“She’s bored,” Stevie said. “Poodles are temperamental and like a schedule. She’s used to you walking her every day. Put on your boots—the ones with fur around the top—and take her for a stroll down to the corner and back. That should make her happy again.”

“But it’s cold out there,” Gracie objected.

“Bundle up real good and call me later if she doesn’t feel better. I’ve got to hang up now and take this next call.” Stevie hit the right buttons and said, “Hello, Mia. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, but I was wondering if you were awake and were up for some company for a little while,” Mia answered.

“Always,” Stevie answered. “I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

“I’ll bring a package of cookies,” Mia said, “and be there in ten minutes.”

Stevie hurried to the bedroom, changed into sweats, and brushed her hair out. She’d just finished when she heard a knock, and then Mia’s voice yelling, “I’m coming in. Is everyone decent?”

“Just me here, and yes, I’m decent,” Stevie answered. “Come on in out of the cold and have a seat. Coffee is done.”

“I brought chocolate chip cookies. They’re not homemade, but they aren’t bad.” Mia laid the package on the coffee table and removed her coat, hat, gloves, and boots.

Stevie poured two mugs full of coffee. “Sugar, cream, or both? And, honey, there’s no such thing as bad chocolate, unless it’s burned fudge, and then it goes beyond bad and becomes a sin.”

“Just black, and you are so right about chocolate.” Mia sunk down on the end of the sofa and sat cross-legged. “I couldn’t sleep so I got up real early and got the computer work caught up for Poppa and made breakfast for the family.”

Stevie carried the coffee to the living area and set the mugs on the coffee table. “We just finished a big meal, so I’m going to wait a little while on a cookie,” she said. “I had trouble sleeping last night too. I’d like to blame it on the fact that I had such a long nap yesterday, but I would be lying to myself.”

“Uncle Cody?” Mia raised a dark eyebrow.

“Yes, and no,” Stevie answered, not sure if she wanted to take Mia into her confidence. “Who kept you awake?”

“I’ll show you mine if you promise to show me yours.” Mia picked up her coffee and held it in her hands. “I like the way it warms my hands and smells as much as I like the flavor.”

“Me too,” Stevie said. “You go first. Who have you been worrying about and why?”