Page 61 of Hale Damage
My aunt’s lips roll inward, and she blinks rapidly, obviously attempting to control her emotions. “I wish I could have talked to her one more time.”
I place an arm around her shoulders, and she turns, allowing herself the comfort of my embrace.
“I’m so sorry. She asked me not to call you, and…” My voice cracks. “I was trying to respect her wishes.”
Aunt Lorraine rubs a palm up and down my back. “I know, sweet girl. I don’t blame you at all. I blame my dang mule-headed sister.” That makes us both laugh through our grief, and she steps back, swiping away a rogue tear from my cheek with her thumb. “Enough of that. Tonight is about celebrating your new job.”
Once dinner is ready, we sit at her small table and eat. “When do you start working?” my aunt asks.
“I start at the bakery tomorrow, but I don’t start at Hale until September first. That gives me a few weeks to find an apartment closer to work.” I dip my bread into the savory sauce and take a bite. “Also, I’m headed down to Galveston tomorrow at five because I need to get the rest of my stuff from Roger’s house. Well, what’s left since he pitched a little hissy fit and burned most of my clothes.”
Aunt Lorraine shakes her head. “I still cannot believe he did that.”
“At least I got there in time to save two of my suits and a few other things. What really pissed me off was the Louis Vuitton purse he bought me for Christmas. My hand sanitizer leaked inside, so I had just cleaned it and was temporarily using my old purse while it dried. Otherwise I would have had the Louis with me.”
She stabs her chicken with more force than necessary. “I’ve never heard of such childish behavior in my life,” she snaps. “And I’m a nanny, for Pete’s sake. I’m glad you’re rid of that ass.”
I cover my smile with my napkin because Aunt Lorraine only curses when she’s extremely mad. “I picked up a few casual clothes at Target, and I’ll buy some new work clothes after I get my first paycheck. I had my lawyer send Twatface the bill for all that as well asa letter that he’s going to have to pay for anything he destroys, so I’m sure that will deter him from starting any more bonfires with my things.” I swirl the red wine in my glass and take a long drink. “I’m really anxious to get my salt and pepper shaker collection. I miss looking at them.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Aunt Lorraine says, standing and setting her napkin beside her plate. “I got you a little congratulatory gift.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I admonish as she returns a moment later with a leopard print gift bag. I remove the hot-pink tissue paper to find two rectangular boxes. As soon as I pull them out, I burst into laughter. “Oh my god, I love these!”
Each box holds a set of salt and pepper shakers, one with Dorothy and Sophia and the other with Rose and Blanche.
“You remember we used to watchThe Golden Girlswhen you would have sleepovers at my house?” she asks.
I nod, my hand covering my mouth as I stare at my new treasures. “I remember. Thank you so much, Aunt Lorraine. These are going front and center once I get my collection set up at my new place.”
“Where are they now? I didn’t see them that time I visited your house in Galveston. I would have expected them to be in that pretty curio cabinet you had in your living room.”
“That’s where they used to be. Then I came home one day about a year ago, and they had all been moved into the spare room closet. Apparently, Rose thought they looked cluttered.” I massage my temple with two fingertips. “Roger acted like he’d done me some big favor by building some shelves in the closet, but I can see now that it was just one more example of disrespect toward me.”
My aunt smiles and pats my hand. “Pretty soon you’ll have your very own place and you can do whatever the hell you want.”
My brain goes to a dreamy place. I’m imagining a small one-bedroom apartment with hardwood floors and a beautiful kitchen. Maybe even a clawfoot tub I can soak in after work. And it will be mine. All mine.
I can’t wait.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Pivoting
Mindy
I stand outsidethe drop-off area at the Houston airport and give my aunt a long hug. “I hope you have a great time in London.”
Her face is the picture of happiness when we release each other. “I know I will. I have the best boss ever.”
Phoenix Hale is sending my aunt to London to visit her daughter for a month, all expenses paid. Best boss indeed.
“I’m looking at apartments today and tomorrow, so I’ll be out of the way by the time the contractors arrive next week.”
Aunt Lorraine tugs on a strand of my hair. “Let me know if you can’t find something, and I’ll have the workers come another time.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve researched several that have immediate availability. Plus, you need to get all your plumbing replaced as soon as possible. Two burst pipes in a month? You got issues, Auntie.” A security guard walks by and gives my vehicle a long glare before turning his eyes toward me. “I’m moving,” I assure him, grabbing one more hug from my aunt before hopping in my car.
At the gas station, the pump won’t take my debit card, so I go inside the store. The clerk runs it three times, but it still doesn’t work. Luckily, the bakery pays me in cash, so I use that to fill my tank, reminding myself to call the bank later.
