“He doesn’t have time for paperwork,” Ron said, settling his glasses on his nose.

“He’s got enough on his mind trying to keep his driveway graveled.”

Judy patted Ron’s hand on the back of her chair.

“We gave him that extra five hundred dollars last Tuesday so his bank account wouldn’t drop below the minimum balance.”

I reached into my handbag to check my wristwatch and felt the crisp paper stub of the cashier’s check tucked in the inside pocket.

“Has Kim found a full-time babysitter yet?” Nate asked.