“What do you mean?”
“They’ve lived in my world their whole lives.”
She worried her lower lip with her teeth, trying to imagine how it would go. The women in the community weren’t really nice to each other. No one had really helped her after her mother died. At least her mother had taught her how to run a house before she passed away. “Do you think they will help me?”
“Yes. They are all good people. They will help you with whatever you need.”
Her stomach clenched. She hadn’t had much luck in the community. Then again, they weren’t given much time to talk or get to know girls outside of their families. Her two older sisters had left the family when they turned twenty-one. Her middle sister, Aqua, had died in childbirth recently. That had scared Flora and been another reason she’d run.
Now she was here, living with a stranger, but feeling safer than she ever had at home. When her mother died, it madeeverything more desperate. Here, in this environment, she could almost forget the desperation and fear she’d felt. Q made everything feel safe. She could see herself staying here forever. Somehow, she had to find a way to get him to see that he shouldn’t make her leave.
7
Qdropped into bed, his mind spinning with worry for Flora. There was no way she could function in San Diego. She really thought he was lying about how many people were in the world. He hoped the women were able to help her. He knew Ellis and Vera better than Andie, Clove, and Talia, but they were good people. He just hoped they could help.
It took a while for him to drift off, but he woke to the sound of someone moving around in his kitchen. It only took him a moment to remember about Flora and he relaxed.
When he stepped into the main room, Flora turned to face him, her eyes filling with tears. “I don’t know how to use your stove and cook breakfast for you.”
“You don’t have to cook breakfast for me, ever. I can make my own breakfast, but I want you to understand how to make it yourself. But first, I need coffee.”
“I’ve never had coffee. What do you like about it?”
He shrugged. “Honestly, it’s not the flavor, though I’ve grown used to it. Coffee helps me wake up.”
“How do you make it?”
He grabbed a filter and spooned some coffee into the filter. He placed the filter into the basket then added water to the tankand pressed the button. He turned, seeing Flora watching him. “Sorry. I didn’t explain what I did.”
“I watched. I could probably make it tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to pay you back for everything you’ve done for me.”
He grabbed a mug and set it on the counter. “Listen, this isn’t some quid pro quo situation.”
“What?”
“I don’t expect anything from you. Nothing at all. Really. I don’t expect you to make my breakfast or any other meal.”
“But I?—”
“No buts. For now, consider yourself a guest. You don’t have to cook or clean or anything. When I head back to work on Monday, I don’t really want you going out alone. Not because I don’t trust you, but I don’t know about other people.”
“Should I be afraid?”
He paused, not wanting to make her fear living here but wanting to keep her safe. “Not afraid, but you aren’t used to the people here. There are some people who want to take advantage of you. I know that isn’t right, and you shouldn’t live in fear, but you have to be aware that there are just some jerks out there who can’t be trusted. If you go out with one of the women who show up today, that’s fine. Just stay with them. They’ll guide you.”
She nodded. “I won’t leave unless it’s with someone. Can I sit out in the backyard?”
“Yes. The gate has a lock on it, so there won’t be anyone coming into the yard. I don’t want you to be afraid to live here, but I do want you to stay safe.”
“Okay. I’m not sure what that means.”
“Give it a few days. Now then, have you ever seen the ocean?”
She shook her head. “No.”
