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“Here.”
She handed him the bowl with trembling hands, then ran into the bathroom for a towel.
The seconds seemed to tick slower as they waited for the insulin to work and for the ambulance to arrive. The paramedics arrived before Lydia came to, but she started to rouse while they wheeled her out into the ambulance.
Amanda wanted to accompany Lydia, but Gene saw how exhausted she was.
“You need to rest,” Gene told her when the ambulance left. “I’ll go to the hospital and sit with Lydia.”
“You’re tired, too,” Amanda said.
“I’m used to this. You, on the other hand, are still recovering from a head injury. You have to stop worrying about other people and let yourself heal. I’ll stay with Lydia.”
“But—”
“Amanda,” Gene cut her off. “You can’t care for other people when you don’t look after yourself. Believe me, I know.”
She didn’t look happy, but she nodded.
“I’ll call her family.”
“Do that, then go rest. I’ll update you on her condition,” Gene promised.
“Thank you. I’m so glad you were here.”
“Thank Loki.” Gene rubbed the dog’s head. “I think you earn an extra treat.”
“Absolutely.” Amanda looked at her dog with admiration. Then she turned to him to give him a kiss. “And you, too.”
Gene would take that sweet treat anytime.
“What a day, huh?”
She scoffed with an eye roll. “Tell me about it.”
“I still owe you that breakfast,” Gene said. “One of these days, I’ll take you to dine where we sit down at a table.”
Amanda chuckled. “Tables are overrated, but I’d love that.”
“Good.” He gathered her into his arms for one more kiss. “It’s finally a date.”
twenty-five
“Is there anything else I can get you, Mrs. Howard?” Amanda asked her customer as she plated the lemon tart.
Sanctuary was buzzing with people today. Saturday was always a busy time for their business, but it was more hectic since many came not just to browse for books or eat some pastries. They were there for gossips.
“That’s it, dear,” Mrs. Howard. “I’m surprised you’re working today after everything that happened yesterday. I can’t believe a crime like that happened in our backyard.”
Amanda stayed respectful of the Carsons’ privacy and simply smiled.
“It’s unfortunate, Mrs. Howard.”
When Amanda didn’t elaborate, Mrs. Howard pursed her lips.
“Have you learned more about Lydia’s condition?” the older woman asked, trying to get any info.
This one Amanda didn’t mind divulging.
