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Minnie squeezes my hand reassuringly. "I'm going to start on dinner," she says. "I'm going to actually cook. I can make your favorite, the chicken pot pies you love."
My stomach rumbles in anticipation. "That sounds amazing. Thank you, Minnie."
She winks. "What are aunts for?" Then she heads to the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune.
I head to my room, still processing the day's events. Sitting on my bed, I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
The conversation with Minnie replays in my mind. I remember the look on her face when I told her how much the financial stress had impacted me. Her eyes clouded with guilt and shame.
But what matters most is that she listened. She didn't get defensive or make excuses. She took responsibility for her actions.
And she promised to change.
I know that won't happen overnight. Old habits die hard. But the fact that she wants to try means everything.
For the first time, I truly feel seen and understood. Like I'm not alone in this anymore.
Minnie loves me. I've never doubted that. But now I feel secure in that love, knowing it can weather any storm.
Money will likely always be a source of anxiety for me. But with Minnie's support, I can learn to manage it in a healthier way.
I don't have to be perfect or do it all by myself. It's okay to ask for help. And it's okay to speak up when I'm struggling.
As I sit there, I make a silent vow. No more silently bearing burdens too heavy to carry alone. From now on, I will lean on those who love me when I need it.
ChapterSixteen
TALIA
Iduck into the bookstore, escaping the cool spring breeze and the pangs of anxiety Dare's withdrawn mood has stirred. The familiar scent of aged paper and fresh coffee washes over me.
Olive stands behind the counter, eyebrows pinched in concentration as she taps on the register. No sign of Aunt Minnie.
I slide onto a stool. "How's it going?"
Olive's head jerks up, eyes flashing with surprise. "Talia! I didn't hear you come in." She blows out a breath, shaking her head. "University cut our funding again. I picked up a few shifts here to make ends meet."
I purse my lips, anger simmering in my gut. Of course the university slashed Olive's budget. Again. "Take as many shifts as you need. I worry about Aunt Minnie running this place alone."
"You haven't talked to her?" Olive frowns. "Minnie will throw a fit if she thinks I'm trying to take over."
"Things with Dare have been..." I trail off with a sigh. "I haven't found the right time."
Olive's eyes soften with understanding. She knows how complicated things have become between Dare and me since I told him about the baby. "You should talk to Minnie. Let me know what she says."
I nod, throat tight. Between Dare's moods, the baby, and now Aunt Minnie and Olive, I'm drowning in worries. But I can't avoid this conversation any longer.
After tidying the counter, Olive comes around and wraps me in a hug. "It'll be okay," she murmurs. "You've always handled Minnie, and Dare will come around. He loves you."
I cling to Olive, breathing in her familiar scent of cinnamon and sandalwood. She's right. I can do this. I have to. For the sake of my family, I must stay strong.
I release Olive and square my shoulders. "You're right. I should go talk to her now."
"That's my girl." Olive squeezes my arm. "Call me if you need anything."
With a nod, I head to the back room where Minnie does the books. The door is ajar, and I rap my knuckles against the wood. "Aunt Minnie? Can I come in?"
"Of course, dear, come in." Minnie looks up from her ledger, lines creasing her forehead. No doubt going over the finances again. She gestures to the chair across from her desk. "What is it?"
