by Traci Wilton
Charlene felt her mouth open and shut in shock. “Given up?” When she thought of all that she and Jared had gone through, she wanted to scream.
“Maybe if you and Jared had . . .” her mom said in a trembling tone. “Well, you wouldn’t be alone now.”
Charlene somehow managed to put the car in gear, her emotions in limbo between disbelief and anger. “I can’t believe you said that, Mom.” Of all the things she’d forgiven over the years, she wasn’t certain that this would be one of them.
“I am going to drop you off and return for Avery without you.” Hopefully that would be enough time for her to cool off.
The ride back to the B and B was made in painful silence.
“I’ll be home soon,” Charlene said coolly, letting her mom off at the door. She noticed the snowman in the side yard, cap askew, but couldn’t appreciate it right now. Later, maybe.
Her mom hesitated before opening the passenger side. “You don’t understand,” she said. “I told you it was hard to be a mother.”
Charlene bit her tongue to keep from saying words she would regret. “I don’t want to talk about this again.”
Her mom sniffed and slammed the door, slowly climbing the porch steps. She didn’t look back as she entered the house.
Charlene reversed out of the driveway, promising herself one thing. She would never, ever turn into her mother.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Charlene concentrated on the snowy drive to the teen center, pushing the hurt of her mother’s words aside. The woman had zero filter, but she’d deal with that another time. Now, she wanted to meet Avery.
Slowing the Pilot to twenty miles an hour, Charlene admired the neighborhood. It was a quiet, tree-lined street, recently plowed with snowbanks on either side of the road. She spotted a few neighborhood children making snowmen or firing snowballs at each other, and it eased the tension across her shoulders.
Another half mile later the yellow house entered her line of sight—the two-story home was much nicer than she’d expected. The GPS announced her arrival.
She parked in the driveway and checked the clock on the dashboard, realizing she was ten minutes late, thanks to the fiasco with her mother. Not the best way to start. She hoped Avery hadn’t gotten the wrong idea. Charlene marched up to the door and knocked.
A woman well into her fifties, with short brown hair and a warm smile, opened the door. “You must be Charlene.” She stuck her hand out and they shook. “I’m Janet. Come on in.”
“Sorry to be late.”
“The roads are slick—I told Avery not to worry. She’s in her room. I’ll let her know you’re here.”
Charlene followed Janet into the foyer, and instead of running up the stairs to get her, she used the intercom and punched in the room number. “Avery, Charlene’s here.”
There were some squeaking sounds coming from the intercom, but Charlene heard her reply. “I’ll just be a sec.”
The women shared a look. “Teenagers,” Janet said.
“My fault for keeping her waiting.”
“This is a very nice thing you’re doing for her. It’ll give her some spending money, and hopefully some self-esteem.”
Alice Winters had told Charlene in confidence that Avery’s mother was an addict and couldn’t take care of her daughter. She’d handed her over to the authorities when Avery was nine. Her father had never been in the picture.
“I’m sure she’s nervous.” Charlene showed Janet her damp palms. “I am too. I want her to like our place and feel comfortable working with us. It’s too big for just me and my housekeeper to do everything, and I could really use her part-time help.” She glanced up the stairs. “Unfortunately, right now I have my mom and dad visiting for Christmas, one family booked for a week, and another couple arriving tomorrow. The guests are not a problem. It’s my mother.”
Janet ruffled her short brown hair. “Say no more. I have one of those too.” She gave her a sympathetic smile. “You’d think at my age that my mother would stop offering advice. No! She doesn’t understand my commitment to this place. Always telling me I’m going to get murdered in my sleep one day.”
Charlene’s jaw dropped at the realization that she and Janet really did have the same sort of mother. “What a terrible thing to say. Your kids here—they aren’t dangerous, are they?”
“They come from broken homes. Some have lived on and off the streets and seen way too much violence in their short lifetimes. Yes, they have challenges and are troubled. But would they harm me? I should hope not.” She lowered her voice. “I keep my door locked at night, but I’m always available by intercom.”
Avery tripped down the stairs, long legs in tight jeans with both knees cut out and a heavy-knit brown sweater. No jacket. “Hey.”
“Sorry to be late, Avery.” Charlene lifted her hand. “It’s not a regular thing, I promise.”
“Oh, okay. No problem.”
“I was getting acquainted with your House Mom.”
“She’s cool.” Avery gave Janet a shoulder hug. “Hope you didn’t tell her the truth about me,” she said with a sassy grin.
“No, I didn’t want to scare her off.” Janet walked over to a desk in the corner of the foyer. “Charlene, I just need you to sign in, and again when you return Avery.”
“Like preschool,” Avery said.
Charlene filled in the details, thinking it did seem elementary, but if it kept the kids safe from parents with a restraining order, or other trouble, then she was glad to do it.
“I’ll have her back on time, don’t worry. It was a pleasure meeting you.” Charlene glanced down the hallway, noticing the kitchen on the right, the living room on the left. Through the pane-glass door, she could make out a fireplace and a decorated Christmas tree. Homey, and a comfortable place for teens to hang out. The rooms she could see were painted a boring builder’s beige, but Janet had added bright throw rugs and artwork that perked the place up. “This is very nice.” She nudged Avery.
“Yeah, it beats the streets.” Avery grabbed a black ski jacket from the hall closet and shrugged into it. “I hear you live in a mansion. What do you want me to do, polish the silver?”
Charlene laughed. “Well, I wouldn’t call it that. It’s my business as well as my home. But I do love it very much.” She opened the front door. “Lucky for you, I have very little silver. A few serving plates that I haven’t used in years. Too much of a bother, don’t you think?”
“Well, in my parents’ home, our maid only used silver. Silver teacups, silver plates, even silver water glasses.” Avery quirked her pinky up, the nail painted black.
Charlene raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’m not that fancy, but I do have a cat named Silva. And guess what? She’s silver.”
Janet snickered as she waved from the doorway. “I can see you two are going to get along just fine.”
Charlene waved back, thinking the same. Avery was witty and had spunk. She enjoyed those qualities in a person, so long as the banter didn’t turn mean. Her stomach tightened as she thought of her mother. She climbed into the driver’s seat, waiting until Avery was buckled in, and backed out of the driveway.
“Let me warn you about my mother,” she told Avery on the short drive home. “She can be extremely outspoken and not very tactful.”
Avery shot her a glance. “You’re worried she’ll say something to piss me off?”
Charlene bit her lip. “It’s more than likely.”
“I’m sure I’ve seen and heard worse than anything your mom can say.” She crossed her arms and stared out the window. “Do I have permission to beat her up if she gets on me?”
“No, you do not!” Charlene gave her a sharp look and noticed Avery’s lips twitching. “You were kidding, right?”
“That depends . . .” Avery looked down at her knees and began picking at one of the holes.
“On what?”
“On your answer. Besides, I don’t pick fights, but I do end them.”
Charlen
e couldn’t help but wonder what she was in for. “My parents will be leaving in a few days—you’ll have to hold off until then.”
Avery shrugged but made no verbal promise.
Ten minutes later, she passed the elegant black and ivory Charlene’s Bed and Breakfast sign and pulled into the driveway. Avery whistled. “Holy Camoli! This is a mansion! You must be really rich or something.”
Charlene wondered if she should hide her silver after all. “No, not by any stretch of the imagination. I got it cheap. Seems nobody wanted this monstrosity. Too much upkeep.” Not to mention a resident ghost. Dear Jack. She hoped he would behave himself now that she was bringing home a new stray.
“You married? Divorced?”
“Widowed.” She swallowed hard. “My husband died in a car accident almost two years ago.”
“You miss him?”
“Very much, but it’s getting easier every day.” She parked and removed the keys.
Avery appraised the size of the house. “Well, I can see why this place keeps you busy. What exactly will I be doing?”
“Helping my housekeeper, Minnie. Changing sheets, mopping floors, dusting. It’s never ending, and I know she’ll appreciate an extra pair of hands.”
“Sounds like it. Glad I’m only working four hours.”
They got out of the car, and Charlene led the way up to the porch to the front door. “Minnie’s a sweetheart, you’ll like her.”
Jack was waiting for them inside. As Avery tentatively entered the foyer, he winked at Charlene and whispered in her ear, “Who’s this? She looks frightened half to death, and I haven’t even levitated the cat yet.”
She shot him a warning glance. “Avery, Minnie’s in the kitchen preparing lunch. I can smell something in the oven. Let’s go see.”
From the hallway, Charlene saw her mother put her knitting down on the coffee table and get up out of the chair next to the window. Her father asked, “Where are you going, Brenda?”
“I want a word with our daughter.”
Charlene would drive her mother to the airport this minute if she dared to make a scene in front of Avery.
“Sit down, Brenda. Now is not the time.”
Her mother glared at Charlene, who glared right back. She returned to her seat and resumed knitting.
Avery stood like a stone statue in the hallway, her eyes big as they took in the front of the house. Jack was right, she did seem scared. Could she see or sense Jack? “What’s the matter?” Charlene asked in a low voice.
“I’m clumsy. And you have so many beautiful things. Maybe this job ain’t for me.” Avery twirled around. “Look at that pretty thing next to the doorway. If I polished it, you might find it in pieces.”
“Accidents happen, but I’m sure you’ll be careful. I wouldn’t blame you or be angry. I’m not perfect either.” Charlene heard a “humph” from the living room and ignored it.
Jack arched his brow in her mother’s direction. “Just say the word, Charlene. I can make her bed shake like she’s Dorothy on her way to Oz.”
“Minnie,” Charlene called out, and rushed down the hall to the kitchen. “Here’s our new helper, Avery.”
Minnie had been putting something in the oven and turned around with a smile on her plump face. “Welcome, Avery. I’m delighted that you’ve come to work with us.”
Feeling a chill pass by in the air, Charlene noticed Jack had taken “his” seat at the kitchen table. She’d been so busy with her family and guests, and speaking to business owners for donations, that she hadn’t had much “Jack time” lately.
Avery had her eyes downcast, looking shy with the housekeeper, but Minnie dispelled it quickly. “I just love the orange in your hair,” she told her. “I’ve been blond, and red once, but this is my favorite and a lot less work.” Minnie fluffed her gray strands.
“I like it,” Avery said. “So, what exactly can I do?” She glanced around the narrow, long kitchen, trying to absorb everything at once. Her gaze skimmed right over Jack, thank heavens.
“Everyone has to start learning somewhere. Right now, our guests, the Garcias, are out on a sleigh ride, so I need to go tidy their room. Charlene, would you like to help Avery, or want me to?” She put her hands on her plump hips. “I’m done here in the kitchen. Made a chicken pot pie for later, and we still have some beef barley soup left from yesterday.”
“You are amazing as always, Minnie. Thank you.” She patted Avery’s shoulder. What she wanted most was the freedom to be herself without her mother’s judgment. “I’ll give Avery the grand tour. Minnie, why don’t you take my car and show Mom and Dad . . . the harbor?” Anywhere but here.
“Certainly. They might enjoy a stroll while the sun’s out. The weather report is calling for more snow later.” Minnie washed her hands and left the kitchen.
“Would you like something before we start, Avery? Some water or tea? A slice of Minnie’s delicious applesauce cake?”
“No, thank you. Maybe later.” Avery jumped sideways and then looked down with a laugh. “Your cat. She was rubbing her head against my legs.” She bent down to pet her. “Why, you are beautiful, aren’t you? What’s her name again?”
“Silva. She acts very regal and the name suits her.”
Silva purred and arched her back, preening under the attention. Then, head in the air, she pranced off toward Jack, who was making kissing noises to her. Jack encouraged Silva to jump into his lap. The Persian did, then hissed because he wasn’t there, and used her paw to scratch at Jack—all of which just seemed like the cat was pawing at the air to anyone else.
“What’s she doing?” Avery asked.
“Persians are very high-strung—don’t mind her.” She shot Jack a look, reminding him to behave himself, and bit back a smile. “Come on. Let the tour begin. We’ll start from the top and work our way down.”
“Great!”
Like an excited kid, Avery ran up the two flights of stairs, while Charlene took a more leisurely pace. “This place is amazing! Who did all this?” She pointed at the festive greenery and bows wrapped around the railings on both floors. “Sheesh, it’s awesome, but that must have taken a lot of work.”
“Minnie’s husband, Will. He and his son put up all the outdoor lighting as well. I also had him help me with the tree in the living room. It’s twelve feet high. I couldn’t do it by myself.”
“Wow. Everywhere I look there are more decorations.” Her face lit up with excitement. “It’s like being in a palace or something.”
“Well, thank you. It’s certainly not a palace, but it’s very special to me.” Charlene paused when they reached the third floor. “Here we have three single rooms that are unoccupied right now. Go see, and then I’ll show you the widow’s walk and one of the best views in Salem.”
After peeking into the rooms, Avery returned, and they took the few remaining stairs up to the walk that led them to an outdoor balcony. The air was chilly, but the sights of the city and the glimpse of the sea were definitely worth it.
“Go ahead,” Charlene said as she stroked the brass and leather of the telescope. “You’ll be able to see the Peabody Museum and The House of the Seven Gables.”
The girl stood up to the stand and peered out with her left eye, taking in everything as she rotated the telescope on its base. Her face was flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling. “I can’t believe that you invited me to work for you. This place is so freaking amazing. I could sit up here for hours.”
Charlene laughed. “Well, that wouldn’t get the work done, would it?” She linked her arm with Avery’s. “But you’re welcome to come up here if you like on your break.”
“Really? That’s awesome.”
They headed inside. “Now, let’s go freshen up the Garcias’ room so they’ll have it clean on their return.”
Charlene instructed Avery on how to make the beds correctly, and collect the used towels and replace them with fresh ones from the upstairs linen closet. She showed her how to fold them, and t
o replace the toilet tissue if needed, and to tidy up the counter spaces, but not to remove anything. “They are paying guests, and they trust us, which shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
Avery’s eyes narrowed and she blushed. “I get it, Charlene. I promise that you can trust me.”
She had the feeling that Avery could be trusted, and that this conversation was all that they needed, not a rehashing of things in the girl’s past.
“I do.” Charlene had Avery run a cordless vacuum from the broom closet over the carpeted areas.
Avery worked quickly and seemed to enjoy her menial tasks. When everything was completed to Charlene’s satisfaction, they moved back down to the first floor. She showed her where the pantry, downstairs bathroom, dining room, and living rooms were. To her surprise, Minnie was in the laundry room.
“Your dad insisted he could drive himself and promised to be back by quarter past one to return the car.” Minnie looked at Avery. “Well?”
“I love everything,” Avery said.
Charlene smiled at her energy. “Thanks, Minnie.” She led Avery to the living room and the Christmas tree.
“This is the most amazing tree I’ve ever seen, except in the town square.”
Charlene eyed the tree, her hands behind her back as she peered up to the top. “I doubt that you’ll show the same enthusiasm for the tree and the decor when it’s time to take it all down.”
“Oh, I won’t mind a bit.” Avery glanced at the door at the end of the hall. “What’s down there?” she asked.
“My suite of rooms. Want to see?”
“Sure.”
Charlene showed her the small sitting area where she had her TV, sofa, and work space. “And this is my bedroom.” She opened the door. Avery didn’t enter but gave it a quick glimpse.
“Does that lead outside to the backyard?”
“Yes, I love it, come see.” The big oak tree with the snow-covered wooden swing had been made for a summer day, which this was not. She swallowed a laugh as Jack appeared from behind the tree, in a black top hat like Frosty wore, with a snowman’s corncob pipe in his mouth. He gave the swing the tiniest of pushes, daring Charlene to say something.
