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Maggie smiles every time I show up, and she seems genuinely glad that I'm there. Maybe he relented on his uncalled-for hatred of me, or, at a minimum, he isn't talking trash about me behind my back with other staff members.
He stays to himself, or at least he keeps his distance. I haven't been asked to stick around for cleanup at the end of the night, but I know that will change eventually. I know I won't make much more for that additional hour, but every penny counts.
I scowl at the stack of bills sitting on my dresser, hating them on sight. The thick stack has been the bane of my existence for years. No sooner do I throw one bill away, I get more notices in the mail. Despite making payments, the damn number just keeps growing.
At this rate, Larkin will have graduated college by the time it's clear.
Who am I kidding? I doubt I'll even be able to put Larkin through college at the rate I'm going. I bet Nora and Leo would love the hell out of that.
I'm well past the years of perfect makeup and stressing over that one lock of hair that has a mind of its own, so I'm back out in the living room in less than ten minutes.
Larkin hasn't moved from her spot in the living room, but when she pauses the brush in her troll doll's hair to smile up at me, I feel some of the stress I live under daily lift from my shoulders.
In order to give her a few more minutes of playtime, I head to the back patio door and look out at the small backyard.
I think every parent dreams of all the things they can give to their kids. They want them to have a better childhood than they did, and that's not always a jab at their parents. Mine could've done better, but knowing that just makes me work harder for my own daughter.
"Broken," Larkin says, and I know she's referring to the ride-on car I grabbed for her on impulse at a garage sale a few weeks ago. If I had any other place to bring it, I wouldn't have put it in the backyard. It's impossible to explain to a three-year-old that she has to wait to play with the toy until I have the money to get it fixed. When they told me it needed a new battery, I figured it would cost less than the fifteen dollars they were selling it for.
"Not broken," I tell her. "Just out of gas. Are you ready to go get your book?"
I love the excitement that sparkles in her pretty blue eyes when she looks up at me. The child loves her bedtime stories. There have been many Sundays when she brings me a book and climbs up in my lap so I can read to her rather than wanting to play with her toys.
We already don't get enough time together, and it makespacking her up and putting her in the car to take her to her grandparents' house that much harder.
I shouldn't have to work two jobs to pay off a debt that isn't mine, but I own on a technicality. I've learned, however, that life isn't fair, and being bitter and emotional about something that won't change is a waste of energy. Honestly, I'm too damned tired to squander any time I could be spending with Larkin.
That's Another Story, the local bookstore, offers a monthly free book program.
Honestly, I don’t know if the owner, Sage Douglas, actually has the program or if she's just telling me that she does so she can give me free books.
The town has been suspiciously very proactive in helping me despite my numerous requests to just let me live my life.
I've won so many contests that I grew suspicious of the odds. Even after not entering raffles and such in town, I still seem to win, but who am I to turn down free monthly groceries and a book for Larkin?
"Book!" Larkin squeals when we manage to get a parking spot right in front of the store.
I loved the charm of Lindell the first day I got here. All the buildings along Main Street are connected, their construction taking place in a time much different from now, but neighbors love each other here. Lindell is always having some sort of event that brings the community out of their homes and into the town square.
I make sure to keep hold of Larkin's hand after pulling her from her car seat when she tries to run for the front door.
I take a moment to crouch down in front of her.
"What are the rules?" I ask, making sure she's looking at me when I know she wants to sprint for the front door.
"Hold your hand," she says, as if she's annoyed that I don't know the rules.
"Don't run unless we're at the park and it's safe to do so," I remind her.
She nods in agreement before tugging me toward the entrance.
"Book, Mommy!"
Since it's close to closing time, it's no surprise that the little bookstore is nearly empty of customers.
"Hey there, sweetheart," Sage says to Larkin when she runs up to the counter.
Larkin takes a few steps back so she can see her. "Book!"
