“But not when her baby is this young.” Kit felt hope rising inside. “You want me to be receptionist for the three days you’re babysitting until you return to being full-time?”

“That’s it in a nutshell.” Regina nodded. “Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The job will be part-time and temporary, but it’ll bring in some money while you’re still healing up.”

Hope rose inside Kit. Rescue’s pre-school and summer school were open on those days, and just yesterday, Aric had attended with Regan and done fine. He’d come home filled with enthusiasm about his new friends and the caregiver named Erica. “I think that would work great.”

“Part-time will be all right?”

Kit sighed. “Much as I’d love full-time, less is probably better right now. My strength is improving, but not quite there yet.”

“Excellent.” Regina slapped her hand on the desk. “C’mon around. Let’s get started on the paperwork.”

“Yes, let’s.” As hope for the future set up a bubbly sensation inside, Kit sat beside the older woman.

With a job, there would be money coming in. She wouldn’t have to move to a bigger town. Could stay where her friends were.

And maybe Hawk would come back someday.

Chapter Fifteen

There’s nothing better than a best friend—unless that best friend has chocolate. ~ Unknown

Just over a week later, Kit stepped into Bull’s Moose Roadhouse and stopped to let her eyes adjust to the dimmer light inside. Halfway through July, the sun was still high and bright at seven in the evening.

The bar always felt warm and welcoming with its golden log walls decorated with antlers, antiques, and pictures from years past. What with it being Friday during tourist season, the tables were mostly filled.

“Hey, Kit.”

She smiled at the greetings from Tucker and Guzman, who were seated near the door. “Hi, guys.”

Obviously hearing, Felix turned and waved. The slender, flamboyant server was one of the friendliest people she’d ever met. Working in a restaurant and bar was totally his jam.

“Hey, kittycat.” He headed across the room. “How’s the homework going? Want a squeeze?”

After the Fourth of July, she and Frankie had been here, drinking piña coladas to celebrate summer, and Felix had joined them.

Being out of drinking practice, Kit had gotten chatty and confessed she was having trouble being touched because of the PZs. She told them she’d assigned herself the homework of giving and accepting hugs.

“My hugs are getting so much better.” She held her arms out and wiggled her fingers. “C’mere.”

Laughing, he let her give him a hug, waited a second, then hugged her back.

When he let go, they were both grinning.

“I give you an E for Excellence.” Felix pointed to a table in the corner where JJ, Frankie, and Audrey were sitting. “Your crew of troublemakers is over there.”

“Thanks, Felix.” She patted his arm. “Really. Thanks.”