Healing Dr. Fortune by JUDY DUARTE Page B

of the family and new to Red Rock.”
    â€œIt’s nice to be formally introduced,” the young woman said.
    â€œJeremy’s my brother,” Nick explained. “He’s visiting from Sacramento and staying with Lily out on the Double Crown.”
    Wendy’s smile faded, but she quickly recovered and laughed. “Another cousin? It seems as if every handsome man who walks into the Fortune Foundation ends up bein’ a relative of mine.”
    â€œNot all of them,” Nick said, before asking her if he had any messages.
    Wendy straightened, reached for a sheet of paper on her desk and handed it to him. “Mr. Landers called. And so did your wife. But she said it wasn’t important. She wanted you to pick up somethin’ on your way home.”
    â€œThanks.” Nick nodded toward his office. “Let’s go and talk where it’s quiet. It’s been a busy day.”
    Moments later, Jeremy had taken a seat across from his brother’s desk.
    â€œWhat do you think of our new hire?” Nick asked.
    Jeremy shrugged. “She’s a little flashy, I suppose. But if she can do the job…”
    â€œThat’s just it. I’m not sure if she can—or how serious she is about being here—not just at the foundation, but in Red Rock. Her father called last month, asking if we could put her to work as a favor to him. She’s the youngest of six kids and dropped out of college a couple months ago. Her dad’s a little exasperated with her, and he’s hoping that a move to Texas and a job with the Fortune Foundation will give her some direction in life.”
    â€œHow’s it working out?”
    â€œI don’t know. All right, I suppose. She’s got a good heart, but she’s clearly more interested in striking up a romance than in looking for productive things to do.”
    â€œShe was a little flirty,” Jeremy said.
    â€œA little? ” Nick laughed. “Didn’t you see the way she zeroed in on you?”
    â€œTruthfully?” Jeremy slowly shook his head. “I really wasn’t paying that much attention to her.”
    â€œYou must have a lot on your mind, then.”
    He did—a beautiful accountant who had him tied up in knots.
    â€œIs there anything I can do to help?” Nick asked.
    â€œI just came by to pick your brain. I’m looking for a program of some kind that would help a high school dropout get his GED.”
    Jeremy was hoping to encourage Max to continue his education in the evenings. Of course, he was doing it mostly for Kirsten. The less she had to worry about when it came to Max and his welfare, the easier her life was going to be.
    Nick reached for his iPhone and searched the files.Then he made a note for Jeremy on a yellow sticky note. “Here’s the name and contact information for the woman who’s in charge of the adult education department at the local high school. She’ll be able to answer all your questions.”
    â€œThanks.” Jeremy studied the number he would call as soon as he got back into the car. “I’m also going to need information about day-care options, especially for an infant.”
    When Kirsten went back to work, Max would need to find someone to watch Anthony for him.
    â€œWe offer day care on the first floor,” Nick said. “But I’m not sure of the age requirement. When you go downstairs, stop by the director’s office.”
    â€œAll right, I will.”
    Nick sat back in his chair. “So who are you trying to help?”
    â€œJust a friend.”
    Jeremy must have gotten a dreamy look in his eyes while thinking of Kirsten, because Nick straightened, leaned forward and placed his hands on the desk. “Is this a lady friend?”
    â€œWhy do you ask?”
    â€œBecause Wendy’s pretty hot. And you didn’t give her the time of day. Even before you knew she was our cousin.”
    Apparently, Nick had