fruity brilliance, and plunked down right in Death’s lap. She ran her hands over her arms and glanced at the ceiling. “They keep it so cold in here.”
Death made a face and squeezed out from under Sissy, pointing at her in a threatening manner. “Some people are just too giddy to live.”
Casey waved, as if swatting away a fly, and Death’s image wavered. Casey’s hand went numb, so she tucked it under her arm. “Laurie brought me over.”
“Laurie? Is she here?”
“In the restroom.”
“I see.” She hesitated, then said, “Laurie does a very good job as a sub for our main classes. I told you before she’ll help manage your schedule when you start full time.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to say that yet.”
“Say what?”
Sissy took her hand away and leaned forward. “That we’re going to offer you the job.”
“Really? Already?”
“I’ve had a dozen women stop by my office this morning to say how much they loved your class. They about went nuts when I told them we were also adding a self-defense course. I’m afraid if I don’t give you the job right this minute the residents will have my head!” She beamed at Casey.
“But what about my references? What about checking me out for a week?”
Death laughed. “Are you trying to sabotage yourself?”
“I know,” Sissy said, “I’ve picked some doozies in the past. But I have a good feeling about you.”
No wonder the last two guys had been trouble. Sissy was the head case, not Laurie.
“So will you take it?” Sissy said.
“Well, yes. I’d love to.”
“Wonderful! I can’t wait to tell them.”
“Tell who what?” Laurie was back.
“That we’re hiring Daisy. She’ll be moving in today!”
“Already? Today?”
“Of course. People are ready for some stability again, and I don’t want to let Daisy slip through our fingers. She’ll be perfect, don’t you think? Completely opposite from our last instructor. You should be able to work with her very well, don’t you think?”
What was that that flitted across Laurie’s face? Embarrassment? Fear? Disappointment? “I’m sure we’ll do fine.”
“Good. I’ve told Daisy you teach several classes, and will do your best to help her out with her full schedule.”
“Of course I will. You know that. I’ve already said that.” She gave a faltering smile. “The residents will be very happy.”
“Yes, they will!” Sissy jumped up. “I have to go tell everyone!” She practically sprinted to the front door, then came running back. “I forgot my lunch!” She grabbed a take-out bag and zoomed out the door.
Laurie eased into the chair Sissy had vacated. She picked up the menu and studied it with more concentration than Casey thought necessary.
“Hmm,” Death said. “Suddenly she’s not so chatty.”
Laurie looked up. “So, did you order yet?”
The real waitress, whose nametag said Vanessa, came over just then, looking much more professional than Death had. She neither chewed gum nor regarded Casey and Laurie with disdain.
Casey and Laurie gave their orders, and the waitress smiled and left.
Death watched her go, head cocked. “What ever happened to good old diner waitresses? Food’s no good without that touch of grumpiness.”
“Is everything okay?” Casey said to Laurie.
Laurie gave her a quick smile that wasn’t quite convincing. “Sure, it’s just…don’t take this wrong, but I thought she was going to see how things went for a week before actually hiring you.”
“Wow,” Death said. “Rather blunt, isn’t she?”
“I thought the same thing,” Casey said. “She surprised me. I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable.”
“Oh, no, I’ll be okay.” But Laurie’s focus had obviously gone elsewhere. “It’s just…I was kind of hoping she’d consider me for the position. But I guess that’s too much to ask.” Her mouth drooped. “You’d think she’d be happy to have someone from in-house instead of hiring a stranger again. No offense.”
“No offense taken,” Casey said.
Laurie waved a hand. “There’s really no point in me getting all upset. Sissy probably never even thought about hiring me, anyway.”
Laurie looked like she was done talking so Casey said, “I was wondering what went on with the last couple of instructors.”
Laurie almost knocked her water glass over, then wiped up the drops with her napkin. “Nothing. Nothing went on with them.”
Death laughed. “Which obviously means something did. With her.”
“I mean,” Casey said as gently as she could, “why did they leave? You’re obviously worried about what harm I could do. Is there anything I need to look out for? Or avoid?”
Death snorted. “You mean other than scamming old ladies and getting yourself written into their wills?”