“Well, aren’t you a sweetheart.” He gives me a wide smile. “I put an extra dozen glazed in there. I know how much a teenage boy can eat. Raised two of my own.”
“Thank you. That’s so kind. The boys will put them away,” I reply, dropping a few bucks in the tip jar.
There are times when I get frustrated seeing how little the average person seems to care about the plight of their fellow humans. It’s all about getting the next new phone or the latest tablet. Then I run into someone like the donut guy and I’m reminded the world is full of people who still care, who do what they can to help.
I’m mobbed by kids when I walk through the door of the group home. “Everly!” Justin cries, his skinny arms clamping around my waist.
“Hey, buddy! Are you having a good day?”
“Yep. Danny’s going to let me pick tomatoes!”
“That’ll be a hoot,” James says, his sarcasm thick enough to trip over. At fifteen years old, he’s our resident complainer.
“That sounds fun, Justin. Let’s go have a donut first, what do you say?”
“Yay!” All the kids cheer and follow me to the dining room. Two of the older girls pass out napkins and pour cups of orange juice.
After all the kids are settled and eating, Danny pops in and snatches a chocolate covered donut. “Sure, Ev, sugar them up and leave them with me,” he says with a smile.
“Just thought I’d make your day more interesting. Where’s Monica?” I ask, looking around for the girl’s counselor.
“Took Geneva to the eye doctor. They should be back soon.”
“Okay, guys, settle down. I have a surprise for you,” I announce.
“Our parents aren’t really worthless assholes who don’t want us?” James says.
“My mom wants me!” Justin cries.
“Real nice, James,” Amber scolds, hugging Justin.
“There’s a carnival coming up and everyone is invited. I have a wristband for each of you, so you can ride as many rides as you want.”
A cheer goes up as the kids start firing questions. “Will there be bumper cars? Can I get cotton candy? Are you going with us?”
“I don’t know exactly what rides they’ll have, but I think cotton candy is a safe bet. I might see you there, but I won’t be chaperoning. Quiet down because I haven’t told you the best part. The carnival is being held behind Adventure River Waterpark, and a…friend of mine has rented the park for the day. You’re all going. They have a wave pool and lots of fun waterslides.”
“What’s the catch?” James asks, his face wary. “This some church group? We gotta get right wit Jay-sus to get in?”
“James,” Danny growls.
Truthfully, I don’t blame James for being suspicious. When good things don’t happen to you very often, you always look for the downside when they do. “The catch is you have to smile and have fun. And wear sun block,” I add with a grin.
The kids are ecstatic. Between their excitement and the sugar, there’s no keeping them indoors. As they run around the backyard, playing on the recently installed playgroundequipment, Danny and I relax on the picnic table. “So, how did you manage this?” Danny asks, his light blond curls dancing in the wind.
“The day is being hosted by Striking Back. They know I also volunteer here, so they offered.”
“That’s fantastic. You don’t want to chaperone?”
“I can’t, but I’ll be there.” Danny stares at me, confused. In the two years I’ve known him, he’s asked me out at least ten times. I’ve always told him the truth, I don’t date people I work with, but it hasn’t stopped him from trying. “I have a date,” I admit, grudgingly.
“Well, don’t sound so happy about it.” He laughs.
“It’s a long story, but I’ll see you guys there.” As if he knows I’m thinking of him, my phone chimes.
-Good morning, love-
Oh, somebody help me.
