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That made Cora chuckle. “More like voluntold. They’re trying to shine up his rep ahead of his court case. He’ll come in for a few shifts, take some pics feeding the kittens, and then be on his way.”
Ashley lifted Bandit out of the tub, though the little trickster squirmed enough to guarantee a spoonful of sudsy water landed in her eye. She started drying his paws. “Sounds like it’s a done deal.”
“Well, yeah, but here’s where it’s tricky … you’ll have to watch him. I’ll be out of town and that means it’s more work for you. On top of the work you’re already doing getting ready for the Empty the Shelters event.” She grimaced. “I should tell them no. It’s not a good time.”
And have the Rebels be a little less generous with their donation next time? No way. Ashley was fully aware of the stakes here.
“I can handle this guy. Like you said, just a few photo ops, shares to the Rebels social media, and then we’re clear.” Besides, Willa was going to flip out when she heard an actual Rebels player was volunteering. Ashley’s daughter was a die-hard fan of the team, and while Cal Foreman was her favorite, she would be very impressed to hear that Dex O’Malley was in the house.
Cora winced. “I hate to do this to you?—”
“It’s fine!”
Bandit gave a little yelp now that he was clean and free to go, or free to enter his cage. Ashley hated that they had to cage them, but they couldn’t risk the dogs fighting and hurting each other. Far too much doggie testosterone.
Which reminded her of what she had agreed to take on.
“When’s he starting? The club whore?”
“He’ll come by for an orientation tomorrow at noon, after his skating practice. I can be here …”
“No, you will not! You’ll be packing for your trip.” Cora was about to embark on a month-long cruise with her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandkids, followed by another fortnight at their home in Fort Meyers, Florida. She hadn’t spent much time with them over the last couple of years and she’d been looking forward to this trip so much.
“If you’re sure?”
“Absolutely. Am I not your most reliable employee?”
“You’re my only employee. But I couldn’t do this without you.”
Cora wasn’t usually one for sentiment, so it was nice to hear her get all touchy-feely.
“We’ve got this. Just leave me the details.”
“Have you done your homework?”
Ashley lifted her hands from the soapy dishwater—seemed she was destined to be forever wrist-deep in the stuff—and checked over her shoulder. Through large glasses, Willa, the nine-year-old light of her life, returned her gaze with the eyes of her father. A lovely, deep blue, a reminder of good times and not so good.
Her lips quirked. Ashley remembered that, too.
“I got most of it done on the bus.”
“Most of it?”
Willa tilted her head, likely trying to decide how much she should reveal. “I just have some math to finish.”
Well, don’t ask me.
A new voice rang through the kitchen. “If you finish your homework, sweetie, then you can have all the ice cream you want.”
Ashley’s sister, Maeve, was a big fan of bribery.
“That would be resplendent!” Today’s word of the day. “And then I can work on my butterflies.”
Willa jumped up and headed to her bedroom to finish what she was supposed to be doing anyway.
“Good word!” Maeve called after her as she grabbed a wine glass from the rack. “Damn, she’s so smart.”
“She is. And she’s probably been looking for a chance to use ‘resplendent’ in a sentence, so thanks, I guess. But could we do less bribery?” Ashley dried her hands and turned to her sister. Older than Ashley by five years, she’d been a lifesaver, offering her a place to stay after she and Greg, Willa’s dad, fell apart. Of course, Maeve had predicted it would happen: he’s going to break your heart, Ash. Mark my words!
