Chapter 10 #3
Merilee reached up to curl a tendril of my hair around her finger and gave it a playful tug, her grin never faltering. “You need to learn to have some fun, Zellie-girl. Life doesn’t always have to be so serious.”
She tapped her goblet to mine and tossed back her drink then looked at me expectantly.
I only took a sip this time, letting the liquid roll around on my tongue, savoring the flavor.
It was delicious—a blend of spices and fruit and other flavors that reminded me of a mulled wine I had once at a Christmas party.
But it wasn’t like I had a broad basis for comparison.
I never drank much. With Henry’s medical condition, I couldn’t afford to be even a little tipsy in case we had to make a trip to the ER.
“What d’you think, Zellie?” Earl called from across the yard. He was looking at me intently, gauging my reaction.
I stiffened at the attention, self-conscious at being singled out. “It’s delicious. Thank you, sir.”
“Made it ourselves, June and I,” he said proudly. “Thought you might enjoy it.”
I finished off the drink and scanned the yard for Henry, suddenly a little light-headed. “Henry? Time to go, baby.”
He wasn’t on the swing. I glanced around the yard, my heart pounding when I didn’t immediately see him.
Shit, shit, shit…
“Henry!” I shouted, the world spinning, anxiety surging.
“Zellie?”
I ignored whoever spoke, turning in a panicked circle. “Henry, where are you?”
Someone gripped my shoulder and said my name, but I only dimly registered the information until that same someone grabbed my upper arms and gave me a little shake.
“Zellie.”
I blinked rapidly. Whit’s concerned face swam into focus. “Where’s Henry? He’s gone.”
Just then, Henry and Addie burst out of the house, June right behind them. Each child held a sippy cup and was happily drinking whatever was inside.
Relief washed over me. I broke away from Whit and rushed to Henry.
“Baby, you have to tell me where you are,” I told him, crouching down in front of him. “I was so worried!”
“I’m sorry, Zellie,” June said. “I should’ve checked with you. The children wanted their smoothie. I didn’t see the harm in giving them one.”
I looked up at her, not understanding. “What smoothie?”
She smiled down at Henry. “Honey, you and Addie go drink your smoothies at the table and rest for a minute.”
I stood slowly as Henry hurried off with his friend, then turned back to June. “What’s going on?”
June gave me a patient look that only served to piss me off. “Zellie, darlin’, don’t be so alarmed. The smoothies are perfectly safe—just fruit and yogurt and some vitamins and herbs to help them stay healthy. It’s all natural and perfectly fine.”
I shook my head. “How do you know?” I demanded. “You have no idea how what you’re giving him might interact with his medications.”
June waved away my concern as if it were inconsequential. “There’s nothing in there that could do harm. And he’s been healthier since he started drinking them, hasn’t he? Look at all the energy he has!”
“That’s not your decision to make,” I told her, struggling to keep my tone even.
June took my hand in both of hers and stepped closer, her expression softening. “Let’s face it, darlin’,” she said softly, “he has some catching up to do. After all, you haven’t been able to provide the most high-quality food for Henry, given your situation and all.”
My mouth fell open. All I could do was blink at her, too stunned to immediately respond.
“It’s not your fault that you couldn’t afford better,” she continued, her patronizing tone getting under my skin. “But we’re your family now so you should let us help you.”
“Henry,” I called, my eyes not leaving June’s. “It’s time to go.” Then, through clenched teeth, to June, “How dare you question my ability to take care of my son? I am a good mother!”
She patted my hand. “Of course, you are, darlin’. You’ve been doing the best you could. Montgomery should’ve let us help you sooner.”
Henry bounced to my side and handed June his cup. “All done, Mamaw June!”
“You sure are!” she gushed. “You’ll have to tell your mama how much you like your smoothies.”
I shook my head and let out a thin, incredulous laugh at her audacity to keep from being impolite. “Let’s go, baby.”
I dragged Henry away without another word, my mom-guilt tearing my heart apart.
June wasn’t wrong. I hadn’t been able to afford the best food or to make everything from scratch with all the best ingredients the way they seemed to at Dawes House.
But damn her for insinuating Henry’s health issues were because I didn’t have money. Damn her to hell.
“Zellie!” Whit called after us, but I didn’t stop until he caught up to us in the foyer. “Please don’t be upset with June,” he said gently. “She means well.”
I sent him a wry look. “Oh, I’m sure.”
He reached out to touch my arm just as the elevator door slid open. I jerked away, but clearly not taking the hint, he stepped inside with us.
“Are you coming to play at our house, Mr. Whit?” Henry asked, grinning broadly with excitement, still buzzing from sugar or smoothies—or whatever June had slipped into that cup.
Whit sent me a quick glance, then shook his head. “Probably not tonight. I’m just going to stay and talk with your mama for a little bit.”
“Go get ready for your bath, baby,” I told Henry as soon as we entered the apartment, forcing a tight smile, though indignation still vibrated in my veins.
As soon as Henry disappeared down the hall, Whit exhaled and dragged a hand through his dark hair before finally meeting my eyes.
“I’ll talk to June. But think it over, Zellie.
You might change your mind. There’s old knowledge that has been passed down, preserved for generations. Things modern medicine has forgotten.”
“I don’t doubt it,” I said. “And, trust me, I’m open to anything that can safely treat Henry’s condition. But June had no right to treat him without my permission.”
Whit nodded. “You’re absolutely right. She should’ve checked with you first.”
“And shaming me because I’m poor?” My voice cracked, tears stinging behind my eyes. “I already feel like a failure half the time for not being able to give Henry everything he deserves. I sure as hell don’t need someone like June making me feel even worse!”
Whit stepped closer. “You’re a great mother,” he assured me.
“You can’t help your circumstances, Zellie.
You’ve done everything you could to try to create a better life for you and Henry, even if the options weren’t great.
” He grinned. “You certainly didn’t want to move into Dawes House and have to deal with me, if I recall correctly.
” His voice softened. “But here you are.”
I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about everything he’d said about June’s intentions or about my abilities as a mother. But he was right about one thing—I hadn’t wanted to move into Dawes House. But I’d had no choice.
And now here I was, standing in front of this enigmatic, mysterious man, his kindness and friendship so much more than I’d ever expected. Whose presence soothed something raw inside me. Who stirred longings I’d buried years ago.
Whit’s eyes searched mine—hopeful, questioning, unguarded.
And my pulse quickened, breath catching as I whispered, “But here I am.”