Page 28 of Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness

She was on the Internet ordering towels and shower curtains and bed linens when she decided to make a call for help.

The phone picked up after just one ring, even though it was eight p.m. by then. “Blanket-y Blank, South Carolina’s finest quilt store, Barbara MacLeod speaking. How may I help you?”

“Barb, Lilah Jones here. Remember me? From the diner? You came out to talk to me yesterday?”

“Sure. I remember. What’s up, dear?”

“I’ve been thinking about your suggestions regarding my motel units.” She went on to explain her situation, making it clear that she was still short on cash. “Do you think there’s anything we can do on a smaller scale in such a short time frame? And how much would it cost?”

“Of course. We’ll find a way to get it done. And as cheap as possible. But one week?”

“Two at the most.”

“Y’know, I sense a bit of synchronicity here. I did a volunteer talk at the senior center in Hatteras today, and I met this woman . . . Suffice it to say, I think she might be the perfect seamstress for the job. She’s older, but has a world of experience. Plus, it would do her good, to work again and feel she still has some value.”

“And it would do me a favor, too,” Delilah concluded. “I’ll be around tomorrow if you have any questions, but after that I’ll be inaccessible for a week or so. The contractor has a key and will be in and out if you need to go in for measurements.”

They discussed a few more details before Barb said, “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to tell Stu. Thanks so much for calling.”

“No. Thank you. You’re the answer to my prayers.”

“That’s what friends are for, honey.”

Oh, crap!

“What did you say?”

Delilah hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud. “Nothing. I just dropped my notepad on the floor.”

While she had her cell phone in hand, Delilah called the number for her parole officer. She’d deliberately waited until this late so that she’d get voice mail and not have to answer any questions. “Hello. Ms. Gardner? This is Delilah Jones. I know I’m not scheduled to come in until next week, but I’m calling to give you a heads-up. I got a job working for a salvaging company.” She didn’t mention the specific name for fear Ms. Gardner would call their office to confirm employment. “I’m still working to get the diner operational and later the motel, but this gives me a chance to earn some cash now. Anyhow, sorry I didn’t call earlier, but I had to work late. I have to go out on the boat tomorrow and will be gone for about a week. If you need to reach me, you can try my cell phone, but I’m not sure there will be access. I’ll check in when I get back. Bye.”

That out of the way, Delilah called her grandmother. She’d already checked with her this morning to make sure she got the money wire, but she wanted to make sure her grandmother had no problems paying off the loan shark and past due bills. Or that she hadn’t skipped off to the casinos.

At first, Delilah was worried when the phone rang repeatedly, but then Maggie picked up. “Hi, Mommy! Did you get me a dog yet?”

“No, I did not get you a dog yet.” And I never actually said that I would, you little imp. “You sound out of breath, sweetie.”

“Me and Gramma just came in. We were shopping.”

Uh-oh. Delilah hoped her grandmother hadn’t decided to splurge since she had a little extra cash, which wasn’t really extra. She glanced at her watch. Nine o’clock. “Oh?”

“Yep. We went to Walmart. I got a new bathing suit and flip-flops and Day of the Week panties and a booster seat . . . and gummy bears. Gramma bought a suitcase and wait till you see the wagon—”

“Shh! Remember what I said? Let me have the phone,” she heard her grandmother say.

“Oops,” Maggie said with a giggle.

“What’s up?” her grandmother asked Delilah then.

“A wagon? For Maggie? How cute! And a suitcase? For your Avon samples?”

“Um. Sure.”

“Why did you buy Maggie a booster seat? I was going to get that when I came to pick her up. Hell . . . I mean, heck . . . I haven’t even traded the motorcycle in for a car yet.” Forget about the compact I was considering. Already I need to make sure there’s space for Maggie’s booster seat, a wagon, her DVD player, toys, clothes . . . Aaarrgh!

“There was a sale.”

On booster seats? Well, at least she didn’t buy a dog leash. “Isn’t it kind of late for you to be out shopping?”