Page 26 of Lost Little Boy
After we concluded that call, I called Hugh Warrick and squared it with him. He had great things to say about Perry, which touched my heart. Now I just had to get the young man to agree.
Chapter Thirteen
Perry
Wex and I parted ways in the parking garage, with me going to the supply closet on the first floor while Wex went to his office on the executive floor. Once I was in the closet, I called the hostel on U Street to see if they had space for the weekend, which they didn’t. I then phoned two others, and they were full as well. I was well and truly screwed.
When Wex questioned me about what I did for work when I’d first come to northern Virginia, I panicked. I was sure Wex was a good guy, but who wanted to have a boy who’d had sex for money? He didn’t seem like the type of man who would stand for something of the sort.
Why didn’t I just walk away from him? I could find another job, couldn’t I? I was sure there were openings for janitors all over DC, so maybe that was the best option.
Later, while I was having my vending machine lunch, there was a knock on the closet door. I stood and opened it, seeing Miss Daphne with a bright smile. “I’m sorry to bother you—”
I went to the corner and grabbed the mop bucket, sure there was some sort of bodily fluid that needed to be cleaned up in the center. “I’ll be right there.”
When I pushed the bucket forward, Miss Daphne giggled. “No, no. Nothing like that. I spoke to Mr. Warrick this morning, and he agreed to let you work with us in the center this afternoon. We’re still shorthanded, and we have a field trip to the park today. I thought you’d be great at helping us keep track of everyone.”
My hand flew to my chest. “Me? After what Mr. Jenkins said?”
“Mr. Jenkins will not be returning to Grassley Industries, so that situation has resolved itself. Doyou have anything besides coveralls to wear today?” She gave my denim coveralls a look before she frowned.
“Yes, ma’am. I have on shorts and a T-shirt under them.” I unzipped the coveralls to show her my red T-shirt as if I needed to prove I wasn’t lying.
“Good. That’ll be more comfortable. We’ll leave around two, right after nap time. Get yourself in the headspace to be around rowdy toddlers all afternoon and come to the center around then. I think you know everyone, but I’ll introduce you as Mr. Perry, if that’s okay. We’ll walk the two blocks to Four Mile Run Park where I’ve reserved a covered picnic area. We’ll be bringing water and our afternoon snack along. Oh, do you have a way to bring water with you? Most of the kids have insulated cups that we bring.”
I picked up my large metal cup. “Got it. Anything else?”
“I’ll tell you like I tell the kids—use the restroom before we go. When we get twenty-five children on a playground, it’s like they’ve multiplied to a hundred. I’ll see you this afternoon.” Miss Daphne walked out of the closet and closed the door.
I was so excited about going to the park, it was a wonder I didn’t take flight. Before thinking about it too hard, I called Mr. Warrick to confirm that I was allowed to help Miss Daphne.
“You sure you wanna help her out? Taking care of twenty-odd little kids sounds like a lot more work than changing lightbulbs.” We both laughed, but I confirmed that I wanted to help her out, and he said we’d figure out how to code it on my time sheet. I was grateful for his willingness to allow me the opportunity.
I pulled my phone from the pocket of my coveralls and sent a text to Wex.
I’m going to help Miss Daphne with a field trip this afternoon to Four Mile Run Park. Hugh said it was okay. I’m really excited. I hope your day is going well. Perry
I stood to check what was in my backpack that I didn’t need with me at the park. I had a word puzzle book, some pens, a phone charger, my keys to my old—or new—apartment, and a comb and pomade to tame my hair if necessary. I decided to leave my coveralls in my chair and collect them later before I went home… which was another problem I needed to deal with.
My phone buzzed on the desk. It was a text from Wex.
That sounds fun. Did you eat lunch? What time will you be ready to go today? I’m going to insist that you at least stay the night with me, sweet boy. We’ll work everythingout, okay? I can’t wait to hear how the park adventure was. Let me know when you’re back. Xo
Relief flooded my soul. Daddy insisted I stay with him. I didn’t have to beg him to let me stay, nor did I have to waste money on a hotel. I owed Wex an apology for being so stubborn, and I vowed to return his kindness somehow.
“You got up there, now how are you going to get down?” Miss Jing had a wicked eyebrow cocked at the little girl in question.
Jing Han, one of the other aides, was addressing Kimmy Dern, a four-year-old girl who was at the top of a rock-climbing wall that was about six feet high. They’d been told not to climb up if they couldn’t get down, but they were little kids. Of course, they were testing boundaries and trying to establish their independence.
“I can help her.” I chuckled and walked over to the wall.
Jing looked at me and patted her baby bump. “Good, because I’m not climbing up there.”
Climbing a few feet, I touched Kimmy’s ankle. “I’ll help you get down this time, okay?”
The girl nodded, so I glanced down to see the best way to proceed. “Okay, move this foot down here,” I said as I touched the red rock a couple of inches beneath her. She moved her foot before looking at me again.
“Now, move your hand,” I touched her right arm, “to this rock.”
