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I think about her proposal for a moment. It’s not a bad idea. I can dip my toes in the water without having to fully submerge just yet.
I nod before I even speak. “I’d like to try that. Thank you! I’ll start working on another piece or two. We can just see how it goes.”
Charlie squeals. “Yes! You’ll be a huge hit! Then I’ll have a famous best friend! You better not forget about little ol’ me, Andi Sparks.”
I laugh at her ridiculousness but find myself promising her I won’t ever forget her. I don’t know how I could, anyway.
We finish cleaning and closing the café. Just when we all step outside onto the sidewalk, I remember something else I wanted to ask.
“Hey, where is the library in town?” I ask just as Charlie locks the front door.
“What do you need the library for? It’s a bit of a walk because it’s on the county line. The next county over and ours share that one library,” Charlie answers.
Oh, shit. That’s not really going to work. It’ll make it hard for me to get there regularly unless I ask for a ride, and I don’t want to put anyone out.
“That’s a bummer. I wanted to use their computers for some research.” I try to be vague but not so much they ask questions.
“Research, huh? Well, if that’s all you need, I have a Chromebook you can borrow. I think the motel has free Wi-Fi.” Irene answers.
That would be so much better, but I don’t want to ask for such a thing. I don’t know how long I’ll need it for, and I say as much.
“Oh, hush, child. It’s not an inconvenience at all. I don’t even use the darn thing. Joe thought I should have one. A waste of money, I say. Take it, please. It would make me feel better to know it’s at least being used.”
I would be stupid to say no to an offer like that. I can create an email account that looks like the emails are coming from one of Addy’s professors, allowing me access to Addy whenever I need.
“That would be great. Thank you,” I say with a smile.
She nods. “I’ll bring it in tomorrow. Have a nice night, girls.”
The three of us say our goodbyes, and I walk home to the motel, smiling the entire way. I'll get to talk to my sister soon, and I can’t freaking wait.
Chapter 24
Irollintoworkearlier than normal, excited about getting the computer. I get started on the morning prep work, and before long, Irene comes in holding the Chromebook. A little squeal escapes me before I can stop myself. Irene smirks, more than amused at my excitement.
“I’ll put this over with your purse and coat.” She heads that direction but turns, looking back at me. “Just promise me one thing, Andi.” She waits for me to make eye contact and nod in agreement. “If you ever need help, tell me. I don’t care what it is; I’ll help you. Please believe that.”
My pesky eyeballs water again, and all I can do is nod. Seemingly satisfied with my answer, she smiles softly and places the Chromebook by my stuff. She dons an apron and joins me with the prep work.
The day passes quickly, and not another word was spoken about my personal issues. I was grateful for that. I can only handle crying so many times in a day, and those two seem to bring it out of me.
Working here has been a dream. The days always pass quickly, and I really enjoy the tasks, the customers, and of course my coworkers. Jack came in at his normal time, and there was no mention of my blunder yesterday. Part of me was relieved, but he was also more reserved, stoic even. So, that made me more nervous.
Did I somehow tip him off into looking into me?
I can’t have anyone finding out who I am. That will just lead Christopher straight to me and put anyone I care about in danger.
As we’re locking up for the day, Irene says, “Hey, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner, but Jack has an empty above-the-garage apartment. He doesn’t normally rent it out, but for you I think he’d make an exception. If you want, we could ask him tomorrow.”
I stand there slack jawed. While I desperately need a place to live, I come to a screeching halt at the idea of agreeing. I don’t think it’s the smartest move on my part. Move in right under the nose of the town detective? A man whose attention to detail seemingly knows no bounds. Oh, no, no, no. He’s already wary of me after my comment yesterday. There’s no telling what would come out of my mouth if I saw him on a more regular basis.
Then again, saying no too quickly and being too stubborn about it might also look suspicious.
“Well, that’s not a bad idea, but it seems like a lot to ask someone I barely know. It feels more like a favor than a simple rental situation, especially if he doesn’t usually rent it out. I don’t want to put him on the spot. Plus, I already paid at the motel for a couple more weeks, so we have time to see if something else pops up.”
I give a small smile, trying to be as convincing as possible. I fibbed about how far up I prepaid at the motel, but I hope there was enough truth for me to sell it all.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I just hate the idea of you living in that motel. Jack’s apartment would be a clean, affordable, and safe place for you. Will you at least think about it?”
