looked up from his notebook. “I already do that.”
“She needs to know it more now.”
He added that to his notes and then put the book down. “When my dad was sick, I was only a teen. So I didn’t have to do much. But this is different.”
Suzy placed her hand on his. “It’s going to be overwhelming at times, but you’ll get through this.”
He stared down at their hands, and she snatched hers away. They finished their coffee in silence, and Will paid the check. He walked her out to his truck. He took a deep breath, and she waited for him to say something. Before he could, he swallowed hard. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you did this.”
“It was only coffee and some advice.”
“You gave me reassurance when I felt lost.” He looked into her eyes and reached toward her.
She felt a warmth spread over her chest as she glanced at his mouth. But then all he did was open her door and help her into the truck.
* * *
THE GROCERY STORE bustled with shoppers who stopped in on their way home from work. Will grabbed a basket from the stack at the front and headed for the produce section. With his mom in the hospital, meals had been catch it when you can, and he grew tired of fast food and carryout. He wanted some fresh food. Even a salad sounded great.
He must be losing it.
The pyramid of oranges called to him, so he walked in that direction and pulled a plastic bag from the roll. He was quick to find four nice size oranges that felt and smelled juicy, which he put in the bag and tied it shut at the top; turned and noticed Councilman Barry watching him from the bakery aisle.
He wasn’t going to let him get to him today. He had to focus on buying food and then getting to the hospital to check on his mom. He had already dealt with several phone calls from the town council members about his job. Had justified six times over why they needed him in office to keep the town safe. He didn’t need to explain it a seventh time.
Bad enough he was one man doing a job that required a staff. What were they going to do if they did eliminate it? Give the responsibility to an already overworked colleague? He shook his head. It was starting to feel personal.
“Fancy seeing you here, Will.”
Will forced a pleasant expression on his face. At least he hoped it was pleasant. “Councilman Barry.”
The man glanced into Will’s basket. “I’m a big fan of oranges myself.”
“Can I help you with something?” Will didn’t have time to talk about the benefits of citrus.
Councilman Barry huffed, and his eyebrows slammed together. “The budget meeting is coming up next month. You realize, of course, that your job is on the line.”
“Yes, you all have been telling me that for months now.” This was hardly news. Will had slept with it, worked with it and eaten with the knowledge that his job could disappear. He’d taken the post after his predecessor had a heart attack on the job. He’d only been the man’s assistant at the time, but he’d accepted the position and done a great job. Why didn’t anyone else see that? “I’m hoping to have your support.”
“That depends on you, son.” Councilman Barry folded his large arms across his chest. “We pride ourselves on getting results and reward those who do the same.”
“My track record speaks for itself.”
“And the Bylin house? What does that say?”
Will tried not to grimace. He had to bring up Suzy, hadn’t he? “The resident has been given a deadline of a week from now. I’m sure we will see a positive outcome.”
“Rose Bylin had years to get the yard cleaned up, but we can see how well that was enforced.” Mr. Barry shook his head. “The last code inspector was too soft. I’m not saying you are too, but we want results. Success. And the Bylin situation has to be dealt with.”
The man was determined to rub Will the wrong way. But he wasn’t about to react. Not today. This was just a job, not his life. His life was his family. And he needed to finish here and get back to that life. “I appreciate your concern, but we are dealing with it.”
“Results, Will. Not excuses. And then maybe you can keep your job.” Councilman Barry returned to the bakery counter on that pronouncement.
Will closed his eyes. The council wanted results. Well, so did he. And they’d get them.
He checked his grocery list again, but the rest of the items on it now held little interest. In fact, the oranges no longer appealed to him. He considered putting them back and leaving the store. He could shop tomorrow. But then this would be a waste. And if there was anything he hated more than clutter, it was wasted time.
He scanned his list again and walked to the deli department and took a number. He browsed the case while he waited for his turn. The turkey looked good, but he’d had a craving for ham lately.
“I’d recommend the salami.”
Will looked up and found Suzy smiling at him. “Miss Bylin...Suzy, what are you doing here?”
“Choosing a little something for my dinner later.” She perused the prepared salads and pointed at the macaroni. “That would do.”
“You should be working on your yard.”
Suzy glanced down at her scrubs under her jean jacket. “And miss seeing your mother? Not on your life.”
Will closed his eyes and willed the headache away. “You only have...”
“Over a week. Yes, I know.” She examined a package of rolls then replaced them on the shelf. She glanced up at him. “Worried I won’t make my deadline?”
“Your mother never did.”
“She didn’t believe in ultimatums either. Trust me. I know better than you.”
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