“You better.”
Sarah scoots over and throws her arms around me. “Last but not least, this is Miss Pearl. She’s our everything.”
“Welcome to the family, Cali. We’ll take good care of you.” I reach out and snuggle her into my other side. She’s a little-bitty thing. Redheaded with freckles and pretty blue eyes. I already want to protect her. From Miss Lilith, I mean.
Cali starts to say something, but Sarah interrupts. “Miss Pearl is, like, our in-house therapist. She always has great advice. You can tell her anything.”
“No appointment necessary,” I say.
Cali’s eyes sparkle with an inner glow.
“You two will get along famously. I just know it.” Sarah’s smile fades as she turns to her father. “I’ve got a bunch to do today, Dad.” She steps toward thedoor. “You coming, Cali?” Sarah’s anger is not something she intends to hide. I’ve counseled her through many an hour of her pain. And I must say I can’t blame her. She’ll have to forgive him sooner or later. But it can’t come until she’s ready.
“I know when I’m not wanted.” He smiles bitterly at the rest of us, then moves on out the front door without a good-bye.
“Well. I think I’ll check to see how dinner’s going,” Mama Carla says, flashing a horrified look in my direction. “I’m looking forward to knowing you, Cali. See y’all a little later.”
Sarah bristles. “Sorry. He makes me furious.”
“No worries,” Cali says. “I totally get it.”
“Maybe I better tell him good-bye. I’ll be right back.” She looks at Cali. “You’re in great hands.”
After Sarah leaves, when it’s just the two of us, Cali reaches for my shoulder. “How’s your aunt? I heard she was sick.”
“Tell you the truth, I’m not sure. But I’m praying she gets better soon. Thank you for asking, baby.”
“My grandparents told me. They met you earlier today?” She says it like she’s not sure I’ll remember. When I give her a reassuring smile she adds, “They loved meeting you.”
“Likewise. They’re sweet as they can be.”
“They said the same thing about you.” Now Cali’s fingering her necklace and her little eyes are darting around the foyer. Her smile has faded. Seems like she’s worrying over something.
“What’s wrong, baby? This is supposed to be a happy day.”
“Oh, this is the best day of my life, but…” Seems like she’s trying to get up the nerve to tell me something, but she’s afraid.
“If there’s something on your mind, go ahead on and tell it. Didn’t you hear Sarah say I’m the in-house therapist? You can trust me.”
She looks down, shuffles her feet, then finally locks eyes with mine. “You know Mrs. Whitmore, right?”
I nod, trying not to laugh. But a giggle is in my voice. “Oh, I know Mrs. Whitmore.”
“Is she—” Now she’s zipping her cross along its chain. “Does she… ever stick her nose where it doesn’t belong?”
I can’t keep from busting out now. “I’m afraid so. Don’t quote me—if you do I’ll swear on my mother’s grave I never said it—but my advice to you is to have as little to do with her as possible.”
“That’s not so easy. Her daughter’s my next-door neighbor. And now my pledge sister.”
“Uh-oh.” I nudge her with my elbow. Let her know I’m playing with her. Now I’ve made her laugh. I won’t tell her about witnessing Mrs. Whitless lie to her grandparents, but I am curious about her story. “What’s making you ask that, Cali?”
“I have reason to believe she’s been snooping around Blue Mountain, my hometown, trying to dig up my past.”
Lord have mercy. That woman knows no boundaries. There’s nothing she won’t do to have her way. “Well, she can’t hurt you. I know that. You’re an Alpha Delt sister now.” I reach over, pull her into my side. “Don’t you be afraid of her.”
“I’m not really afraid of her… it’s a long story.”
“Look here. We’ll talk about Mrs. Whitmore another time. You go ahead on and enjoy this day. Just remember who you are and whose you are.” I let her go, pat her on the back. “Let me get back to the kitchen. We’re shorthanded as it is. And with Aunt Fee gone… shoot.”
