A few minutes later, I drove down the alley to the parking area behind the shop. I carried Madison to the door while Esme unlocked it.
We made our way up the stairs. When we arrived at the apartment, Madison, snuggled against my chest, raised her head. “The muffins smell good. Grady muffins are the best muffins.”
“I made them just for you.” I brought her over to the couch and set her down, then knelt to take off her shoes.
“Like a Grady does,” Madison mumbled.
“I’ll get her pillow and blanket from her room,” Esme said.
“I don’t deserve muffins,” Madison said, turning onto her good side and cradling her cast. “I caused so much trouble.”
Esme appeared with the pillow. I lifted Madison slightly so she could slide it under the child’s head.
“Sweet Pea, it was an accident.” I brushed hair off Madison’s forehead. “It wasn’t like you meant to cause trouble.”
“But I cost so much money.” A lone teardrop traveled down her dewy cheek.
Esme sat heavily on the coffee table. “Baby, don’t worry about money. That’s for adults to figure out.”
“But I heard you on the phone with the lady. Ten thousand dollars is a lot.”
“That’s not your fault,” Esme said firmly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Madison’s chin wobbled. “I just wanted to make it to the top.”
“And you did,” I said. “Sometimes things happen. But you’re going to be fine and so is your mom.”
“Can I have a muffin now?” Madison asked, sniffing.
I hustled into the kitchen and brought her back a muffin on a small plate and a glass of milk. She ate slowly, eyes already drooping again. She was asleep two minutes later, muffin half-eaten and crumbs on her chin.
“How about you, young lady?” I asked Esme as I took the plate back to the kitchen. “Can I fix you a muffin before your nap?”
Esme shook her head. “I just need to sleep.”
“Go rest. I’ll keep an eye on Madison.”
She surprised me by giving me a hug, resting her head on my chest for a moment. “Just like a Grady does.”
9
ESME
With Grady’s help, I managed to finish all the centerpieces just in time for the Morrison wedding. They were delivered to the venue on time. The bride seemed pleased with them, as did the mother-in-law, which meant I could breathe. They also gave me a nice fat check, which also helped with my anxiety. It wasn’t enough to fix all my problems, but it meant I could make the mortgage that month.
To celebrate, my girlfriends suggested we all meet for dinner at The Pelican. So Robbie could do his STEM homework, Grace offered to babysit Madison to give me a chance to get out of the house for some fun. A little after six, I opened the door to find Gillian and Grace on the landing.
“Hey, guys,” I said, holding out my arms. “I’m so glad to see you.”
Trevor came to say hello, wagging his tail. He loved Grace.
“Is Madison okay?” Grace asked, sounding concerned as she knelt to give Trevor some love.
“Yes, she’s fine. Excited to see you.” I stepped aside and Grace breezed in, backpack over one shoulder, already pulling a little bag of nail polish from her jacket pocket, Trevor following behind.
“Grace, hi.” Madison’s face lit up. “You brought nail polish?”
“Totally. I have a new color to show you. It’s pink and sparkly.”
