Bandit rolls up to me, his tail jerking from side to side and a grin on his face that I can’t help but match. “Hey, boy. You’ve totally gotten the hang of this contraption.” I kneel on one knee to get a better look.
Hannah barely glances at me. “He’s a pro.”
I scratch Bandit’s ears. “Of course he is. He has the best physical therapist in town.” I brave a glance to see if my back door compliment worked.
She tilts her lips to one side but still won’t face me. Wonder what has her in a mood?
I’ll try food. “I’m making dinner. You’re welcome to stay.”
She crosses her arms and gives me her full attention. “What happened? Did your date not show up?”
I have to say, I’m kind of digging this jealousy vibe that’s buzzing off her at the moment. “Not a date. A meeting.”
I busy myself with gathering ingredients for a casserole I learned to make from Callie, Zane’s fiancée.
She drops her arms, and her expression softens. “In that case, I hope it went well.”
Her change of demeanor brings a soft chuckle. I prop my hands on the counter and sigh. “It didn’t, but hopefully I’ll figure it out.”
“Anything I can do?”
I hold up the cream of mushroom soup. “Join me for dinner so I don’t wallow in my misery?”
Concern flashes across her face, but then she smiles. “Sure. Can I help?”
“Fill that pot with water and put it on high for the noodles.”
Hannah grabs a large pot from the open shelf above the stove. “I took Bandit for a walk with his wheels. Your neighbors think you’re a hero now.”
I open the tuna and dump it into a mixing bowl. “Why?”
“Because I told them you’re taking care of Bandit during his recovery.”
“Way to win me brownie points. Mrs. Fletcher might actually smile at me for once.”
“Who’s she?”
“The old bat who sits on her terrace all day, watching everyone come and go.”
“Oh, you mean Gloria. She’s a sweetheart.”
I stop mid-crank with the can opener. “Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?”
Hannah giggles. “Yes. She’s actually really nice. She’s just lonely.”
Obviously, her ability to win over animals applies to people, too.
“Hmm, maybe I’ll strike up a conversation with her next time I see her out there.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t do that. She likes me. I don’t think she’ll be nice to you.”
“And why is that?”
She scrunches her nose up in that cute way she does. “Because she doesn’t like you.”
I shake my head. “But she’s never met me.”
“True, but she says you used to bring a lot of women around.” She stares at me with her bottom lip caught between her teeth.
