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So why did she feel such an acute loss, like a limb had been ripped from her body?
The vibration of her cell phone against her hip jolted her out of her barrage of self-pity. What was wrong with her anyway? She had long ago learned how to pick up the pieces of her life and move on.
“This is Annie.”
“Hi there. It’s Dusty McCray.”
Crap. A McCray.
“Hey, how’s Nigel doing?”
“All better, thanks to you.”
“Glad I could help.”
“Oh you did. Though it was an interesting couple of days.” Dusty’s voice rippled with laughter. “Anyway, I was wondering if you’re free this Saturday.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Zach and I are having a barbecue out at the ranch. My brother’s coming into town. I’d love for you to meet him.”
“Well…” She didn’t need to ask the question. Of course Dallas would be there. He was Zach’s brother. She cleared her throat. “Sorry. Frog.” She hesitated again. Then, “I don’t know, Dusty. I’ve still got a lot of unpacking to do.”
Dusty’s husky giggle echoed in her ear. “You work too hard, Annie. I’m going to have to insist. Around four, okay? Is your car out of the shop? If not, I can have someone pick you up.”
God, no.
“I have my Bug back, but thanks.”
“Too bad. I’m sure Dallas would have been glad to bring you.” Dusty’s tone was teasing.
“I’m not so sure.”
“He chauffeured you around all last weekend, and he didn’t seem to have any complaints.”
“He was just being gentlemanly,” Annie said, trying to think of a way to end this conversation. Quickly. “Besides, I haven’t seen him since Sunday.”
“Really?” Dusty’s voice registered surprise. “I could have sworn you two hit it off.”
“Apparently not.” She rolled her eyes. She didn’t want to be rude. Dusty had been her first friend in Bakersville, and she didn’t want to offend her, but— “I’m sorry. I need to go.”
“Okay. We’ll see you at four on Saturday.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there. Thanks, Dusty. Bye.” She had never been so glad to hit end.
Oddly, her afternoon turned out to be free. No animal emergencies, no appointments, no walk-ins. She took the time to walk around and familiarize herself with her new home town. When she walked by the auto repair shop, she waved to Joe.
“How you doin’, Dr. D?” he called.
“Call me Annie. And I’m good, thanks.”
“How’s your Bug runnin’?”
“Great.” She continued walking.
“Hey, Annie. Wait a minute.” He left the car he was working on and walked toward her, rubbing his greasy hands on a red cloth.
“Yeah? What is it?”
