Page 34 of More Than a Helping Hand

Paisley snickers. “I think that means she doesn’t want to talk about it.”

Whipping around, I scan for Bailey before unleashing my lecture. “Not around Bailey. Ever. Please.”

Mom’s eyes widen. “I just thought Bailey had found a new friend. But it seems you both have, and I’m quite pleased about that. But I will say no more on the matter under current circumstances.”

Paisley nods. “Same.”

My overreaction was a giveaway. I’m horrible at keeping secrets. “We can talk more later. Maybe.”

Mom rubs my arm. “Whenever you’re ready.”

My mom, being who she is, will be patient and let me bring it up. I love that about her. And Paisley won’t push, but she’ll be antsy.

The conversation moves on to how I should arrange furniture to optimize the space. But the whole time I’m picturing Anderson carrying my furniture around one-handed.

Bailey runs in and grabs my hand. “Can we go home now? When are we moving my stuff? And how are we going to bring the cactus plants here?”

“I’m not sure about the cactus part yet. And tomorrow is moving day. You’ll help for a bit, and then you’ll go home with Aunt Paisley.” I walk through the apartment, turning off lights. “Are you excited?”

“Yeah. I can’t wait for DeeDee to see my room.” She spins around and looks up at Mom. “You’ll like him. He’s nice. And now I’m not afraid of horses.”

Mom grins. “I’m happy to hear that.” She waves. “We’ll meet y’all at the car.”

Paisley nudges me as soon as they are out of earshot. “She’s like a different kid. The last time she was at our place, Chris asked me if we swapped her for a different little girl because she talked his ear off. And I mean that in the best way. Before, she’d talk to her cousins and to me, but she’d only give Chris one-word answers if he asked her anything. She’s so…”

“She’s like she used to be. Talkative and bubbly. At the pool party, it was all I could do not to cry when she launched herself at him. He’s a great guy. And I’m so happy he sat on her cactus.”

Paisley laughs. “I heard about that. But I’m not sure he’d agree with you.”

He would. But since Paisley doesn’t know the whole story, she doesn’t fully understand.

“Thanks for watching Bailey again. It’ll give me time to unpack a bunch of stuff.”

“You might need a helping hand. Anyone you could call?” She dances her eyebrows. “According to Bailey, he’s a giant. I can’t quite picture him next to you.”

“I’m sure it’s funny looking. And I don’t know if there will be a relationship. The last thing I want to do is get Bailey’s hopes up. Or Mom’s.”

“She just wants you to be happy, Primrose. That’s what we all want.”

“I know. But I’m tired of disappointing people. And I am happy with life the way it is. I work a lot, but Bailey is an awesome kid. I wouldn’t trade her for anything. So I’m not unhappy.” I head down the walkway toward the parking lot.

She keeps pace beside me. “Then maybe we want you happier. I am glad you moved back. I hate the reason why, but this part is nice.”

“I’m glad to be home.” Moving back here has been good for me.

* * *

Once Bailey is asleep,I make myself a cup of hot chocolate and settle on the couch. Normally, I hide away in my room for the evening. But this gives me a chance to talk with Mom.

She eases into her chair, trying not to spill any tea. “I probably should have set the cup down first, but I like living dangerously.”

“I thought the whole point of this conversation was spilling tea.”

Her eyes twinkle. “Hopefully. But only if you want to talk.”

In high school, my sisters spent more time opening up to Mom than I did. I was the kid sneaking out and keeping my relationships a secret. Sometimes for good reason. But I’m not exactly the black sheep, more of a gray one.

Sharing my thoughts and feelings with anyone other than my mirror stresses me out, but practicing on Mom is a good idea because there’s a bit of an expectation that there will be some opening up on the third date.

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