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“Gabriel’s still asleep. He’s exhausted from all the excitement of the plane ride.” A slight smile lit her tired features. “Our things are here along with some other items that aren’t ours,” she said. I shrugged. “How did you manage to have our furniture beat us here? Over the Christmas holiday, no less?”
I ran a hand over an unopened box on the counter. “You know how to make things happen when you want to as well as anybody.”
The truth was, I’d paid what it took to get it done. When I’d been Gabriel’s age, I couldn’t imagine being uprooted in the middle of the night from my home. I wanted their transition here to be as seamless as possible, and having their things here when they arrived last night seemed the least I could do. I’d had some help from Vivian and Muriella to fill me in with what they didn’t have so we could have those items delivered on time for their arrival too.
“This place is too much.” She looked toward the wall of windows at the city skyline.
“You don’t like it?”
This apartment was one that had recently been refurbished and the finishes were top of the line. Maybe Holly had wanted something simpler, though once she finished unpacking the place would be more like a home.
“I love it,” she said earnestly. “But it must cost a fortune.”
“Honestly, I don’t have any idea. Muriella insisted you take this one, and I really wasn’t in a position to argue.” I slapped the cardboard box twice then sat on a stool in front of the counter. “Speaking of, she’s on her way here to meet you and discuss Gabriel’s schooling and care.”
Holly stiffened. “I might need to work from here until that’s settled.”
I admired her protectiveness. “Whatever you need to do.”
“I looked over the list of schools you emailed me, but they’re out of my price range,” she said hesitantly.
I gave her an unimpressed look. “The list didn’t have prices. And if you find one you and Gabriel like, we’ll work it out.”
“I can’t let you—”
Knock, knock.
“That’s probably Muriella,” I said as she walked to the door to peer out the peephole. “Petite, dark hair.”
Satisfied with my description, Holly opened the door. Muriella presented her with a basket of the muffins she’d been taking out of the oven when I left to come downstairs.
I introduced the two of them. Holly took the basket and set it on the kitchen counter before offering both of us one. I’d already had breakfast but snagged a blueberry muffin anyway.
Muriella appeared a cross between irritated and pleased as she grabbed a chair to sit next to me. “If these disappear, I’ll bring another batch.” She flashed me a look like Mama did when I ate the stuff she made for company before they arrived.
“I hear I not only have you to thank for the schooling recommendations but also for the apartment,” Holly said, fidgeting with the handle on the basket as she stood off to my side. “Gabriel and I appreciate your kindness.”
“It’s difficult moving to a new place,” Muriella said as if she understood all too well. “Have you had a chance to look at the list? They’re all wonderful and highly ranked academically, but I have to admit I’m partial to Saint Pius where I’m a teacher’s aide. Plus we can tour their facilities any time you like.” She grinned, and Holly seemed to relax a fraction.
“I’d like to do that as soon as possible.”
“Do what, Mama?” Gabriel dragged his feet as he walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.
“Go visit some new schools,” Holly answered brightly. “Sounds like fun, right?”
“Sure.” He yawned and climbed up on the barstool between us. She kissed the top of his head. “Hi, Miss Jacobs.”
“Hey, Firecracker. How was the plane ride?” I reached over to ruffle his hair.
Instantly awake at the mention of the plane, he turned toward me, little legs swinging from the barstool. “It was cool. I’m gonna be a pilot one day. They even gave me wings.” He pointed toward the pin fastened to his pajamas.
“Let me see,” I said. I leaned forward and touched the plastic set of wings. “Pretty awesome. I’m gonna have to call you Captain instead of Firecracker.”
“I’d rather be Firecracker.” He cocked his head when he looked at Muriella. “I’m Gabriel.”
He shot out his hand, and she reached over and shook it. “I’m Muriella. I live upstairs.”
“Cool.” As if just noticing the scent of blueberry muffins, he unfolded the cloth, plucked one out, and took a bite, crumbs falling all over the place. “These are yummy.”
