Page 11 of Call Out
“I’ll think about it.” Her hands fall to her hips.
“Tomorrow?”
“Perhaps.” Now, she folds her arms like she doesn’t know what to do with her hands.
“Pizza?”
“No!” Her fingers fan over her heart. “That’s not a nutritious meal.”
I didn’t really think this invitation out properly. There’s no way I’ll let her ride on my motorcycle, and I certainly won’t get in a cab. We could walk there and back, but then again, if she wears inappropriate shoes, I'll end up carrying her. I don’t mind sweeping her off her feet, but—this is complicated. “Let me check my shift times. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She doesn’t agree or disagree. I hand over the dog and wink. “Thanks for kissing me back to life, Viv.” I lean in and peck her cheek. It’s like heaven. “Now, I’m late.” I roll my eyes playfully. “I’ll call you.”
“Are you sure those are weeds?” Dot’s voice halts my digging.
“Uh—yeah.” There’s a small heap of soiled roots sprouting leaves and creamy floral trumpets. “It's called Devil's weed.”
“And those bulbs?” Her feet come into view when she waddles up beside me. “I’m not a gardener, but those sure look like tulips.”
Damn it. I’ve been so lost in my thoughts that I pulled out tulip bulbs without noticing. “Ugh!”
“You’ve been out here all afternoon. Is everything okay?”
“I’m fine.” I toss the trowel on top of the muddy mound and remove my checkered gloves. “Are there any messages?”
“No. It’s been quiet all day. Are you expecting a call?”
“Not expecting, more like hoping.” I glance at my wristwatch. It’s after four in the afternoon, and Danny hasn’t called to make arrangements for dinner tonight. Maybe he meant the next day, or maybe he’s a jerk.
“Why did the paramedic come to see Wini yesterday? Is she okay?”
“Wini asked him to help us with the CPR renewal.”
“Really?” She scrunches up her face. “But we took the refresher course last month?”
“I guess she was trying to help me hook up with a hot guy.” Tossing weeds into the bucket, I stand up and blow out a jet of air. “Are all men a mystery?” I ask.
Dot’s been married since she was twenty-one, and that's a lifetime for most people, given she’s nearly fifty.
“Men are a different species entirely.” She rolls her eyes and grunts. “They might be classed as humans, but their brains are wired to their––” She juts her hips and points to her groin. “It’s like comparing birds and fish.”
“Just because they’re not programmed the same way as us doesn't mean I should lower my standards for a solid relationship, right?”
“Have you got your eye on someone, Viv?” Dot’s jaw drops. “That's a first for you.” Her palms clap together in quick succession.
“He said he’d call me today and offered to take me out for dinner.”
“Oh.” Her excitement wanes. “And he hasn't called?” Her head bobs like the penny just dropped. “It’s late in the day, perhaps the guy is still at work?”
That’s a plausible suggestion. “Or maybe he’s the stereotypical biker. The very type Nonna told me to stay clear off. A heartbreaker disguised as a saint.”
“Oh, Viv. I’ll tell the chef to put on an extra stuffed chicken dinner.”
My lips tighten to a straight line. “Thanks, but I’d rather go home after my shift ends.”I’ve lost my appetite.
She rubs my bicep. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
I should’ve known better than to believe a dream guy would ride into my life and change its course with an organized backpack and a stolen kiss. It was an over eager wish destined for disappointment. I dared to imagine the courteous medic would be the rare deviant to Nonna’s rule.
