Page 61 of Rock and a Hard Place

“Oh no, nothing like that. He just broke it off. Actually, he had his brother do it.”

DarLynn looked outraged. “That’s terrible.” She resumed her trimming. “I tell ya, I had a guy break up with me. He walked out of a restaurant while I was in the ladies’ room. Can you imagine? Stuck me with the bill, too. Honey, I tell you, men are pigs. No getting around it.”

She couldn’t ever imagine Peter leaving her stranded on a date, but then again, he didn’t bother to break up with her himself, either.

“He leave you for another girl? That’s what a lot of ’em do.”

“I don’t think so, but he plays in a band, so I guess there could be someone else.” Another girl hadn’t occurred toher until now. It made her stomach hurt. Whether it was from lack of food or thinking about Peter she couldn’t say. “A musician. Oh, honey, love a rocker and your heart’ll get broke every time. All those groupies pining away while they’re up onstage playing, waiting for the end of the set so they can get their claws on him. You’re definitely better off without him.”

DarLynn examined her handiwork as if she were a high-priced stylist. “Not bad, if I say so myself. Gives you a fresh new look. That boy who dumped you wouldn’t even know you now. Or anyone else who might be looking for you.” She stood in front of Libby and held her eyes in knowing question. “Honey, you want me to call someone for you?”

The seconds ticked by. “No, I’m fine.”

There was no one out there to call. Not one person, except maybe the police. Heck, they didn’t really care, either.

The phone rang loudly, interrupting Libby’s thoughts. “Hang on just a sec, while I get that.”

While DarLynn spoke on the phone, Libby grabbed a broom and swept the hair from the kitchen floor and dumped it in the trash. She put her stool back under the kitchen counter then peeked into the next room and discovered the little boy, Damien, glued to a television show with talking vegetables. How simple his life was.

DarLynn hung up. “You know, if it’s not one thing, it’sanother. That was school. Jimmy Junior’s having another asthma attack. I’ve gotta pack up this crew and get him to the doctor. Again.” She sighed, lifted the sleeping baby out of the swing, and laid him on the floor to stuff him into a coat. “When little Jimmy was born, I told his daddy not to smoke around him, but that man never listened to me a day of his life.”

“Can I help?”

“No, I got it, but could you grab Damien’s coat over there and get him into it?”

Libby reached for the miniature-sized coat.

“No, Momma, I don’t wanna go.” Damien slipped away from Libby and dove onto the couch.

“I can stay with the kids. If you want,” Libby offered. “Really? Are you sure?” DarLynn hesitated. “Does it make me a bad mother to leave them with a stranger? Hauling this mangy bunch takes every bit of energy I’ve got, plus when I get back I’ve got rooms to clean.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got nowhere to go, other than to look for a job. I really don’t mind. You trimmed my hair, so this will help pay you back.”

“Well, okay, there’s a bottle in the fridge, and Damien likes mac and cheese. I’ve got plenty of food, so help yourself. You must be hungry, so don’t be shy.” She handed the sleeping baby to Libby. “I’ll have my cell phone, so I’ll call you if it gets too long. The number is taped to the fridge if you need anything.” She pulled her coat on, grabbed anoversized purse, and threw it over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.” Libby looked down into the innocent little face of the baby. He felt warm and smelled of milk and fabric softener.

“Be good boys. Momma will be back soon.” She kissed them both and dashed out the front door and into a rusty old pickup.

Libby sat on the couch, the baby cradled close, with Damien on her other side. Holding the innocent babe filled a void. For once she felt a purpose, a meaning in this world. It might be a small thing, but helping DarLynn was the most important thing she’d done in a long time.

Two hours later, Libby had fed the boys, stuffed herself with food, and tidied the small living area. DarLynn returned with a tow-headed boy about five or six years old and a prescription bag.

“I see the place is still standing. I can’t thank you enough.” She looked around at the clean counters and organized room. “Oh my gosh, you did the dishes. You didn’t need to do that, but honey, I’ve been trying to get to them since yesterday morning, never enough hours in a day. Thank you. I hope you got a bite to eat.”

“Yes, thank you, I did.” Libby smiled.

“You’re a lifesaver. How can I thank you?”

“You don’t need to thank me. You trimmed my hair, and trust me, I ate a lot.”

“Well, it’s my pleasure, but how ’bout your room is on me tonight?”

Libby wanted to refuse and say she could pay her own way, but a free room would save her almost fifty dollars. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. We girls have got to stick together.” She gave a knowing wink.

Libby warmed at her generosity. “Thank you.”

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