I’ve got to fix up Mr. Kibble today, before she goes to bed. And the Blue Fairy, if I can.
The burner sitting on the dresser buzzed, making Maren jump. The only people who had the number were her supervisor, Kyle, Colin, Mac, and Arden. She’d talked to her supervisor from the road, who had already locked down Maren’s account and told her not to worry. She was a good employee and followed protocol, so there shouldn’t be a problem, which relieved Maren to no end. She was also understanding when Maren told her she would be taking a few days off to help Juni process what had happened. She had that going for her, at least.
The number was a Colorado area code. Maren answered, disturbed at how her hand trembled, half-expecting another horrible phone message.
“Hello?”
“Maren, hi, it’s Arden. I just wanted to check in. Are you settling in okay?”
Maren smiled, calm settling over her. “Between the coconut cream shampoo and the pineapple shower gel, I smell like a Hawaiian vacation. Which, I wish I was on right now.” She clapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. That was so rude. I’m really thankful for everything you’re doing for us.”
Arden laughed. “You don’t need to apologize. I don’t blame you.”
Maren chuckled, surprising herself.
“How’s Juni doing?” Arden asked.
Maren put her ear to the bedroom door. “Sounds like she’s currently telling Colin and Mac about every puppy she’s ever met. They’re being very patient.”
“Very good,” Arden said with a soft laugh. “Listen, I won’t keep you. I know you’re running on fumes. I just wanted you to have my number, and to know I’m five minutes up the road if you need anything. Anything at all. Including someone to come sit on your couch and not talk.”
Maren’s throat tightened unexpectedly. “Thank you,” she managed.
“Of course. I also make a mean piña colada when you’re ready to pretend you’re in Hawaii.”
Maren chuckled a little harder. “I’ll take you up on that when I’m not so brain dead.”
“Actually, is there anything you need tonight? I can run things over.” Arden sounded hopeful.
“Um. This may sound strange, but do you have a bag of dried beans?”
“Sure. Black or pinto?”
“Either. They’re not for cooking, they’re for repairing Juni’s beanbag doll.” Maren grimaced. “It’s one of the raggy-looking things she’s been carrying around.”
“Oh…right. Arden’s voice went soft. “I don’t understand how anyone could do that to a little girl’s dolls. I’ll bring some right over. See you in a few.”
Maren set the phone down and took a deep breath. The others may not trust her, but Arden sounded like she was eager to give Maren the benefit of the doubt.
Though, Colin did, too.
The doorbell rang aboutten minutes later. By the time Maren made it to the front room, Juni had already attached herself to Arden’s leg.
“Whoa, hi, sweetie.” Arden had two grocery bags over her arm and a casserole dish in her hands. She was looking down at Juni, surprised.
“You smell like a good dinner,” Juni informed her.
“That is an excellent compliment,” Arden said, laughing. “Thank you, Junebug.”
Juni tilted her head. “Junebug?” She turned to Maren. That’s what you call me.”
“Lucky guess,” Arden told her. “It also fits you.” Arden’s gaze flicked up to Maren, then back down. “I think it’s what your dad would have called you, too.”
“He was your brother, right? Like Auntie Mer is my mommy’s sister.”
“He was, yes.”
“Then I’ll call you Aunt Arden.”
