Page 25 of Forbidden Hearts
Daddy mentioned something about having a runaway refuge close to here, but I hadn’t realized it was something the town needed. Still, it’s a great option for those in need.
Now we need to get better resources for deaf and blind children. We need more therapy options for kids with learning disabilities and physical issues. There are so many families who have to choose between hiring an agency or driving to Philadelphia for care.
Addison nods. “Right now, we provide safe harbor and rehabilitation options for runaways. We also help reunite them with their families and get them the help of psychologists. We have two chapters right now, but the other partner and I hope to open more on the East Coast.”
“That’s great.”
Addison smiles warmly. “We are always looking for volunteers if you have time. I know you’re in school, but maybe when you’re home?”
While it may not be my idea of a priority for the town, it’s clearly doing good for those who need it. Not only would I like to see more, but also it would be good for me to volunteer as well.
“I would love to. I hate to ask this, but would you be willing to provide volunteer hours? I’ll volunteer regardless, but I’ve decided to transfer schools, and it would be really great to have it on my applications.”
God, I hate this part. However, it’s the games we play to get into school.
“Of course I can do that! I remember all too well how ridiculous schools are. My sister-in-law was a nightmare because she didn’t have all the things that she thought she needed.”
“Did she move here with you guys?” I ask.
Devney clears her throat. “Just Addison and Elodie are in Sugarloaf.”
I feel like I’m missing something.
Addison places her hands in her lap. “After my husband was killed almost three years ago, I came here to start over. All of my family are back in Oregon still.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
Before I can say anything else, Olivia puts the crayon down and points to the counter. “I think that’s my cue to get her some ice cream. It was great seeing you. If it’s okay, I’ll come by tomorrow since I have the day off from the nanny gig.”
They both smile. “I’d love that,” Addison says.
With that set, I take Olivia’s hand and we head to the counter. She gets two scoops because I’m a total sucker.
“That’ll be eleven dollars.”
“Eleven dollars for two scoops and half a spoon of sprinkles?” I ask, eyes wide. “What, did you go out back and milk the cow and hand churn it into ice cream?”
Josiah Sandifer rolls his eyes. “Are you going to pay for your goods, or do I need to call the cops?”
I lean in. “I remember a certain story about a little boy who was on a fishing trip and thought he could catch himself so he tried to stick the hook in his own mouth. He peed his pants when they took the hook out but told everyone he fell in the water . . .” I drop my voice lower. “Do you know who that was, Josiah?”
He leans back. “Fine, five dollars. Sprinkles are free.”
“Can you put it on my dad’s tab?”
The little jackass laughs. “Tab? What tab? Mr. Pips says you’re not allowed to put anything on a tab . . .”
Oh, yeah. During my freshman year in high school, my friends and I came in here every day and put everything on my dad’s tab. After two months of it not being paid, my father got a very large bill. My dad made me work the dairy farm down the road for the whole summer with no pay. I didn’t know people paid a tab. I thought it was just . . . free money.
Sometimes I sound stupid even to myself.
“Okay. Give me a second.”
Unsure of how I’m going to pay for this, I dig through my purse, searching for a few dollars I always keep at the bottom, and look up when Olivia gasps.
Asher is standing next to us in his uniform with a big smile for his daughter. He signs and speaks.“I thought I would surprise you girls.”
Olivia wraps her arms around him, and my heart thaws a little. There is something about a big grumpy asshole who melts at the sight of his daughter.
