Page 16 of Sweet Little Thing

Jasper didn’t say anything. We stood there in silence, amassive weight on my chest, as I waited for him to say something. Or maybe I needed to say more? Keep explaining? Keep going on?

“Where is she now?” Jasper asked.

“A home your mother put her in when I came here after our mother’s death. Among the Spanish Moss. I didn’t want to put Heidi in a home, but I can’t work and take care of her. She needs constant supervision, and our mother did that every day until I got home from school. Then she worked evenings while I took care of Heidi. When I came here, your mother gave me a job and put Heidi in a wonderful place. They’re good to her, and she has friends. But, it’s not cheap, so now I need to work. . .the extra job to pay for the cost.”

Jasper’s forehead was pinched in a frown. “Portia was paying for Heidi’s care? That’s where all the money was going?”

“Yes.”

His frown remained. I felt my stomach knot up.

“Sundays. . .you go to see her?”

“Yes.”

“The cookies,” he released an unamused laugh that held no humor within. “And I thought you’d made them for some guy.”

“She likes cookies and loves cupcakes. And so does the staff. I enjoy taking them treats.”

He sighed and leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “How much does the place cost a month?”

“It was six thousand, but I’m going to see if I can have her moved to a shared room, which will decrease it to four thousand. I can probably swing that with my tips. If I’d known that was an option from the beginning, I would’ve asked for it. But Portia took over, and I was so grateful that I didn’t question her. I also had no idea how much she was paying until this past week, our deal being I worked, and she gave me fifty dollars per week for gas and any other needs; the rest of my pay went to Heidi.There were other places she could’ve put Heidi. I know I could find a more affordable home, but she loves the people there. She’s adjusted, losing mom was harder on her because she didn’t understand. Moving Heidi from the only home she’s ever known to live with strangers was a readjustment on a level it’s hard to fathom. The idea of doing it again breaks my heart. I don’t expect you to pay for that. I agree with you that it was too much. Especially now that I know the cost. If I could be allowed to work the second job, it would help, and I could manage.”

He didn’t say anything at first. I waited. I’d said all I could.

“One last question. Why did you come here? To Portia? I don’t understand that connection.”

I wasn’t sure if Portia wanted him to know. But I was in too deep now. I had to confess it all.

“My mother gave me a piece of paper with Portia’s name and address the day before she died. She was so sick, her fever was high, and she was delirious and worried. She said the hospital bill would break us and refused to let me call an ambulance or take her to the emergency room. She swore she’d be fine. She only had a bad cold. But she gave me the name and number and told me that if something happened, to go to the lady on the paper.” I paused.

“Go on,” he urged.

“When she went to sleep that night, I immediately called 9-1-1. They came and took her, and she was admitted. . .although. . .it was too late. She was too far gone. The day after her funeral, the landlord told me we were behind two months on rent, and he hated to do it, but if we didn’t pay, he’d have to evict us. I packed our things, and we came here. Not knowing what to expect. Portia looked at the note. And then had us come inside. The next day, Heidi was moved to Among the Spanish Moss. I then began working here.”

He was questioning who my mother was. Why Portia wouldhelp her? Maybe he could find out. I’d had no luck with his mother. Jasper didn’t appear angry. He was lost in thought, trying to comprehend why Portia had been there when I needed her. I felt guilty telling him all this as if I’d turned on her. She should have been warned. I owed her that. Now, it was too late.

“I know you and your mother have a strained relationship. But she was there for us when we had no place to go. I should’ve prepared her before I told you all of this. It’s not fair that I didn’t.”

His lips tugged up in an almost smile. “Do you worry about everyone, Beulah Edwards?”

“Not any more than anyone else.”

He laughed softly and shook his head. “You’re incredibly naïve, and I’d question that had I not just listened to your life. To survive, you had to believe in people, and that’s a rarity that requires some naivety, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, it makes you see the best. You can keep your second job. Portia isn’t in trouble.”

Relieved, I sighed and said, “Thank you. Would you like me to make your breakfast now?”

His almost smile remained in place as he picked up his coffee cup and handed it to me. “I make shit coffee. Can you make me some? Yours is better by far. And yes, I’d like something to eat.”

I took his cup and watched him turn. For the first time since he’d arrived here, I didn’t feel fear clawing at my neck. I felt hopeful I could make this work.

Chapter

Thirteen

Beulah

Jasper was finishing breakfast when Stone walked into the house. He was dressed in worn-out jeans and a rugged black T-shirt. I’d never seen him dress up like Jasper. Although he left every day, I didn’t think it was to work.

---