Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [82]
With a giggle, Mandy said, “Serves him right.”
“I know.” So Mandy had noticed that he wore his pants too tight. Unexpectedly, her jealousy swung to its opposite extreme, where she no longer wanted to flee but wanted to stake her claim before somebody else did. As David had implied, there were plenty of available girls willing to be sweet. But Katy wasn’t playing a game, at least that had never been her intention.
The cat leapt down and rubbed its matted fur along the bales. She watched it go and brushed hair off her skirt, realizing the little creature had used her for warmth and affection and moved on.
Later at the bonfire, Katy watched Jake poke a roasting stick into the crackling flames. Their shoulders touching, she asked, “What happened to your eye?”
“Pillow fight.”
She grinned. A fleeting picture of the church construction site, however, brought several real possibilities to her mind. Softly, she said, “Now that I’ve decided to tolerate you, I want you to take care of yourself.”
His eyes caressed her. “I like that.”
She dropped her gaze, then noticed the fire lapping at the hot dogs and pushed his arm. “Look out.”
He jerked the stick from the fire and stared at the charred meat. “Guess these are ready. Let’s go fix them.” She followed him back inside the barn to a long, metal folding table laid out with buns, hot dog relishes, and paper products. As they fixed their plates, he said, “Hey, about that nanny job you lost? I found another job for you. If you’re interested. It’s one that might help us both.”
Turning back toward the barn door, she replied, “No. I’m not cleaning your room.”
He followed her with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t want you to. And I’m not joking. It’s a real job.”
“Oh yeah? What is it?”
They sat on a bale to eat their dinner. “With my gram’s Alzheimer’s, she can’t be left alone anymore. My mom just needs a break. Would you be interesting in sitting with her sometimes? For pay, of course.”
“I’d be happy to help for free. I can organize some others to help, too. I’m sorry the church hasn’t recognized the need before now.”
“That would be too confusing for Gram. Mom mentioned hiring someone. I don’t think she’d feel free to go out, otherwise. I’m sure she can find someone else, if you don’t want to do it.”
It would be good to work for someone within the church; that was what she’d been hoping for. This wasn’t a housekeeping offer, but maybe it was God’s provision until she found another job. She didn’t miss the irony of moving from babysitting kids to babysitting grandmas. “Why don’t I give it a try and see how it goes?”
“Great. I know Mom won’t have any qualms about leaving Gram with you.”
“I’ve always liked your grandmother. She was one of my favorite Sunday school teachers. Such a great storyteller, and she had so much energy, keeping the boys in line.” Katy watched the cat return and rub against Jake’s jeans. “Will she know me?”
“Probably not. But sometimes she remembers more than other times. We can’t figure out why. The good thing is, she’s usually happy.”
“I’m sorry she has the disease.”
He shrugged, obviously unable to express his grief. He dropped the mewing creature bits of his hot dog, and it ate greedily. “Are you getting a phone soon?”
The question startled her, and she worked it out in her mind as she spoke. “Lil doesn’t need one with her cell phone, so I’d probably have to pay for it. As you know, we didn’t put in a phone line.”
“I meant a cell phone.”
Instantly, Katy’s spirit rose up in resistance against the unnecessary technology. “I don’t think so.”
“It might come in handy with work. Or for emergencies.”
She nibbled at her lip, her mind conjuring up possible emergencies. “We’ll see.” Then she thought of the perfect solution. “You can always call the Millers if you can’t get a hold of me through Lil.”
His expression was clearly