Page 44 of The Dysasters
“Charlotte! I didnotblackmail them. I just explained to your mother if she didn’t give you what you need, I would refuse to give her what she needs.”
“Her trust fund check,” said Charlotte with an eye roll.
“Exactly. Most of the time it’s a royal pain in my rear end to be in control of the family money, but sometimes it’s spectacularly satisfying. Using that control to force your mother to do the right thing is one of those times. To behonest, I am often thankful your parents turned out to be such dolts. Were they the people they should be, you and I might not have become—how do you put it again—besties?”
Charlotte giggled softly. “Yes, Grandma Myrtie. We are definitely besties. But, thank you. You saved me, you know.”
“My dear, we saved one another. You are, after all, my favorite granddaughter.”
“I’m your only granddaughter.”
“Just so. When did you say fall semester officially begins?”
“August twenty-ninth.”
“Perfect! You’ll have plenty of time to settle in and find your way around. Just remember, there’s more to the city than the Gulf.”
“Don’t worry, Grandma Myrtie. I’ll get good grades and make you proud. No one will ever be able to say you wasted your money on me.”
“Charlotte Myrtle Davis, how could Ieverwaste money on you? You, my dear, are priceless.”
“Did Mama call you? Did she say anything after she saw me?” Charlotte hated that she still wanted her mother’s approval after all this time, especially because she knew she would never get it.
“Now, you know I’m too polite to repeat any nonsense your mama spouts, bless her mistaken heart. My dear, you just focus on yourself and that bright, beautiful future that stretches before you,” said Grandma Myrtie.
“You’re right. You’re always right. Thank you for reminding me.”
“That’s why I’m here—to remind you of how special you are.”
Charlotte’s blue eyes began to fill with tears, but she straightened her spine and lifted her chin. This was the first day of her new life. She was not going to let her mama spoil it.
“I love you, Grandma Myrtie.”
“I love you, too, my dearest one.”
A roadside sign announced that a truck stop was a mile ahead. Charlotte glanced at her almost-empty gas gauge and merged into the right lane.
“Hey, Grandma Myrtie, there’s a truck stop comin’ and I need to get gas. I’m going to go, okay?”
“You stay safe, Charlotte. You have your pepper spray gun, don’t you?”
“Yes, Grandma.”
“And your police whistle?”
“Yes, Grandma.”
“And you’ll lock your car.”
“Yes, Grandma. I promise. I’ll take care,” Charlotte said as she took the exit to the rest stop.
Grandma Myrtie sighed. “That bathroom situation. It frightens me.”
Charlotte wanted to say “me too,” but she hated the worry that made her beloved Grandma’s voice sound suddenly old and tremulous. “It doesn’t scare me at all. I’m just going to go in, get gas, and then get back in my car.”
“After you check to be sure no one’s in the backseat?”
“Grandma Myrtie, if I have to leave my car, I promise I’ll lock my doors. I have to go. I’ll call you when I get back on the road so you know I’m okay,” Charlotte said as she pulled up to a gas pump marked by a faded number seven.
