girl named Kristen. I was eight, she was ten. Her dad, like mine, had been killed in Vietnam, and her mother died from the same kind of cancer that would eventually kill Kristen. She was so alone. She lost her life on the day I left. She died just as I was heading out the door to go home. So, I made a promise that I would do what no one else had done.”
“What’s that?” Nick asked.
“Find a way to stop cancer. For good. When I got out of college, Dr. Wall and I started this Foundation to help get research equipment for the lab and what we needed for the kids. Stop by sometime, Mr. Harris, and see what it's like to fight childhood diseases.”
“Did you say you were here in 1972?”
“That’s right. The year St. Theresa’s opened. Why?” “Just curious.” A familiar ache swam around in his gut.
“Looks like a great crowd,” Jerry interjected quickly. “You should do well tonight.”
“We have Marie, who’s on the hospital board, to thank for that. She knows half the city and helps out a lot. But we do have a lot of great volunteers.”
Nick chimed in. “Do you ever have time away from the hospital, let’s say for dinner?”
“Wow, are you asking me out after just meeting me five minutes
ago?” She rolled her eyes.
“Well, I do know some great restaurants tucked away here in
Atlanta.”
“Tell you what, Mr. Harris. I’m going to just raise some money tonight and thank a lot of volunteers. I am sure there are plenty of women who would love to spend an evening with you. Now, if you two will excuse me, I need to say hello to the mayor.”
Jerry turned to Nick, flashing his best smug look. “Wow, shot
down in midflight, big guy.”
Nick watched Shelly walk away. “She is absolutely stunning.” “And wants nothing to do with you.”
“I must admit, that didn't go as planned, did it?”
“C’mon, Nick. Your tricks won’t work with her. She’s one smart lady. ‘Come and have dinner with me?’ That line is not going to work. You need to find something that makes her tick. Her kids.