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Devney joined me on the sidewalk. I said, “Hey there. How are you doing?”
“Okay.”
But she didn’t look okay. I touched her elbow. “What’s going on?”
We stepped into the foyer inside the main doors. The weight of the world seemed to be resting on her shoulders, but she looked adorable in her flowery dress. “It’s my mom. I just found out she has cancer. I’m going to get a second job to help with the medical expenses. She’s going to move in with my brother, who’ll take her to her appointments at the Mayo Clinic. He’s helping significantly, but I want to, as well.”
Devney and I weren’t close, but it was obvious she needed someone to talk to. “Oh, Devney, I’m so sorry. Where have you applied?”
“Just about everywhere I could think of. But tourist season is over, so there aren’t many jobs left. I thought coming here tonight would be a good idea, but now that I’m here, I think I need to go home.” Her shoulders sagged with the weight of her troubles.
An idea hit me. “Would you consider being a receptionist at the clinic? The job isn’t listed yet, but Hollis and I decided we needed help.”
She grabbed my shoulders as her eyes lit up. “Are you serious? But I couldn’t get there until noon. My classes at the high school end at 11:30. But I could move my music lessons to the evening.” Devney was a part-time teacher at the school. Due to our low population, a full-time music teacher wasn’t a necessity.
“Noon works great. The clinic is closed tomorrow for Labor Day, so when do you think you could start?”
Devney pulled out her phone, tucking her dark hair behind her ear with her free hand. “Do you think I could have a few days to get my music lessons rearranged? I might need this week if it’s not too much to ask.”
“Of course.”
“I’ll stop by Wednesday to get all the paperwork done, if that’s okay. My schedule is light on Wednesdays.”
“Perfect.”
Devney hugged me. “Thank you, Alexa. Thank you.” She walked back toward the door. “I’m going home. I thought I could do this tonight, but I’m not feeling up to it. I cannot thank you enough.”
“I’m glad it worked out.”
Before we could discuss pay, she was out the door. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through. Oh, my heart hurt for her. I had to remember to tell Hollis later. That was going to be an adventure all by itself. Maybe I could get him to believe the lovebug had migrated further north than Florida.
I paused as I stepped inside the community center. Things were more over the top than I’d expected. The normal wood walls were draped with shimmery fabrics. Silver and black balls were strung up to the ceiling. A full string quartet played soft music from the stage. They’d had to be brought in from either Juneau or Anchorage.
This was not the Fall Festival. Far from it.
Ol’ Man Rooster sat at a table off to one side, looking a little lost. Behind him was a three-tiered champagne fountain. He wore a suit jacket over his coveralls. He looked relieved when he saw
me and waved me to come over. It was going to be interesting to get his take on this circus.
Raquel had gone so far overboard.
“Hey, Rooster. How are you?”
He grunted. “Starving.”
His affronted tone had me chuckling. “Want me to get you some food?”
“Ain’t no way I’m eating stuff I can’t pronounce.”
I looked around the room and located the food table. Some of it, from what I could see, was barely recognizable.
He huffed. “Is it too much to ask for moose chili and a beer?”
An idea hit me. “I’ve been meaning to do a welcome to Skagway party for Dr. Fritz. I’ll ask the quilting circle to provide the chili, and I may have a connection for the beer.” I gave a wink.
He stood and hugged me. “If you were a little older, I’d take you from Drake and marry you.”
“I’d be careful saying that too loud. I met the other end of his fist once. And let me tell you, it’s not something I want to be reacquainted with.”
