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“No, do you?”

She smiled. “Well, I don’t need one. I’m having dinner with Lewis here.”

The two ladies started chatting animatedly and walked to the employees’ lounge as if I wasn’t even there. I got my phone out of my pocket and texted Olive.

I need your help. There’s an invasion of women at the clinic. None of them with a problem I can fix.

Seconds later, I got a reply.

I’m already on my way. Psychic powers and all, remember?

I grinned as I tucked my phone back in my pocket and walked to the employees’ lounge. Milly and Diane were chatting about an upcoming fundraiser for Sip’nBean while eating Colleen’s casserole.

“How’s the food?” I asked.

Diane gave me a thumbs-up, oblivious to my sarcasm. “Marvelous.”

“It’s delicious,” Milly said, scooping another portion onto her plate.

I shook my head. These ladies were innocent and meant well, but they were crossing a major boundary. “I’ll tell Colleen. She made it for me,” I said, emphasizing the last word.

“Oh, dear, you don’t know how to cook?” Milly asked, wide-eyed. Then she turned to Diane. “We could set up a system so that Lewis has a home-cooked meal every day. Do you think Leanne would want to get involved?”

“Ladies, stop, please,” I said. “I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. I appreciate the effort, but there’s no need to bring me food every day.”

Diane shrugged. “Fair enough. Now, we need to know what you will do for the fundraiser. Perhaps teach a class on training dogs?”

“Or,” Milly said, “You could be a part of the silent auction. The highest bidder will win a date with you.”

I looked at the clock above the microwave. What was taking Olive so long? The minutes seemed to drag on and on.

“I’m flattered, but I don’t think I can do that.”

Milly shook her head and smiled. “It’s just a bit of fun. Nothing serious. And you’ll help rebuild the town’s beloved coffee place. All the business owners here are contributing.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said.

Honestly, I was just being polite. There was no way I’d let them sell me for a date. Who knew what kind of lunatic would win the auction?

Another knock on the door clued me in to the fact that Olive had arrived. At least, I hoped it was her and not another person invading my place of work or eating my food without permission.

“Your savior has arrived,” Olive said with a bow as I opened the door.

“Thank goodness,” I said, letting her in. “I don’t know how to get these women out of here.”

Olive followed me to the kitchen. She greeted Diane and Milly, then went over to rub Archie’s head. The dog was wagging his tail, happy to see her.

“What brings you here?” Diane asked, giving Olive the once-over.

“I’ve got a problem with my pet rat,” she said.

Wow, she was quick on her feet.

I nodded. “Yes, Olive here has a medical emergency. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you ladies to leave so I can take a look at this rat.”

Diane narrowed her eyes. “Where is this rat of yours?”

“Hiding. In my sweatshirt. Nibbles is afraid of strangers.”