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A smile crossed her face. “Mama J was amazing. Her husband died quite young – I think Mama J said he was only fifty-two. They didn’t have any kids, so they decided to foster. I lived with her until I was eighteen and was kicked out of the foster program.”
“What did you do then?” He seemed oddly fascinated by her life story, and she gave him a quick, fleeting look.
“Mama J didn’t make me leave. She wasn’t going to foster anymore and asked me to stay with her. She didn’t have a lot of money – her husband’s illness had left her with a large debt in medical bills – but despite that, she wanted me to stay.”
She traced her finger across his smooth desk. “Mama J saved my life. She really did.”
“Where is she now?” he asked.
“After I graduated high school, Mama J worked at Walmart, and I waitressed for a few years to help with household bills and to save up for college. I applied and was accepted to the administrative assistant program, but about a month after I started, Mama J got sick. She was starting to show signs of Alzheimer’s. They did a bunch of tests and confirmed the diagnosis. She had to quit her job, and I quit college so I could go back to waitressing full-time to cover the bills. The first year or so wasn’t too bad, but then it got to the point where I couldn’t leave her alone anymore. She had to move into a care facility.”
“Does she remember you?” Mr. Dawson asked.
“Sometimes. The disease has started progressing more quickly in the last year, though. More often than not, she doesn’t know who I am.”
She studied her hands. “Sorry, I’m prattling on and on about my boring life when I should be working. What do you need to be done for this afternoon?”
He stared silently at her before saying, “I’ve sent you a few emails about what I need. If you have any questions, ask. All right?”
“All right. Thank you for lunch, Mr. Dawson.”
“You’re welcome, Jane.”
CHAPTER 6
“Mama J? I’m sorry it’s been a few days. I’ve been so busy at work.” Jane hurried into Mama J’s room and pulled the pajamas she had bought out of the bag. “I brought you some new pajamas.”
Mama J stared blankly at her before returning her gaze to the window. Sorrow pierced Jane’s heart, and she set the pajamas on the bed before dragging a chair in front of Mama J’s chair.
“Mama J?” She took her hands and squeezed them gently. “How are you today?”
“I can’t find Walter,” Mama J said. “I’ve looked for him for days, and he’s gone.”
Jane squeezed her hands again. “You need to eat your supper.”
“Maybe he’s still at work,” Mama J said. “I told him he works too hard, but he wants me to have pretty things. Isn’t that nice of him?”
“Very nice.” Jane pushed the plate on the tray in front of Mama J a little closer to her. “It’s time to eat now.”
Mama J stared at the food before scowling at Jane. “Who are you?”
“My name is Jane. I’m your daughter.”
“Walter and I don’t have any children.”
“I’m your foster daughter,” Jane said. “Eat up now.”
“I don’t have any foster children.” Mama J gave her a suspicious look. “What have you done with Walter?”
“I haven’t done anything with him, I promise.” Jane sat back and tried to smile at Mama J as the woman scowled again.
“I don’t like you. I want you to leave.”
Jane rubbed her aching stomach. “Why don’t I sit with you while you eat? We can talk about whatever you want.”
“No! I don’t like you!” Mama J’s voice was rising, and Jane waved at Tanya when the nurse stuck her head into the room.
“It’s okay, Mama J. It’s okay,” Jane said soothingly.
