Rice Krispies Treats.”
“Still, she was impressed.”
“So that’s why she quit glaring daggers at me. I still get the feeling she’d rather Sally was back.”
“Not necessarily Sally. But another female would probably make her more comfortable.”
“She doesn’t see the importance of Jake having a guy for a role model?”
“She probably hasn’t given it much thought. Though she knows my spending time with my dad was important. He taught me the value of hard work, showed me what was what under the hood of a car and encouraged me to be involved in the auction business.”
“It is kind of an unusual occupation for a woman.”
“It’s been a man’s world for so long. But there are more and more women involved in the actual auction itself. My dream is to be a bona fide auctioneer. There’s something so exciting about being up there with all those people hanging on my every word, with things moving so fast most people can’t keep up. It’s such a rush.”
“I wouldn’t have you pegged as somebody who likes to be in front of an audience.”
“That’s just it. When I’m calling it’s like I’m a whole different person. I’m good at the preauction administrative duties, but it’s participating in the auction that I love most.”
“No college?”
Katy shrugged. “A two-year degree. After that, all I wanted to do was join my dad and learn the business. When he died five years ago, I was glad I had that time working side by side with him. He was a gifted man.”
“Sounds like it.”
“How about you? Did you always want to be a welder?”
“No, I fell into it by chance. I was in community college and took a welding class as an elective, just to see what it was like. After that, I was hooked. There’s something so organic about the process. It requires a special mind-set, a gift. And I have that gift.” He frowned, scrubbing his hand across his face. “Had that gift.”
For the first time, Katy clearly understood all he’d lost in the accident. Not only his hand and ability to do a lot of tasks, but also his identity.
Sadness washed over her as she searched for words of encouragement. There were none. So she simply reached out and squeezed his hand.
The silence grew awkward.
“Well, I better get going.”
Royce cleared his throat. “Thanks for the pay.”
Katy strove to get back on safe ground. “I’ll need you to work the same days next week, if that’s okay?”
“Sure.”
She made her way to the door, then stopped. “Jake said there was something you wanted to discuss with me?”
He frowned. “No. I wonder where he got—” Snapping his fingers he said, “I know what he’s talking about. He wanted me to put in a good word so you’d let him go to his friend’s birthday party.”
Katy swallowed hard, unable to meet his gaze. “We don’t do outside birthday parties.”
“Is it a religious thing? I know there are faiths that don’t celebrate birthdays.”
“No.” Though maybe she should have thought of joining one. It would have been easier than dodging an issue most people wouldn’t understand, even though many had phobias of their own. Some people were terrified of flying, some hated heights. Katy got nauseous at the very thought of children’s birthday parties. Though her reasons were logical in an illogical way, she was still embarrassed. And it wasn’t as though she was going to share that part of her history with just anyone.
“We just don’t.”
“Okaay.”
Glancing at her watch, she said, “Well, I’ve got to go.”
Katy left, throwing “See you later” over her shoulder. Her hands were still shaking when she reached her apartment.
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