“What’s the matter with her?” Stevie had gotten a call like this about every two weeks since she had come home to Honey Grove. The first few times she had rushed across the street to her mother’s best friend’s house and checked on the ten-year-old poodle. Then she realized that it was Gracie who wanted company, and she was using the miniature poodle as an excuse to get Stevie to visit her. Then, of course, while she was there, Gracie would either pump her for gossip about what she might have heard when she was on vet business, or else Gracie wanted to spread rumors to her. Most of the time, she just steered the conversation away from the folks she did business with, and then let the rumors go in one ear and right out the other.

“I’m so, so sorry, Miz Gracie,” Stevie said, “but as you probably know, I’m stuck at Sunflower Ranch. Trees are down between here and town, and it will probably be next week before I can come home. What’s wrong with Fifi? Tell me how she’s acting.”

“I heard you and Cody Ryan were stranded together,” Gracie said. “Is there something going on between you?”

“No, ma’am,” Stevie answered. “Now about Fifi?”

“Your folks was good people, and they raised you up to be a good girl. Don’t you be lettin’ that Cody Ryan ruin your reputation,” Gracie scolded.

“I’ll be very careful.” Stevie bit back a smile. “Is Fifi running a fever? Is her nose dry and cold? Are her eyes all watery?”

“No, none of those things,” Gracie sighed. “I think she’s depressed. Can you call the pharmacy and have them bring me some antidepressants for her?”

“I’m sorry,” Stevie answered, “but no. Does she stare at the door and whine?”

“Yes, but she’s been using her little potty pads since she can’t go outside. Before all this storm hit, she would bark at the door when she was ready for me to take her for a walk around the block,” Gracie answered. “Since Fifi is your patient, can I tell you something under that patient-doctor confidentiality rule?”

“I don’t think vets work that way, since animals don’t talk to us,” Stevie said.

“Well, I think she has a crush on that corgi that Eva has next door, but I’m not having her out there flirting with that short-legged little mutt,” Gracie said. “I don’t like Eva and her pompous ways, and I sure don’t like that dog of hers. When she takes it for a walk, it hikes its leg on my flowers, and she doesn’t even apologize.”

“Has someone shoveled your sidewalk?” Stevie asked.

“Yes, and from my house to the end of the block, but what’s that got to do with my Fifi?” Gracie’s tone said she was getting tired of the conversation.