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Susanna chuckled.
“Okay. They are just so protective.” Susanna texted BJ back and was smiling.
“That’s a good thing. They really love you.”
“Speaking of men paying extra attention to their woman, what was going on Friday night with Evan and Colton? They couldn’t keep their eyes off of you, and I saw Evan kiss your cheek good-night.”
Susanna saw Ava blush then lower her eyes.
“He asked me out.”
“Awesome.”
“Not awesome.”
“Why not?”
“Because one, I am here right now, and two, I’m attracted to both of them, but I don’t think Colton is interested. I really don’t need this kind of added stress right now. I’ll probably cancel the date with Evan on Tuesday.”
“No you won’t. You need this distraction right now. And who said Colton wasn’t interested? I saw him watching you. He was like a hawk all night. Carl and Richie were discussing it, too. You know Colton and Evan had rough childhoods. Then they joined the service. I didn’t get all the details, but they’re just used to being on their own and being soldiers.”
“Well, I’m used to being on my own, too. I’ve had a bit of a rough start in life as well, Susanna. But, I don’t know if I can handle the results I’m going to get today.”
Susanna covered Ava’s hand with her own.
“Ava.” Susanna and Ava looked up to the sound of a deep voice, and when Susanna locked gazes with the older man, he smiled.
“Hi, Jeremiah. How are you?” Ava asked as she greeted the older man. He appeared to be in his sixties, but in great shape, tall with black-and-white hair.
“I’m doing well. I stopped by to see you. I knew you had an appointment today and would find out your results. But I see you’ve brought a friend.”
Susanna recognized the man from coming to Dixie Chix. He never had alcohol but had a club soda with lemon and always conversed with Ava. She mentioned having coffee with him a few times and inviting him along to help when Ava did her volunteer work. Susanna smiled to herself. Ava really thought that she hid her guardian angel activities well. Little did she know that most people around Delite knew that Ava was responsible for various surprises.
Like the Christmas toys she provided for the Miller family after their dad lost his job right before the holidays. Ava had even helped him to find another job, closer to home and with a better salary, when she rewrote his resume and introduced him to Adam, a business owner from Dallas that stopped in at Dixie Chix whenever he was in town.
Even now, as nervous and concerned as Ava was, she spoke to Jeremiah as if they were at the park or in the dance hall and not about to find out whether Ava had cancer or not. Susanna felt the tears sting her eyes. God, please send some angels to Ava. She needs them.
“Oh, this is Susanna. She is also an owner of Dixie Chix.”
Susanna reached out to shake the gentleman’s hand. He had a nice smile and was kind of attractive for an older man.
“Of course, another Dixie Chix. God, I love saying that. It is such a cool name. Well, I’m glad you brought your friend. You let me know if you need to talk.”
“Oh, I will. Thank you so much for stopping by,” Ava said.
Susanna could tell that Ava was touched by his gesture. The man walked away and Ava smiled at Susanna.
“He seems nice. You met him at Dixie Chix right?”
“Yes. He’s had a bit of a rough time. I’ve known him since December. He needed a friend one night and I needed a little help. He tagged along and we became friends. He’s lived in Delite for years, but on a huge amount of land closer to Cellar County side. His wife died of cancer years ago. He had two sons, but they don’t have a relationship with him. It’s really sad. He doesn’t even know if they’re alive, but he volunteers here, to kind of make up for some bad things he’s done in the past. At least that’s what he told me.”
“Wow, he’s really nice. What does he do as a volunteer here?”
“He helps to drive anyone who needs to get chemo or for appointments. He’s good like that.”
“Ava Donaldson,” the nurse stated and Ava nodded her head as she stood up. Susanna waited to see if she wanted her to go into the room with her.
“Come on. I need you.” Ava took Susanna’s hand. Susanna had to swallow back the tears of worry.
