Billy steered his wheelchair expertly to the back door and pulled it open. "Sue! What a nice surprise!" His smile was wide and sincere.

Sue held up her oven-mitt clad hands, a warm casserole between them. "Jacob tells me you like macaroni and cheese, so I made an extra casserole. I'm sure he'll give you a hand with eating it." She smiled and walked past him, setting it on the stove. "I'd let it cool a bit before you put it in the fridge."

Billy laughed. "I actually don't think it'll last that long, Sue. That was really nice of you. Can I get you something? A cup of tea maybe?"

Sue smiled and nodded. "That sounds good. As long as I'm not keeping you from something. I don't usually just pop in like this."

Billy put the kettle on the stove and spun his chair around to face her. "I have to admit I don't get a lot of pretty ladies popping in - it's kind of a treat. And no, I just finished cleaning the bathroom so I deserve a break." His eyes crinkled merrily when he grinned, and Sue could feel her face flushing. "Sorry - I didn't mean to make you blush," he laughed and her color deepened.

"You'd think I was a paleface, wouldn't you?" She chuckled. "I always have blushed easily. But thanks for the compliment anyway." She was trying not to stare, but she studied his face as he pulled down two mugs and made their tea. He might not be considered classically handsome, but he had a rugged appeal and he obviously kept himself in shape. His upper body, arms, and shoulders were straining in all the right places against the fabric of his tee shirt. She quickly looked away, willing herself not to blush again.

Billy's eyes twinkled as he handed her the steaming cup. He couldn't know what she was thinking - right? They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. Sue broke the silence. "Is there anything I can do for you while I'm here? Dishes, laundry…" She let the sentence trail off, hoping she wasn't being too bold. After all, they'd known each other all their lives - and Sarah had been Sue's best friend.

He shook his head, looking mildly amused. "I'm pretty self-sufficient, Sue. I do most of the housework and all the cooking for Jake and myself. Of course, I'm not all that good at the cooking part." He grinned.

Sighing deeply, Sue sipped her tea. "I'm sorry. It's always a little awkward to speak to someone in a wheelchair, not knowing what they can and can't do."

Billy smiled and nodded. "That's very true, and very perceptive. What I hate most is when people assume I can't talk or understand them. Just because I'm in a wheelchair they assume there's something wrong with my brain. Actually, walking is pretty much the only thing I can't do. My doctor tells me there's a new drug that shows promise against diabetic neuropathy. I try not to get my hopes up, but it sure would be nice to get out of this chair."

"Well, you must do some serious range of motion exercises to keep yourself in such good shape," Sue observed. "Sorry - my inner nurse is fascinated. I don't mean to pry." Oh my god, she was blushing again.

This time Billy laughed aloud. "Sue Clearwater, I think you need to stop by more often for tea and conversation - so you don't blush at everything I say!" He reached out and touched her hand.

Sue nodded, smiling shyly. What the hell was wrong with her? She was never shy! "Sounds like a plan, Billy. I'd like that." She sipped her tea.

Jacob brought the clean casserole dish back the next day. "My dad asked me to thank you, Sue. It was delicious - we scarfed it down last night."

Sue took the dish from him and set it on the counter. "You're very welcome, Jake. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a nice visit with your dad."

He looked thoughtful. "Funny - those are the exact words he used." He looked down at her from his lofty height. "And he was right about the blushing too!" He laughed and scooted out the door as she swatted him with her dish towel.

The following Saturday, Sue had just finished the last load of laundry. She stacked the clean towels in the linen closet and put her laundry basket back on top of the dryer just as the phone rang. Hurrying into the kitchen, she answered it on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Hi, Sue. It's Billy Black." As if she wouldn't recognize the deep, sexy story teller's voice. Whoa - sexy? Where did that come from?

"Oh. Billy. Well hi. What's up?" He could hear the smile in her voice. Thank God he couldn't see the bright red blush creeping up her face.

"I've got a proposition for you. We enjoyed your casserole so much the other day, I'd like to return the favor - invite you over for dinner and I'll do the cooking. I'm not the world's greatest cook, but you can tell by the size of my son that I'm not too terrible." He chuckled softly. "Are you free tomorrow?"

Sue sank into a kitchen chair. "Well, yes, as a matter of fact I am. What time, Billy?"

"How about seven? Maybe you could come over about 6:30 and I'll plan dinner for seven if that's not too late."

"No, that sounds perfect. Can I bring dessert?"

There was a moment of silence from the other end of the line, and then a deep chuckle. "I'd be a fool to say no to that. I know your reputation as the best cook on the rez."

"Apple pie sound okay? I can make it sugar free."

"Mmmm...I'll look forward to that. See you then." He hung up the phone with a grin.

Jacob looked at him with a puzzled expression. "I couldn't help overhearing. You having company tomorrow?"

Billy sounded a bit defensive. "It's just Mrs. Clearwater - coming over for dinner. I figured I owed her one. You're welcome to join us."

Jacob laughed. "Sure, old man. I'd just love to crash your date! As a matter of fact, I have plans for dinner tomorrow - so it looks like you'll have to entertain the Widow Clearwater all alone. Just be sure you don't hurt yourself." He shook his head, chuckling softly, as he escaped to the living room and switched on the TV. After a beat he called back over his shoulder, "And, by the way, you may have met my date. Her name is Leah." He grinned, returning his attention to the screen. Small world indeed.