“Nothing in particular.” She paused after each word, her sentence seeming to take forever. “She’s a sweet girl, but let’s say I have a huge new appreciation for what you do.”
My blood pressure slowed as I realized nothing major happened. “Did she eat?”
“She had her apple, but wasn’t interested in any dinner. I tried to get her to munch on some of that paleo stew you had in the fridge for her, but I think her stomach was bothering her.”
“Ah, yeah.” I sighed, feeling bad I hadn’t been there for her. “I noticed that when I picked her up from the neighbors. She seemed a little bloated.”
“I’m sure it was nothing.” Charlotte waved her hand dismissively.
“Thank you so much for helping me.” I felt bad I only had verbal appreciation to offer her.
“Don’t mention it.” She stood slowly and pushed her chair back close to the table while looking at me. “How’d the bet go? I was worried about you once the thunder started. Did you win the money?”
“No.” I had mostly forgotten about the stupid bet as I was now more concerned about how I had embarrassed myself by flirting so badly. “I gave up because of the rain. Beau showed up and rescued me.”
“Oh.” Her eyes stayed straight, but it felt like she was fighting back asking more questions. “Well, I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“I’m going to head home, and spend my Saturday binge watching my new show. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” I nodded.Why was she looking at me like I was about to crack? I was totally fine and completely used to my new life andallthese extra responsibilities. Not sure why my eyes would be stinging right now. I was sure they were irritated from the weather change. Trying my best to blink the annoyance away, I had one more favor to ask. “Say, since you offered, there’s this environmental fundraiser tomorrow night. I might need to go to—”
“Oh sure. Of course,” she said matter-of-factly. “I can watch her again.”
I froze. I wasn’t expecting to get emotional about something so simple. It was a normal thing to need childcare, only I didn’t have a child. I had an adult sister with a disability. I had no idea what I was doing. I never took a class in high school—or even college—that prepared me for this experience.
I was facing Charlotte, but all I saw was my mom’s face, and how I missed her so much. Not just because she took care of Poppy, but because she had been my best friend. As much as I missed her, I was relieved she wasn’t actually here, because I wouldn’t have been able to look her in the eye and tell her how badly I was messing up. A heaviness I could only describe as the weight of failure filled my chest. “I’m sorry to ask again,” I squeaked out. “I’m trying hard to get Beau’s case finished so I can get paid and—”
Reaching a hand to mine, she gently squeezed and said, “You don’t have to explain. It’s okay. You are doing amazingly and I’m happy to help.”
“I felt foolish for feeling like I was going to cry over something so stupid as having to ask for a favor. She repeated, “You’re doing amazingly.” She smiled sweetly. “Better than amazing.”
Blinking back my guilt, I swallowed, and whispered, “I’m trying.”
“I know.” She released her hand from mine, and added, “Everything’s going to be fine. It takes time.” She took another step closer to the door, slower this time, her eyes not leaving my face. “Text me when you know what time you need me.”
“Thank you.” I tried to say it out loud, I only managed to mouth the words. Thankfully, Charlotte understood, and she continued to smile warmly before leaving me to figure this out on my own.
Things were so different now. It was easier when I was only Poppy’s fun sister. Now I had all these decisions to make, and no one had given me the instruction manual. Worse yet, I didn’t have the time I needed to consider things as thoroughly as I would have hoped. One decision after another was thrown at me, and things only sped up. It was exhausting. I didn’t think I ever appreciated my mom more than I did at this moment, and it felt too late.
I spent the day with Poppy, doing all the things she loved, from feeding the ducks in the creek behind our apartment, to swinging for hours on the tire swing on the tree at the park. If only I could do that with her every day. It wasn’t a perfect day, but we made some memories and refueled my soul.
Now, I was waiting for Beau in a downtown parking lot, ready to start phase three of his makeover. I checked my phone for a message, noting the time. I had convinced him to appear with me at the Green Charities Fundraising Gala, and he was running more than fashionably late.
Drumming my fingers on my leg, I tapped out a tune that had gotten stuck in my head as I watched other couples walk past me on their way inside. Everyone was dressed in formal wear, as this was the trendiest who’s-who event of the year. I had rented a couture gown from an online dress rental place. I hadn’t tried it before, but I was glad I did. I felt like Princess Aurora, letting my hair flow in loose curls down my back in this gown that was fit for a ball.
Anybody who was anybody would be here tonight to be seen supporting their favorite charity. This would be an essential step to improving Beau’s image, but it was only going to work if he showed up on time.
Giving up, I pulled out my phone again and tapped his name, pressing send. His phone rang, going right to voicemail. I was about to leave a message when a gruff voice bellowed from behind me. “Sorry, I didn’t recognize you in that dress. I was waiting inside.”
“What?” I spun around. The sun was starting to crest at that awkward angle that made everything hard to see. The man before me appeared to be glowing. Taking a step closer to him, I halted fast, my phone dropped to my side. My legs grew weak, and a spark shot through my body.
This man in front of me was no Beau.
He sounded like Beau.
He was as tall as Beau.
