Wardell commanded us to get back to work, and we finished the jobs just as Miss Mary returned and Gabriella’s cousin dropped by with the main course, which my little friend had basically hidden from us until it was time for the big reveal. Gabriella had outdone herself this time. She presented us with enchiladas filled withtender, slow-cooked brisket, topped with a creamy chipotle sauce. On the side were her famous elote cups—sweet corn with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a hint of lime—and a watermelon salad with a tangy Tajín drizzle that balanced the heat of the enchiladas perfectly. The colors on the table were as vibrant as the flavors promised to be, and everyone let out a collective “ooh” as she set it down.
They all gathered around, plates clattering as everyone served themselves. Wardell was the first to dive in, and after a few bites, he nodded in appreciation. “This is it, y’all. The food’s too good. Feels like we’re havin’ the Last Supper before Joyce faces APS tomorrow.”
The group chuckled, though the joke was a little morbid. Still, I took it in stride, feeling strangely at ease. As I looked around the table at my friends, all laughing and enjoying the meal, I knew deep down that no matter what happened, I was going to be okay.
* * *
That night, I lay in bed, scrolling through the group text messages on my phone. Everyone was saying they’d had a wonderful time, commenting on Gabriella’s food, joking about how sore they’d be in the morning.
I laughed to myself, feeling my own bones creak as I shifted under the covers. For the first time in a long time, I felt…content. At peace. When I tell you it was priceless, I mean just that.
I sent up a silent prayer, thanking God for bringing these people into my life and asking for strength and peace for Elijah and for myself.
Tomorrow’s visit from APS would come with its own challenges, but for tonight, I was grateful. Grateful for the journey,the people, and the hope that had been restored in this little house that had become my home—every nail, every floorboard, and even my shiny new oven.
Chapter 30
I stood by the front window, peeking through the curtains for the umpteenth time. Anya was due any minute. Gabriella, bless her heart, was busy in the kitchen, making enough coffee to jazz up an entire army. But as for me? I couldn’t sit still.
“You okay, Auntie Joyce?” Gabriella called from the kitchen. Her voice had that sweet lilt of care, like she knew how nervous I was but was trying not to make a big deal about it.
“I’m fine,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it. “I just wish she’d get here already.”
Just then, the faint sound of tires slowing, then rolling across the rocks in my driveway, caused a pounding in my chest. It was Anya. For a second, I thought about pretending like I wasn’t home. Or maybe Gabriella could tell her I’d gotten sick.
But I knew that wouldn’t solve anything. All the people who had helped me deserved to know that their work wasn’t in vain. We did this together.
Gabriella poked her head out from the kitchen, an eyebrow raised. “That better be Anya, or this coffee’s going to waste.”
I smirked despite my nerves and took a deep breath beforepulling the door open. Sure enough, Anya stood on the porch, tablet in hand, her expression as unreadable as ever. She looked exactly as she had the last time—right down to the same black kitten heels. It was like she had a uniform, one of those ten-item wardrobes everyone claims makes life easier.
It occurred to me for the first time that while I was stressed out today, Anya must have a stressful job every day. She’d probably made some hard recommendations, taken away keys, removed children from guardianship due to true elder abuse.
Surprisingly, compassion for her showed up in the midst of my fears. Miss Mary had been right about Anya’s plight. She wasn’t the enemy here—she was just thoroughly doing her job, and a tough one at that.
“Ms. Hicks,” she said, nodding in greeting. “Ready for the inspection?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Before I could invite her in, the sound of footsteps behind me caught my attention. Gabriella came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “Hey, Anya!” she said brightly. “We’ve got coffee if you want any. Auntie Joyce made sure we were ready for you.”
Anya’s eyes flickered between the two of us, her stoic expression softening slightly. “Coffee sounds good, but first let’s get this inspection started.”
“Sure. Right this way.” I pointed toward Gabriella’s hallway again.
As I turned to lead the way, Gabriella gave me a quick, silent nod. I could feel her reassurance, like she was telling me without words:You’ve got this. We’ve got this.I took a breath and nodded back, my heart calming ever so slightly.
I guided Anya through the house, trying not to hover but failing miserably. Every creak of the floorboards, every tiny imperfection, felt magnified in that moment. Anya inspected everything with the precision of a surgeon, jotting down notes on her tablet, taking pictures, running her hand along the edges of the windows, checking the caulking, and testing the plumbing.
I followed her silently, every step filled with anticipation. My mind raced through everything Wardell, Richard, and the others had worked on. Surely we hadn’t missed anything…right?
Just as Anya was bending down to check the baseboards, there was a knock at the door.
I froze, shooting Gabriella a look that screamedWho’s that?
Gabriella shrugged, heading toward the door. “Probably just a friendly face,” she said with a wink, swinging the door open.
Sure enough, Richard stood there, a casual smile on his face. “Hey, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by. How’s the inspection going?”
