Free Swept Away by Robyn Carr

“I just wanted to be sure Alice was fine. And that she has enough water in the bowl.”
    â€œYou like Alice, don’t you?”
    â€œWhat’s not to like? She’s a perfect dog. And I think that besides you, I’m her favorite.” She grinned again.
    â€œI’ve always had dogs. Sometimes more than one. It was difficult when I traveled more, but I love animals. And it’s my opinion that people who don’t like dogs are coldhearted and impatient. I think that within you beats the heart of a loving woman. Am I right?”
    â€œI hope so, Madam Professor.”
    â€œDo you know I’ve spent my whole life studying women and their issues? I hold a post-graduate degree in women’s studies and there is no woman on earth I don’t find interesting. And you, Doris, are one of the most intriguing.”
    â€œMe? Phooey. If you knew me better, you’d realize I’m very boring. Let me get that omelet for you.”
    Jennifer went about the business of refilling the sugar and creamers, sweeping up behind the counter and gathering up the ketchup bottles to consolidate them so they were all full. When her breakfast was done, Louise asked Jennifer if she could take a little break. “I’d like to talk to you about something.”
    â€œSure,” she said, sitting down across the table from her.
    â€œNo. Walk a little way with me. Buzz won’t care too much.”
    â€œJust give me a minute,” she said. She spoke to Buzz, then retrieved her backpack and slipped the straps over her shoulders.
    Once outside Louise said, “I don’t know what you have in that backpack, but it never leaves your sight.”
    â€œWell, not exactly. I just don’t leave it behind because... Well, because I travel light, and that means I carry what’s important with me.”
    â€œAre you planning to stay around awhile, Doris?”
    She laughed a little, and with it came a little snort. “How could I think of leaving a fantastic job like mine at the Tin Can?” Then she added, “I didn’t think I’d still be here, but I like this little place. I like that there’s almost no nightlife.”
    â€œOdd that a woman your age would be fascinated by that. But if you are planning to stay, I have a proposition for you. I go to England every spring and come back every fall. My son is there. Rudy. I like to be near him, and I get privileges at Oxford as a professor emeritus. I research cultural issues, women’s literature, women’s studies. I’ve been working on a textbook for some time now.”
    An unusual sound came out of Jennifer. It was a sigh. A sigh of longing. And her tone of voice softened so hopefully. “Please say you want me to go with you and carry your books.”
    â€œI’m afraid not. However, my usual house-sitter-slash-dog-sitter has disappointed me. She can’t help out this time. You can see that Alice can’t be alone, can’t be kenneled. In fact, it gets harder and harder to leave her. She’s an old woman, is my Alice.”
    Jennifer was holding her breath and no doubt Louise could tell. She sensed what was coming and began to desperately pray it could happen. After all, the Sunset Motel wasn’t a place you’d want to stay for too long.
    â€œI could use a house sitter. For five, maybe six months.”
    â€œMe?” she asked tentatively.
    â€œIn addition to the house, food, utilities, upkeep and frequent dog walking, I’ll pay you a small stipend.”
    â€œStipend?” she asked, a little breathless.
    â€œThere’s a condition, Doris.” She stopped walking. She looked up at the younger woman. “Yes, you look so much better with hair. Mmm,” she said, clearing her throat. “I’d like you to tell me what you’re hiding.”
    Jennifer let out her breath in disappointment, shaking her head in defeat before she even realized her actions