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“I do what I can and encourage them to get counseling.”
“Why don’tyoucounsel them?”
“Ethical issues could arise with them living here and paying rent. I could be sued or lose my license to practice.”
“I can’t see anyone you’ve helped doing that.”
“Even though I’m trying to help, it could happen if the relationship goes south. Even offering advice as a friend, I have to be careful, especially when it’s not what they want to hear. You also can’t be totally objective when it’s family or friends.” She dropped her gaze from his face and dipped her head.
“Guess that’s what we get for asking.”
“Not everyone takes it well. I’ve probably crossed the line with Wren—okay, I have—but she’s been through a lot. Yet somehow, she’s survived and not given up hope. Some of the ladies that leave, I never hear from again. Usually the short-timers.”
“That could also be because they want to put the hard times behind them. Soldiers can be that way. Some you have a brother-like bond with for life. Others don’t want the reminders of what they did or went through.”
“I can understand that.”
“It’s hard, but you have to accept it and not take it personally.”
He sure hoped The Oasis’ former residents showed up for the surprise birthday party tomorrow, or it was going to be a bust.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
COUNT ON ME – Bruno Mars
John wokeWren to get her keys and work on her car. Hopefully, she’d forgive him after a cup of coffee or two.
After he changed the oil, he covertly ducked around to his truck and hauled out two of the discarded tires he’d gotten from the shop at work. As he finished replacing the second tire, Coco bounded out of Haven House and sniffed around him. Wren emerged seconds later.
Her eyes widened. “What are you doing?” She paused between each word and her pitch dropped on the last word.
“Replacing your tires. These aren’t new, but they’ve got a good bit of life in them. Should keep you on the road a year or longer.”
“Really? How much do I owe you?” Worry lines creased her forehead.
“Nothing. My unit does a lot of defensive driving training. We change tires out early for safety. They get used for barriers or just sit around. Figured this was a great use for them. I’ve got the other two in the back of my truck.”
Tears welled up in Wren’s eyes. “Thank you. I’ll bathe Boss, trim his nails, brush his teeth. Whatever you need. And dinner. I’ll make barbecue and slaw and potato salad and green beans and banana pudding. Do you like real bananas in it? Some people don’t.”
He chuckled as she rattled on. “However you make it is fine. I’m not picky when it comes to someone feeding me.”
She sat on the step, watching him work and petting Coco.
“I’ll let Boss out so they can play. Just keep them away from the car.” The service jack he’d borrowed from the shop at work was stable, but Boss slamming into the car at full speed was not something to experiment with. He hefted an old tire in each hand, carried them to his truck, then let Boss out.
The dogs romped and chased each other. Wren stood a few feet away while he swapped out the back tires.
“What’s all this?” Elizabeth appeared, holding a glass casserole dish while he wrestled off one of the rear tires.
“He got some new—well, used—tires for my car. He’s my hero.” Wren’s voice cracked a little.
“It’s no big deal.” He felt Elizabeth’s gaze on him as he kept working. It’s not like he was doing it to score points. He had the means and skills to help someone who hadn’t had many breaks in life, so he did it.
“I forgot to give you the leftover enchiladas last night.”
“Would you mind putting them in my fridge?”
“Sure. Did you still want to get the deck supplies today because I—”
