good memories it brought back—memories of his dad and of his mom. Memories he hadn’t had to face when he was in Waco.
“Well, come on over and sit at the counter like you used to, and tell me all about your life. When are you going to start seeing patients?”
“I haven't hired a receptionist yet. I don't even know where to look. And I’d like someone with medical experience.”
“Well, we don't really have anyone like that. Lacey Davila and Maggie Salinas are home health nurses. I don't know if either one of them might be interested in the job.”
Lacey. She’d been a great friend to him after his mother had died, had stood up to the town defending his mother when the town would put the blame for the accident on her. He wondered if she’d be interested in working for him. He didn't remember Maggie.
“You know of anyone else who might be looking? Someone who might need a job more?”
She frowned a minute and set a menu and place setting in front of him. “Let me think. You want older or younger?”
“I don't care. Someone who doesn’t need to be told every little thing to do, would be helpful. I mean, I get that there will be some training to begin with, but someone with some initiative. I’ve never run an office before, so I’m not sure exactly what they need to know besides answering phones and scheduling. I mean. I don't know what demand is going to be like, you know?”
“Sweetheart, I can tell you that you are going to be swamped the first couple of weeks. Maybe even the first couple of months. We haven't had a doctor in Broken Wheel in about fifteen years.”
Austin held back a sigh. That was about what he had figured, too.
“Well, if you think of anyone, let me know.” He looked over his shoulder at the group of waitstaff. “All of them in school?”
“If they’re not in high school, they’re in college in San Angelo.”
“That’s a hell of a commute.”
“It is.”
“They still go to Kimmel for high school?”
“Yes. We got a new elementary, tore down that old one from the 1930s. Used oil money for it. But we still don't have enough kids for our own high school. As it is, the elementary doubles up some of the grades.” She straightened, her hands on the counter. “You have any idea what you’re wanting for dinner?”
“I could go for some fried chicken. I can’t make that as good as you do.”
“A doctor eating fried chicken.” She scoffed. “You’d think they’d teach you better there in Baylor.”
He smiled. “They do, but a guy needs his comfort food, you know? And I’ve been pretty good lately. I haven't been to the grocery store yet, though. I mean, I don't know what kind of stuff they offer. Can I get good produce there?”
“You can, but it might be best to head up to San Angelo once a week and stock up. Or do one of those mail delivery things.”
“They deliver out here?”
“Not a day goes by when I don't see the UPS truck go down the road.”
“That’s awesome. That will solve a lot of problems.”
“Yup, best thing since sliced bread. So, fried chicken? Sweet tea to go with that?”
“Wouldn't have it any other way.”
She turned to place his order, but before she walked away to do whatever she’d been doing before he walked in, he said, “Poppy came by. She said something about having a welcome back party for me at The Wheel House. She doesn’t mean that old place on Sotol Road, does she?”
“Well, yeah, but it’s under new management. It’s a right cute place now, a little rustic, a little hot, because most of it is outside, but she’s got a good thing going. She does barbecue, so it’s not really too competitive, no more than Delgado’s is. I don't get out there much, though. No time. But a party is a good idea. I think you should let her do it. That Poppy—she loves people. She’ll do just about anything for a party.”
“I guess I was surprised when she told me how many people were still around.”
