Page 22 of Ultimate Freedom

Norrie finished with her customer and interrupted. “Hey, don’t rush off. Stay and eat with me.”

Demi saw Charlie’s expression tighten and shook her head. “Thanks. But it’s been a long day. I think we need to get home, feed the beasts, and have an early night. Okay with you, Charlie?”

“Yeah. Good.” He rushed to get his parka and the latest book he’d brought with him.

Norrie sidled closer and whispered. “I paid him his wages today. The kid’s thrilled, insisted I take back half the money to pay for the book Whit had given him, and the cans of stuff he’d stolen. I told him it was way too much.”

“What did he say?”

Norrie chuckled. “Said it was just a downpayment.”

Demi laughed.

“When I asked him just how much stuff he took, he hid his blushes… said he’d never do it again. Goddamn, Demi. I wanted to hug him so bad, I had to back away.”

“Good for him. Means he’s got a conscience. Whit is gonna be pleased.”

“That’s just it. He told me – a guy’s gotta work for what he needs. Said Whit taught him that.”

Demi’s pride grew. She shared a smile with Norrie before heading to the door where Charlie stood impatiently waiting.

Now… watching the boy trying to eat slowly and not gobble down his food as he no doubt wanted to do, she silently complimented him but said nothing.

“Have another toast? I can make more.”

Happily, Charlie reached for the last slice and took the jar of blueberry jam she passed over.

“Do you want more eggs?”

“No.”

She waited, and he seemed to know why.

“I mean, no thanks. Two is lots. Your toast is the best I’ve ever tasted.”

“Why thank you kind sir. It’s from the homemade bread you helped me make the other day. It takes a bit of effort, but I believe it’s worth it in the end.”

“Me, too.” He looked up at her shyly, jam smeared on his cheek, and an unusual smile in his eyes. “I got paid yesterday.”

Demi had waited for him to say something. Pleased that he’d shared, she asked, “Hey, that’s great. So…what are you planning to do with your money?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a twenty. “This is for my room and board. Once I finish paying Norrie back what I owe her, I’ll give you all of it.”

Stunned, Demi slid from her chair and knelt in front of his. Not allowing him to shrink away from her, she took the hand holding the money in hers and wound his fingers around the bill. Then she spoke very slowly, making sure he understood her words. “Charlie, remember when I told you that I grew up in a foster home?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, they were real bad people… mean-hearted and stingy. I swore if I ever got a chance to help another kid like me,an orphan, I’d never treat them so bad. You’re that kid. I can’t take your money, and before you say what I know your gonna… you’re welcome to stay here with me for as long as you want to. Let’s just put it down to me helping a friend.”

Charlie swallowed. He cleared his throat. Yet his words still came out all croaky sounding. “If I can’t pay, I can work.” Earnestly, he added, “I need to.”

“Tell me. Why is paying so important?”

“My mom didn’t pay, and we got thrown out of a lot of places. Or we had to run away.” Remembering the indignities they went through, Charlie’s voice hardened. “I hated it.” He bit down on his wobbling lip and stopped talking.

“And you figure you’ll need to run away from me if it’s not a money arrangement.”

“Ye-ah.” He sniffed and wouldn’t look her in the eye. “It’s good out here.”

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