Swept Away by Robyn Carr

and I keep Alice when you’re gone!”
    â€œAlice will be happier at home. Besides, the girl needs a place for a little while and I’ll feel better knowing she’s here.”
    â€œUtter nonsense. Leave well enough alone.”
    â€œShe’s obviously in trouble. And if you dare tell her that I’m doing a good turn, I’ll have your hide.”
    â€œAlex is going to have a fit,” Rose predicted.
    â€œI’ll have a word with him,” she said. But he should mind his own business sometimes. Although, since he probably wouldn’t, Louise figured maybe he could be of help. Louise and Rose had nothing but affection for Alex. He lived on one side of Louise with Rose on the other. Alex was young, thirty-five, and made it his business to look after these little old ladies when he should be spending more energy on beautiful young women. He scolded them for opening the door to strangers, for never locking doors when they left the house, for giving too much information on the phone, for not being more cautious. Rose was right—this was going to bother him. But he’d get over it.
    â€œI was hoping you’d reconsider the trip this year,” Rose said.
    â€œWhy would I do that? I love my annual sojourn.”
    â€œIt’s getting harder for you, though.”
    â€œTell me about it. Just thinking about that plane ride makes my joints begin to throb. But I like being near Rudy.”
    â€œThat’s just crazy, and at your age,” Rose said shortly. Then, softening her tone, she said, “I just thought that might change, is all. As you got older.”
    â€œIt’s a matter of not giving in, dammit. But I admit, it’s hard leaving Alice. I always wonder if she’ll still be around when I get back.”
    â€œI’ll watch. But about this girl...”
    â€œShe’s a good girl. Just odd. She’ll be fine.”
    â€œI don’t like it.”
    â€œWell, it’s done. I’m going to give her a debit card for groceries and supplies for household upkeep and set her up to receive one hundred dollars a week.”
    â€œA hundred dollars? Have you lost your mind?”
    â€œNot enough?” Louise asked, thinning eyebrows arched.
    â€œToo much! Way too much! You’re buying her food, paying all the bills, giving her a place rent free....”
    â€œShe has to take care of Alice and keep the house in order. It’s a job. People get paid for jobs.”
    â€œDon’t be surprised if you get burned....”
    â€œWith you right next door, never giving her a moment’s privacy? You’re right—she could flee in want of a moment’s peace!”
    â€œPtui,” said Rose.
    * * *
    It was just after lunch when Louise knocked at Alex’s door. He was pulling on a clean shirt as he answered. “Hey, sweetheart. Why didn’t you just call me? I’d have come to you.”
    â€œI had to stretch my legs. I stiffen up in four minutes, I think. Can you get that big suitcase from the garage to the bedroom for me? Tomorrow is soon enough if you’re going somewhere.”
    â€œI’m going to work, but there’s no rush,” he said, buttoning his shirt. “I’ll get it for you before I go.”
    â€œAnd... I have a house sitter. Doris—the young woman who’s been waiting tables for Buzz for the last month.”
    â€œThe girl with the butch haircut and man’s pants?” he asked, frowning. He didn’t wait for an answer—he knew who she was. And he knew Buzz and his proclivity for giving work to down-on-their-luck transients. “What do you know about her?”
    â€œLet’s see. She reads everything I recommend, and quickly. She likes jazz. She’s thinking of getting a mountain bike—she used to love biking. She’s very protective and big sisterish toward Hedda, who could use an ally in her life. And—she adores Alice.” She leaned