Page 25 of Denial
“Nellie, you’re not supposed to open the door to strangers.”
“But Daddy, we needed a grown-up.”
“I’ma grown-up,” I remind her.
The grimace on her face tells me she thinks I’m full of shit. “It’s okay to ask for help.”
“I taught you that.” I narrow my eyes.
“You should remember your own advice,” Nellie says seriously.
I glance at my watch. Five to seven. “You’re five minutes early.”
“You know the saying. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time. Or something like that.” Ms. Thompson steps farther into the room and deposits a travel mug, purse, insulated lunch bag, and her tiny cactus onto my kitchen table. “I know you need to get to work, so I thought I’d give you a few minutes extra for instructions. Seems my instincts were right.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I just need a moment to clean up. Then we can go over instructions.”
“Take your time.”
A quick rinse in the shower to remove the glitter, followed by slipping into my uniform, and I’m back to the kitchen in eight minutes flat.
The bacon has been discarded. Nellie sits happily at the kitchen table, dunking her triangle toast into her runny eggs. A pan of fresh scrambled eggs sits on the stove with a small stack of buttered toast beside it.
“What’s this?”
“Breakfast. I wasn’t sure how you take your eggs, but scrambled are better for your heart. Less grease needed for cooking.”
“I assure you I’m in perfect health.” I drop a slice of toast on a plate and pile a scoop of the eggs on top.
“I’m sure you are, Officer Sunny. I’m used to cooking breakfast for my eighty-year-old neighbor, so I’m conditioned to make heart-healthy decisions.”
“Aren’t all eggs full of cholesterol?” I mumble around a bite.
She waves her hand at me and wipes both of them with a fresh kitchen towel. “As Archie says, all good engines need oil to run.”
My brows furrow. “Those statements contradict one another.”
Her smile is wistful. “That’s Archie for ya.”
I cross the kitchen and pour myself a cup of coffee, only half an hour later than I’d normally have my first cup.
“Want a cup?” I hold up the carafe.
She points at her travel mug. “I’m all set for now.”
I return the pot beneath the drip. The mouthful of bitter liquid settles me some, and I relax my hips against the counter at my back.
“Seems like you’ve already figured out where some things are. I don’t expect much cleaning, but helping with the cooking and dishes would be appreciated. Nellie goes to school by 9:15. You can walk her there until you get your car situation sorted. Take Merit with you.” I level her with a look that I hope conveys she needs to get it sortedstat.
She nods in understanding, so I continue.
“You can go home after you drop her off. She has dance after school twice a week. Mondays and Wednesdays. I work twelve-hour shifts minimum, overtime excluded, so you can expect to be here two hours in the morning and for the evenings. I have my schedule a month in advance, so I’ll make a copy for you. Any questions?”
“It sounds pretty straightforward.” Her lips curve into a sweet smile. How can someone cause so much trouble yet look so innocent at the same time?
Jesus, I’m staring.
I shake my head.
