Down and Out in Flamingo Beach by Marcia King-Gamble Page B

J was on the road to recovery she needed to get to the store and find out what had happened with that quilt.
    Twenty minutes later the nurse stood at the entrance beckoning to her. Dr. Ben, still in his scrubs, waited in front of the nurses’ station.
    â€œYour grandmother did well,” he hastened to assure Joya before going on to explain in layman’s terms how he’d unblocked her arteries. “Sometimes seniors take a bit longer to recover from anesthesia. I recommended she remain in recovery until she’s fully alert. Take off and do what you need to do, then come back and visit later. We’ll contact you if we need you.”
    â€œYou’re telling me the absolute truth?” Joya asked, searching Dr. Ben’s face for evidence that he was not being straight with her.
    Dr. Benjamin squeezed her shoulder. “I’m telling you the absolute truth. Go do what you need to do. Your grandmother will be here waiting.”
    â€œThanks, Doctor Ben.”
    Assured that her grandmother was resting comfortably, Joya made the journey across town as quickly as possible running every amber light she encountered. There were a few browsing customers in the store when she arrived so she kept herself busy checking the supply room and the inventory, making note of stock that was running low so that she could talk to Granny J about reordering.
    Finally there was a lull in business and she was able to speak with Portia.
    â€œHow did it go with Molly Williams?”
    â€œI was able to delay her coming by,” Portia said. “She wasn’t real happy. I told her you weren’t here and I didn’t feel comfortable collecting money from her since I didn’t know how much she owed. I told her you would call her later.”
    â€œThat was quick thinking on your part. Where’s the damaged quilt?”
    â€œIn the bag.” Portia bent over and found the brown paper bag where she’d stashed it. She placed it on the counter. “Take a look. Tell me what you think.”
    Joya reached inside to remove the comforter that had been carefully folded. She shook the material out. Sure enough, the quilt had huge gashes in it and looked like a maniac had gone to work on it with a pair of scissors. It was beyond repair.
    Okay, the first step was to call Eileen Brown, the woman who’d made it. Joya reached for the phone. After a few rings, Eileen’s machine came on. Joya left a message.
    â€œMolly Williams will probably be calling you soon,” Portia reminded her.
    â€œUntil I hear back from Eileen I’m going to have to ask you to hold her off. Just say I can’t be reached, and that I’ll get back to her as soon as I can.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do?” Portia asked. “What can you do?” The college student’s voice wobbled and her jerky movements indicated how nervous she was.
    â€œTalk to Eileen and verify that she gave me the quilt in good condition. Then ask her to take a look and see if any of it is salvageable. Find out how long it will take to make another one.”
    â€œYou know the answer to that.”
    â€œYes, I think I do, but if I enlist the help of the guild we may be able to turn another one out in record time. It’ll cost me, but it’s better than having the store’s reputation ruined.”
    The phone rang and both women reached for it.
    Portia was quicker.
    â€œHello.” She listened for a bit before covering the mouthpiece and holding the receiver out. “It’s for you. It’s your supervisor from L.A. International.”
    Joya felt her mouth go dry. This could mean only one thing; the airline wanted her back at work.
    It couldn’t come at a worse time. In addition to everything else, she probably had a life-changing decision to make.
    Taking a deep breath, and preparing herself for the worst, Joya took the phone.

Chapter 9
    â€œH ello, this is Joya.” Joya sucked in a