“Good. He doesn’t like everybody.”
“Mildred, we’re going back. It’s been a long day and I still have some things to do.”
“I wish you could stay. I have cookies and milk.”
“Thanks, but we should go,” Stella said. Mildred followed them onto the porch, thanking them as they left and still thanking them when they got into the car.
“Now you’ve done your good deed for today,” Stella said when he backed down the drive. “It was appreciated.”
“It was easy. I think you’ve become essential to this town.”
“No. I’m just happy to help where help is needed. And I’m just one of many helping out. The Texas Cattleman’s Club has been particularly helpful, and you and Cole have certainly done more than your fair share.”
“Your life may have changed forever because of the storm. I’m surprised you haven’t had job offers from people who saw you on television.”
“Actually, I have from two places. The attorney general’s office in San Angelo has an opening for an administrative assistant and another was a mayor’s office in Tyler that has a position that would have the title of office manager.”
“Are you interested in either one?”
“No, I thanked them and turned them down. My friends are in Royal and I’ve grown up here so I want to stay. Besides, they need me here now.”
“Amen to that. I’m glad you’re staying here because we’ll be working together and maybe seeing each other a little more since we’re both at the Cozy Inn.”
“Did you get your suite changed to the sixth floor?”
“Indeed, I did,” he said. “I’ll show you.”
“I’ll take a rain check.”
“Oh, well, it’s still early. Let’s go have a drink and a dance or two.”
She hesitated for just a moment, torn between what she should do and what she wanted to do.
“You’re having some kind of internal debate, so I’ll solve it. You’ll come with me and we’ll have a drink. There—problem solved. You think you’ll be back in Royal tomorrow night?”
“Yes,” she said, smiling at him.
When they got back to the hotel, Aaron headed for a booth in the bar. The room was darker and cozier than the dining room. There was a small band playing and a smattering of dancers.
Over a chocolate milk shake, she talked to Aaron. They became enveloped in conversation, first about the town and the storm and then a variety of topics. When he asked her to dance, she put him off until later, relieved that it did not come up again.
“Our Texas Cattleman’s Club friends want an update on the progress here. Cole is good about keeping in touch with both groups.”
“I think you’ll be surprised by how much they have rebuilt and repaired,” she replied.
“Good. I’m anxious to see for myself what’s been done.”
“You’ll be surprised by changes all over town.”