“I promise to be gentle,” Andie says.
Devyn hesitates, then removes her shoe and sock.
Andie takes the chair between us, lifts Devyn’s foot into her lap, and removes the blood-stained gauze. “That’s a pretty nasty gash.” After opening the doctor’s bag she uses for fixing humans, she gets out large Q-tip like swabs, coats one in brown liquid, and rubs it across the wound. “I could throw a stitch or two in it. Might make it heal quicker.”
“That’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
“How about some skin glue, then? Either way, you should try and stay off your feet for a day or two to let the healing process begin.”
“Skin glue would be great. Thank you.”
Andie does her thing and then wraps the foot like the professional she is. “There. All done.”
“Thanks for coming over so quickly,” I say, getting up and opening the door for her.
Andie understands it’s an invitation for her to leave. She glances at my cheek. “You sure you don’t want me to have a look at that, too?” She looks between Devyn and me. I know she’s wondering what’s going on. I can almost guarantee she’ll talk to Maddox about the girl at the lodge. I’m going to have a lot of explaining to do later.
“Some other time.”
She steps outside. “Oh, wait. Devyn, are you the new housekeeper? Maddox mentioned Aaron was in need of someone. Aaron here is a trooper. He thinks nothing is too mundane a task for him, and he’ll do anything to keep this place running, but we all know he sucks at hospital corners.” She giggles.
Devyn is caught off guard. “I… uh…”
“Yes, she is. She arrived early. Hitched a ride from Dallas with one of Wyatt Jenkins’ ranch hands. I heard the truck from my cabin, and figured I’d run over and give her a good ol’ Devil’s Horn Ranch welcome with some down-home cooking.”
Andie eyes me curiously. I should have shut up after yes.
“Okay then,” she says. “Devyn, nice to have you on board. See you around.”
Devyn taps her foot. “Thanks again for this.”
“Don’t let Aaron work you too hard today. Rest that foot.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s Andie.”
Devyn nods shyly.
After Andie leaves, I turn to Devyn. “I apologize for all that. I didn’t know what to say.”
“You didn’t think you’d have some explaining to do about having a woman here at the crack of dawn?”
“I didn’t think. I only wanted her to patch you up properly.”
She stands and picks up her pack. “I should go.”
It pains me to watch her limp to the door. “What the hell. You need a job. The lodge needs a housekeeper. So let’s just make it official. You can stay in the room you used last night. It’s not a full-time job yet, but it’ll be enough to get you by until you find your footing. What do you say?”
I’m brilliant. Or Andie is. It’s the perfect solution. And I will no longer have to make beds and mop floors.
Her expression immediately dulls my elation. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“For the same reason I can’t work at Target or Wendy’s.”
“You never told me why that is.”
“I should go. Thank you for the offer and breakfast and… everything.”
I can tell she doesn’t want to go. She walks out the door with her head hung low. She turns back once and smiles before slowly moving into the trees. I imagine that’s where she cased the place. It’d be where I would have done it. It kills me to think of her sleeping on the streets. No matter who she is or what happened to her, nobody should have to be without a warm bed and a place to call home.
Maybe she doesn’t want to be found. Oh, shit. Is someone after her? Maybe she doesn’t want to get a job because then someone would be able to track her down.
I run after her. “Devyn!”
She turns on her good foot and waits for me to speak.
“It’s not much work. Making beds, doing laundry, mopping floors, dusting, cleaning bathrooms. It’s not glamorous, but it’s easy, and it’s only three or four days a week. Not even full days at that. Fifteen hours a week. Twenty tops. You can stay here. Room and board for your work. There’s always plenty of food. Good food. Joe makes fantastic meals. You’re welcome to all the leftovers.” I chuckle. “But you already know that. No paperwork. Nothing official. You don’t even have to give me your last name.”
“Are you for real?”
“I’m for real offering you this deal. Cleaning for room and board. No strings.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve had some bad breaks, but I can tell you’re a good person.”
“You don’t know that. I could be a grifter, a con artist. A… murderer.”
“I’ll bet you the notebook in your pocket you’re none of those. I’m willing to take the chance. Are you?”
She looks down. “I have three changes of clothes, and none of them are nice. You wouldn’t want me around your guests.”
I look her over. “You may be the same size as Andie. I’m sure she’d be happy to let you borrow an outfit or two.”
“I don’t like handouts.”
“What do you call public assistance?”
She grimaces and starts to walk away.
“Wait. I’m sorry, that was mean. Please. Stop.”
She does.
“I’ll give you money to buy clothes.”
Her expression sours even more. “What don’t you understand about me not liking handouts?”
“It wouldn’t be a handout. You’ll be working for me.”
“I’d be working for the lodge for room and board. Taking care of me personally is not part of the deal.”
I try not to smile. “So we have a deal?” She’s still hesitant, but I get an idea. “Check the lost and found. People leave all kinds of clothes here. I’m sure you can find something acceptable.”
Looking guilty, she reaches into her pack. “I almost forgot to return this. It’s from the lost and found.” She hands me an e-reader.
“Keep it for now. If the owner ever comes back for it, I’ll know where it is.” I leave, saying over my shoulder, “You coming?”
She gazes at the lodge, clearly deep in thought. Then she follows me.
Chapter Eight
Devyn
After washing my clothes and taking the longest shower I can remember, I lie on the bed and put my foot up. I pull a clean shirt over my face and inhale the fresh scent. This almost feels normal. As normal as anything has felt in well over two years.
Why is Aaron helping me? I stole from him. Hit him. Yet here I am in a room of my own in a place I can call home—for now anyway.
He had work to do. Said he’d meet me back here at eleven before the guests arrive this afternoon. I have a little time, so I explore the lodge. I’ve done it before, but never without looking over my shoulder, and not without the constant pounding of my heart. It’s strange what a change of perspective can do.