Page 81 of Winter in Paradise
HUCK
When Huck and Maia are alone with Irene, she says, “I want to talk about money.”
“Maybe you and I should have that talk privately,” Huck says.
Irene ignores this suggestion. “I’m guessing Russ probably gave Rosie support,” she says. “And I just want you to know that I want to continue. Do you go to private school?”
Maia nods. “Gifft Hill.”
“And do you want to go to college?” Irene asks.
“Of course!” Maia says. “My first choice is NYU and my second choice is Stanford. I’m interested in microlending. That’s where you lend a small amount of money to help people get local businesses started. I want to help Caribbean women.”
“Well,” Irene says.
“I’m an entrepreneur,” Maia says. “My friend Joanie and I started a bath bomb business. They’re six dollars apiece, if you’d like to buy one.”
“I’d like to buy several,” Irene says.
“Let’s keep the transactions simple, like that,” Huck says. “I’m perfectly capable of supporting Maia and sending her to college.”
“Of course,” Irene says. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“Not offended,” Huck says, though he is, a little. The emotional terrain here is difficult enough without bringing up money, although he understands that Irene is trying to provide reassurance: She isn’t a witch, she isn’t vindictive. Maia will continue to have what she needs.
“I don’t want to impose myself on your life,” Irene says. “But I wanted to meet you, as strange or unconventional as that choice might have been. I want to stay in your life, as little or as much as you want me. Maybe I leave here on Friday and I don’t see you again until you’re on your way to NYU or Stanford. But I want you to know I’m here, and if you ever need anything, I want you to be comfortable asking me. I would be honored if you asked.”
“Thank you,” Maia says.
“You’re leaving Friday?” Huck says.
“I am,” Irene says. “The boys and I will spread most of the ashes today and Maia, I hope you’ll join us, but then I need to get back.”
“What are you going to do about the house?” Huck asks.
“Nothing, for the time being,” Irene says. “I have a lot of decisions in front of me, but, thankfully, they don’t have to be made today.” She reaches over to squeeze Maia’s hand. “I am so glad you came today, Maia. You are a very special person.”
“Thank you,” Maia says. “I try.”
Irene laughs then, for real, and she says to Huck, “You have your hands full with this one.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Huck says.
Their conversation must have been far more pleasant than the one going on outside, because Ayers, Baker, and Cash walk into the kitchen looking like three kids whose sandcastle just washed away.
Huck offers to give Ayers a ride home so that Maia can scatter the Invisible Man’s ashes with Irene and her brothers.
Irene and her brothers. Huck wonders how long it will be until he gets used to the way things are now.
When they reach the north shore road, Huck turns to Ayers. “You okay?”
“I guess,” Ayers says.
“I’m sorry if that was awkward for you,” Huck says. “Maia really wanted you there.”
“I met both the boys this past week,” Ayers says. “I went on a date or two with Baker.”
“Is he the tourist Maia was telling me about?” Huck says.
