Page 52 of Pierced Pages
“It’s fine, really,” Morgan said. “I was pretty good in school. Forgot to do my homework most of the time, but I still did well on my tests.” She furrowed her brow as she glanced at Lila. “Unless it’s math?”
“Science,” Lila said without a look as she mixed her stack of cards.
“Then we’re good to go,” Morgan said with a smile. “You rest. On the couch. Now.”
Danielle laughed. “Bossy is a new look on you.”
“It’s my look when I’m taking care of someone who doesn’t want to take care of themself.” She pointed at the couch. “Now, lie down. Please. I’ve got this.”
Danielle watched as Morgan walked over to sit across from Lila. The two looked over the vocabulary cards together, discussing what Lila was studying and what she needed to know for the test.
It was surreal. Over the last three years, Morgan had only seen Gerri, Melanie, and Kim interact with Lila. Never another adult besides a teacher or coach, since Lila’s father had never been in the picture, and what little family Danielle had were all gone before she moved here.
Morgan wasn’t a close friend or anyone with a responsibility to care for Lila or even her, for that matter. Yet she was here. In Danielle’s apartment. Helping her daughter.
Danielle didn’t have to take time away from Lila to be with someone. And she wasn’t asking someone else to be sidelined for Lila. It wasn’t something Danielle even thought possible except with her existing friends, yet here they were.
Danielle took that notion with her to the couch, where she lay down, as commanded, to think about what all of that could mean for her life.
Chapter 23
Morgan
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Lila said, gathering up her cards and notes.
“No problem,” Morgan said. “Feel better about the test tomorrow?”
“Somuch better. You’re the best.”
Morgan’s heart swelled with pride that she’d been able to help. It wasn’t often she got to help anyone other than Jen. And her customers, of course, but they paid her for her services. This was just helping a friend and her daughter.
And Lila was great. She reminded Morgan a little of herself back when she was a kid. The way she gave her mom crap was eerily familiar, and she was smarter than she gave herself credit for. Just a little forgetful.
“Mom, can she come back next weekend? I have a history test next Monday.” Then, just before she disappeared into her room, she shouted over her shoulder, “Just kidding! But, you know, I wouldn’t mind.”
The door shut before Danielle could respond. She stood from the couch, where she’d been doing a crossword puzzle on her tablet, and looked at Morgan with slightly reddened cheeks.Morgan couldn’t tell if that redness was from being sick or from embarrassment.
“Sorry about that,” Danielle said. “Apparently, she wants a better tutor than me.”
Morgan laughed. “I’m sure you’re an excellent teacher. I just wanted you to rest.”
“Well, thank you anyway. I appreciate it, and I know Lila does, too.”
“Glad to help. That’s what I came over for.”
Was that true?
Sure, she’d brought the soup, but had there been another reason? A reason that looked like getting Danielle to lie down and rest again.
“Let’s get you back on that couch.”
Danielle huffed. “I’m sick of that couch.”
“Okay, fair enough. Do you want me to heat the soup for you?”
“No, thank you. I’ll have it a little later. I’m looking forward to it, though.”
“You look tired,” Morgan said, the sight of Danielle drawing more concern. “I can leave and let you get some rest without you feeling like you have to entertain someone.”
