“I love the colors blue and dark, forest green,” she said, lighting up.
“There’s a start,” he encouraged. “Do you plan on staying in the country? You’ll want to consider All Wheel Drive versus Front Wheel Drive,” he informed her.
“Since I bought the house, I guess I’ll need the first one. Do you think I can drive it home today?” she asked.
“Possibly. It depends on whether you find one and, if you do, whether you find the correct car but not in the right color. They can order it for you, and it may take a day to a couple of months.”
“Wow. I hope I don’t have to wait,” she said, nibbling on her thumb.
Shaking his head, Liam took her hand. “Stop it. You’ll be down to the skin if you keep it up. Did you know you have a nervous habit of biting your nails?”
She pulled away and blushed. “Sam always said I needed to replace my bad habits. I can’t seem to stop this one. I’m worried about it.”
“What’s your budget?” he asked again.
“I don’t have one,” she confessed. “The insurance company will take another week or two, but I can pay upfront.”
“Whatever you do, don’t tell the salesmen you have an unlimited budget,” he advised. “If you see a style of car you like on the way, let me know.”
Her shoulders seemed to relax as she watched the few cars pass.
“Don’t worry. There’ll be more vehicles closer to the city,” he assured her.
“I did some thinking last night about this. I didn’t have Zeus when we got our car. I think it’ll be easier if I get something like this,” she said, while her hand roamed over the interior.
“See? You do have some idea,” he said, picking up his coffee mug.
“I saw one with folding seats at the push of a button. It’ll be easier when we go to the vet,” she said, musing over the idea.
“I bet. Do you have any hobbies such as gardening, kayaking, fishing?” he asked.
“I love to knit and crochet. I’m known as an excellent hooker,” she said seriously.
Liam spat the coffee back in his cup. “What did you say?”
“Oh. It’s a term used for people who crochet or knit. They’re hookers,” she explained.
“Who taught you? My grandmother knitted all the time, but I never heard her called a hooker. Then again, if I called her that, I might not be alive today.”
“My mom taught me. I come from a long line of hookers,” she teased.
Liam laughed out loud. “My grandmother used to go to a knitting club. Sometimes, I think they should’ve called it the wine and gossip club.”
“I don’t know many people here, much less a club of any kind,” she admitted.
The comment bothered him, but he let it go. He didn’t want to ruin their pleasant conversation. Usually, when he saw her at the hospital, she kept a cool persona. It didn’t surprise him the nurses didn’t invite her to their weekend activities. She seemed unapproachable… except the few times he saw her with the Serenity Mountain kids. They were the children of the Serenity Securities team he signed on with and seemed beloved by all the patients. He recalled the first time he saw her.A little boy named Tommy, Bear, and Julie’s son, seemed upset when LJ, Caleb, and Tyler received an invitation to a birthday party. The little boy didn’t receive one. Everyone knew Addyson took her lunch at noon in the cafeteria. Liam took a walk every day to watch her eat the same sandwich. She never spoke with anyone unless they approached her.
This day turned out differently. Taking Tommy by the hand, she fashioned two birthday hats from paper plates and a piece of yarn. Now he knew where the string came from. Holding a basket, she tossed a blanket on the ground and pulled out a large piece of cake and plopped a hat on his head. She blew up a balloon, and they bounced it to one another using everything but their hands. Addy’s laugh became contagious as Tommy joined her. A few minutes later, the Serenity kids ran out to join her, deciding if their friend didn’t get an invite because people considered him different, they didn’t want to attend. A few of their moms followed them and attempted to pull Addyson into conversation. She rose politely, made her excuses, and the mask came back on as she made her way into the hospital.
“Liam?” she said, drawing his attention.
“Yes?”
“How will I know if I’m getting a good deal?” she asked. “I hate appearing like an idiot. I didn’t have time to research and plan. I figured Sam’s car might last me another two years. By the time I researched it next year, I’d make up my mind.”
“You’re overthinking it,” he said. “Do you have your phone?”
Addy pulled her device out of her purse.
