The schedule that Grissele had given me said that Glenda ate breakfast at seven thirty in the sunroom.Then, at eight thirty, she had a yoga class to attend at the local assisted living facility.Her day was rather packed, but then Glenda hadn’t appeared elderly either.Sure, she had white hair cut in an elegant bob, but she got around rather well for eighty-three years old, and she was entertaining to talk to.
I made my way to the bathroom and quickly handled my morning routine before pulling on a pair of jeans and my nicest sweater.My wardrobe was limited.I’d taken only what I needed when I ran.Grissele hadn’t mentioned a dress code, so hopefully, my wearing the same things often would be okay.
If I needed more clothes, with the pay I was getting from this job, I could buy them soon.My list of worries had been cut in half yesterday, thanks to my fairy godmother dropping into the diner.One minute, I’d been stressed over possibly being homeless, and the next, I was living in a nice big house on the other side of town, in a gated community.
Arthur wouldn’t walk in the door here and force me to go back to my father’s house.Even if he did try and find me.
Smiling at that thought, I headed for the door and down to the kitchen.I had already looked over Glenda’s breakfast menu and knew what I needed to make for her.It was the same every morning but on Sundays.And seeing as today was Sunday, she would be having her splurge breakfast—or so she had called it.
Although I didn’t think protein pancakes with ten chocolate chips and whipped cream on top was a splurge.But then, considering she had one slice of whole wheat toast, two scrambled eggs, and a cup of berries the rest of the week, then perhaps it was.
I had been shown where to find everything yesterday, so I went to work as soon as I entered the kitchen.It was a cheery place.All white and bright with a Christmas tree decorated in silver and blue, standing in the far corner, along with the scent of cinnamon lingering in the air from the wreath made of cinnamon sticks and white berries, which hung inside the large window beside the table.Tomorrow was the first day of December, but it seemed Glenda was one of those early decorators.There were three other Christmas trees in her house, stockings on the mantel, and other festive items placed throughout.
I went to work filling the water kettle and turning it on so it would be ready for her morning tea.She liked to have a pot brought out to her first before she had her breakfast, so that was a priority.Once I was done with that, I went about making the batter for her pancakes while humming “Jingle Bells.”
“Alexa, play holiday music.”
Glenda’s voice startled me.I’d been so focused on the pancakes that I hadn’t heard her enter the room.
My head snapped up, and I saw her smiling at me.
“Sounded like you were in the mood for some holiday tunes,” she told me as she stood there, wrapped in a cream-colored velvet robe with fake fur trim around the collar.
“Yes.I didn’t know you had one of those,” I replied, glancing over toward where the sound was coming from.I didn’t see the Alexa box though.
“It’s hidden behind the poinsettias,” she replied.“I don’t like the look of the thing, but I can’t live without it.When it’s time to get groceries, ask her for the list.I tell her to add things to it all the time.She’s a right helpful little thing.”
“All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey began to play over the hidden speaker.
“I didn’t realize it did that too,” I replied.
We had never had one in our home.My father was convinced the government controlled them and listened in on homes that had them.If anything, they were listening in on our phones.But I never argued that with him.I never argued anything with him.I had done my best to stay away from the man.
“Oh, yes.It also tells me the weather.I don’t know how I ever lived without it.”
I was going to ask it questions later.She had me intrigued.
“I have your hot water ready.Would you like me to make your tea?”
Glenda nodded.“Yes, please.I like to drink it in the sunroom,” she told me.“I’d carry it in there myself, but the last time I tried, I spilled it and burned my hand terribly.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” I assured her.“I will have it right out.”
“Did you sleep all right?Was the bed comfortable?”
I wanted to laugh at that question.After where I’d been sleeping, any bed would have been comfortable.“It was wonderful.I haven’t slept that well in months,” I told her.It was more like years, but she didn’t need my backstory.
Her smile grew.“That’s good.If you need extra blankets or different pillows, just let me know.”
“Everything is perfect,” I assured her.
She nodded, seeming pleased, then turned to walk back out of the kitchen.I finished up the last pancake, then went to make her pot of tea.
Four
Kash
“I’m not fucking sharing with you so you can order three different things off the menu.Pick one and eat it,” Forge said to Gathe, not looking up from his menu.
