Ellie was nonplussed. Nathan had never manhandled her like that before. Sure a hug, but this?

Ellie faked anger and lightly pounded him on his chest. “Unhand me, you brute!”

Even the dogs knew he was simply having fun. Had it been anyone else, the dogs would have him pinned to the ground. As soon as he set her down, she gave him a long hug. “You are looking fit as a fiddle.” She couldn’t help noticing he must be doing something to keep himself in such good shape.

“I work out at the gym a few days a week. Been doing a little volunteering with some of the yoots.” He mimicked Joe Pesci from My Cousin Vinny.

“Then I have the perfect opportunity for you.”

Ellie’s eyes gleamed.

“Do tell, sweet lady. It’s OK if I call you a lady?” Nathan asked cautiously.

“Of course. Why not?” Ellie seemed surprised by the question.

“Because everyone is so darn sensitive these days. You never know what is going to offend someone.” Nathan gave a big sigh.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Nathan. We’ve known each other far too long to even think about being offended.”

“Glad to hear you say it. Makes me think everyone should wear a sign saying, ‘Don’t call me this,’ or ‘Don’t call me that.’ Or be sure to call me a list of things, but not this list.” Nathan chuckled. “I understand it’s important for people to be sensitive, but some take it to an extreme. I ought to know.”

“I certainly agree. Everything is politicized and scrutinized. If people were just a little kinder and tolerant, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Ellie Stillwell, how I miss working for you,” Nathan said with a warm smile.

“That’s why I called you. Maybe we can fix that situation.” Ellie was ever hopeful Nathan would consider the offer she was about to make. “But let’s grab a sandwich first. The Blonde Shallot brings a dozen or so on Monday and Tuesday for the artists who are here on the days off.”

“That’s mighty nice of them.” Nathan followed Ellie as she walked toward the sandwich shop.

Nathan looked around. A basket of sandwiches sat on the main counter with a glass jar beside it. There was no one else in the kiosk but the two of them. “Doesn’t look like anyone is here.”

“They’re not. Rita drops off the sandwiches and leaves ajar for people to pay whatever they can.”

“Say what?” Nathan looked baffled.

“The honor system. We have another person who operates the same way, but he does it every day.” Ellie grabbed two roast beef sandwiches. “This OK with you?”

“Sure. But you need to explain further.” Nathan watched as Ellie put a twenty-dollar bill in the jar.

“And they just leave the money and sandwiches out?”