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“Are you all right? Did I hurt your arm?” Joe swept up the umbrella from the porch and handed it to Ayala.
Ayala smoothed one hand over her skirt, shooting a gaze at Hailey over Joe’s broad shoulder. “I’m fine.”
Hailey scooted around Joe and hugged the nurse. “I’m so sorry, Ayala. What are you doing here?”
“Heard you were having a fund-raiser. How could I miss it?” Her eyes shifted toward Joe as she folded her arms, clamping her umbrella to her chest.
“I thought you couldn’t make it, but I’m glad you did. I sent you an email yesterday. Did you get it?”
“I’m sorry. I just have my cell phone with me, and I hate reading emails on my phone. Wh-who’s your friend?”
“Ayala, this is Joe McVie. Joe, this is Ayala Khan, the nurse who worked with me at the refugee camp.”
Joe stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you. I feel like an idiot.”
Ayala’s lips turned up in a quick smile as she clasped Joe’s hand briefly with her own and then shoved hers in the pocket of her coat. “I’m fine, really, even though it’s not the greeting I expected.”
“Of course not.” Hailey chuckled. “We’re a little on edge here.”
Joe poked Hailey in the back, and she straightened her shoulders. Did he think she was going to keep all of this from someone who could be in the direct line of fire? “Come on in, Ayala. How long have you been waiting out here and why didn’t you call me?”
“It was all last-minute. I went home to Florida first, and I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t realize what a stupid idea that was until I landed on your porch and you didn’t answer the door.”
“But you knew I’d be in town because of the gala.” Hailey pushed open the front door and ushered Ayala inside while scowling at Joe.
He made his fingers into a gun and placed his index finger against his temple before scooping up Ayala’s bags and following them into the house.
“Can I get you something to drink? Water? Juice? Tea?”
Ayala tilted her head back and spun around the room. “Wow, this is some place you have here.”
“Full disclosure.” Hailey held up two fingers. “Not mine.”
“I know it’s your father’s. Still, it’s a fancy place to crash.” Ayala waved her hands. “Not that I’m crashing here. I was just getting ready to call a few hotels when you came home.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. The house is huge. I think I can find a spare bedroom or two for you to occupy.”
“I don’t want to—” Ayala nodded at Joe, who was stacking her bags in the corner of the room “—intrude.”
“Joe’s just a friend. He’s staying at a hotel.” She didn’t even sound convincing to her own ears.
Joe finally finished his task, which he’d obviously drawn out to give her and Ayala a chance to talk, and brushed his hands together. “Did I hear my name? Not calling the cops on me, are you?”
“Oh, please. It’s already forgotten.” Ayala tipped her head to one side. “It’s clear you were trying to protect Hailey. Does she need it?”
Hailey cleared her throat. “How about that tea?”
“Thanks. I’d like some.” Ayala patted her purse. “I can also get on the phone to a hotel and book myself a room.”
“Don’t say another word about that. We’ll work out a fair trade.” Hailey flicked her fingers in Joe’s direction. “Just ask Joe about that.”
“Uh-oh. What am I getting myself into?” Ayala’s gaze darted between her and Joe.
“You always speak so passionately on behalf of the refugees.” Hailey made a move toward the kitchen and crooked her finger at Ayala. “I’m hoping you can give a speech at the fund-raiser. Nothing long, just a little recap of the work you do there.”
Ayala trailed after her into the kitchen. “You mean the work you do. It’s money from people like you and your guests that keep things moving there. Don’t expect me to stand up and toot my own horn.”
“Anything you want to say, just talk about the work that needs to be done to get them to open their wallets and checkbooks.” Hailey reached into the cupboard for two cups and called into the other room, “Joe, would you like some tea?”
