“In what sense? Was she also an addict? Or abusive?”
“Neglectful. At least that’s what he told me. That’s when he brought her to me.”
How sad for little Charlotte. No wonder she was so quiet.
“What about Jasper? Where is he?”
“Not in the picture, and neither is the mother. They’re both…” He shook his head. “Suffice it to say, Charlotte’s stuck with me, and I’m doing my best. But what do I know about a four-year-old girl?”
“She’s four?” That information was almost as shocking as the rest. “She’s so small.”
“Yeah.” He sipped his water, then took a deep breath, and she got the sense he was still reeling from everything that had happened, maybe trying to rein in emotions he didn’t want to show. They flickered in his eyes. Anger, frustration. But why did he feel those things? Because he was stuck with Charlotte? Or was he angry at the child’s neglectful parents?
She couldn’t exactly ask, but she figured Mr. Aylett’s true feelings would come out sooner or later.
“The doctor calls it ‘failure to thrive,’” Mr. Aylett said. “Before she came here, she was malnourished, which affected her development. I have her on a high-calorie, high-protein diet—which she hates, by the way. But it’s very important that we feed her healthy foods, more so than with other children.”
Delaney hated to think what little Charlotte had gone through before she’d come here. And now she was stuck with an uncle who hadn’t even known her before.
At least he was trying to do right by her.
“Is she in therapy?”
“No.” His shoulders sagged as if the weight of the world rested there—and had just become a little heavier. “I need to do that, but I haven’t found anyone suitable yet.”
“Suitable meaning…?”
“It’s a small community. We have therapists, but I’ve been told she needs a well-trained play therapist, and I haven’t found one close by. And with my work…”
“I understand.” Delaney tapped a note into her phone. “I’ll compile a list, and we can find one together. I’ll make that my first priority. You might need to attend some of the sessions, but hopefully, I’ll be able to take her most of the time.”
“Okay, good. That would be very helpful. I’ll be there if I have to, but it’ll be hard for the next few weeks, maybe a month. My schedule should open up after that, and I’ll be able to devote more time to Charlotte. Do you have a car seat?”
“I need to get one.”
“I’ll take care of it. That Toyota you drive—that belongs to you?”
“I’m not in the habit of stealing cars—or crystal, for that matter.”
“I never thought…” He shook his head, and maybe her remark amused him, but it was hard to tell. “I thought maybe the car belonged to a friend or a boyfriend or something. What year is it?”
“It’s ten years old, but it’s in good shape, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Not worried, just…” His voice trailed. Then he said, “It has Maine license plates.”
“I didn’t want to register it until I was settled.” And until she was certain she wasn’t going to have to go home.
“I don’t want Charlotte to get attached to you if you’re not planning to stay.”
“I agreed to stay on at least until she starts kindergarten next year.” They’d talked about this the night before. “I’ll honor that commitment. And she should get attached to me. She needs to trust me.”
Mr. Aylett stared at Delaney for long enough that it started to feel awkward. She waited for him to argue or clarify his position.
Instead, he said, “You’re okay with driving Charlotte in your car?”
“Of course.” Delaney tried to sound lighthearted, but she’d gotten here on fumes the night before. It was less than two miles from the shelter, yet she was lucky she’d made it. “It’s just that…” She steeled her courage. “I hate to ask, but I need to fill up my tank, and?—”
“Not a problem. I’ll provide you with a credit card to cover your expenses.”
