page16 (2/2)

“I o talk to Jaycee at the hospital about gettingon rehab and the meds,” I said

“Jaycee Willard? What’s the problem? I mean, she likes to talk, but this is patient business Remind her that under HIPAA laws, you can sue her ass if she blabs But in a friendly way,” Cat said

“Yeah, friendly,” I chuckled

“I have to go Duty calls We’ll talk soon, bye,” Cat said

After talking to her, I did so and made notes for one of the part-ti She had a co-op class at the high school where she worked forhelp Needed a lot of direction, but unlike my part-timer, she actually followed instructions well Max, my part-time clerk, caone home at lunch but didn’t eat because of the trouble with Dad I stood in the short line, madeat one of the rickety little tables eating He motioned me over to join him I took my plastic order number and sat down

“Late lunch?” he said

“More like second lunch I went ho,” I said I stole the dill pickle off his plate and took a crunchy bite

“Help yourself,” he said sarcastically

I finished the pickle and stole soood Why do I never buy those at the store?” I said

“Because here you get them on the wax paper in the basket with the sandwich, a little pickle juice on them, and it’s perfect It’s the experience,” he said

“I swear you can have so in more of his

“I wouldn’t dare I ht lose a hand Here, you can have the rest of them,” he chuckled

When my order number was called, Luke snatched the plastic card and retrieved e bite of my turkey club with bacon and sat back to chew happily I held out a chip to hi it carefully like I was a lion in a cage who h with my mouth full