Chapter 6 #2
“The power of positive thinking for sure,” Carol murmured. “Do you live around here?”
“No. I don’t live anywhere at the moment.” Lorelei gave her a sweet smile that complimented her wide blue eyes. “I usually just get by with gigs here and there as I travel. Maybe joining a band one night or busking at an intersection during busy hours. Things have just been a bit rough lately.”
“A literal starving artist, eh?” Carol remembered how romantic that’d sounded when she was Lorelei’s age. Nowadays, she preferred her comfortable bed and a stable roof over her head. Did that make her a square? Maybe, but some things were worth sacrificing.
Lorelei shrugged. “Here and there, yes. Most recently, I was performing in front of the town hall in Provincetown. I didn’t get enough for a room, but this place is beautiful. That’s the nice thing about not having a house to worry about. You get to sleep under the stars and explore new places.”
The fact that she didn’t refer to Provincetown as P-town told Carol that she wasn’t a local.
Though Carol certainly respected the lifestyle that Lorelei was trying to lead, she still thought it was bizarre that the girl would want to come right back to where she’d nearly died. Perhaps, though, there was a reason.
“You know, I own the dog bakery back here in the plaza. The rent includes a small apartment with a separate entrance on the second level. I’m not using it for anything right now. Maybe you could stay there for a bit,” she offered.
Lorelei was already shaking her head before Carol could finish. “No, that’s all right. I wouldn’t want to impose. Besides, it hasn’t gotten too cold out yet. I’ve got a good blanket that will do for now, and I’ll just need to move further south before winter gets here.”
That was no way for anyone to live. Carol was a free-spirited woman, and many might question her own ways, but it bothered her to think this girl was out in the world with no support.
“It wouldn’t be any imposition at all. I don’t use the space for anything, and it’d make me happy to know you at least have a place to sleep at night.
Actually, it’d mean that someone would be keeping an eye on the place when I’m not here. ”
“You’re really sure?” Lorelei pulled her legs back up onto the rocks and slowly stood, turning to put the full force of those big eyes on Carol.
If she hadn’t already been trying to help, Carol certainly would have then.
She was young and hopeful, and Lorelei carried an innocence about her that pulled at Carol’s heartstrings.
Stacey had always been smart, aware, and driven, but she’d had a bit of naivete about her back when she was that young, too.
“Yes, of course. I can show it to you right now if you’d like. ”
Lorelei scrunched her brows a bit, hesitating, but then nodded. “Well, okay.”
“It’s right over here.” Carol led the way.
Barney scrambled as they began walking again, ensuring that he was on Carol’s left side and away from the girl.
Carol had to wonder what’d gotten into him.
He was always so interested in everyone.
Maybe he’d had enough of meeting strangers for the day.
His rousing round of play with Ringo had probably worn him out.
A set of steps led up the back of the building and to a door.
Carol hadn’t thought about it much at all when she’d rented the place.
She’d only cared that it came with that fantastic kitchen and a nice storefront.
She found the right key on her ring, opened the door, and slid her hand along the wall until she found the switch.
“It’s really not much,” she said as she stepped inside.
A few cabinets along one wall butted up to a two-burner range and a tiny fridge.
A door led into a small bathroom, and the rest of the open space would have to serve as a bedroom, living room, and dining room.
“There’s no furniture at the moment, but I think I could at least arrange a bed and a few chairs. ”
“You wouldn’t even have to,” Lorelei gushed as she took in the space. “It’s so cute, and I’m used to sleeping on the ground.”
That only made Carol all the more determined to make this place look a bit nicer. “You’re welcome to go ahead and stay tonight. I’ve got an extra key.” She worked it off the ring and handed it over, knowing that once she did, Lorelei wouldn’t have any further chance to say no.
Lorelei took the key in her hand and squeezed it tight as though it were the key to the city. “Thank you, Carol. Really. I just don’t know what to say. And I’ll find some way to make this up to you.”
“Don’t worry about any of that right now. Have you eaten tonight?”
“I have,” Lorelei promised.
“All right. I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night. Come on, Barney. Let’s finish closing up.” Carol let herself out of the little apartment and closed the door behind her.
Barney stalled on the bit of decking there. He stared hard at the door, his tail straight up in the air like a flagpole.
“Stand down, soldier. You don’t have to get so territorial. She’s not going to steal your biscuits while we’re away.”
At the mention of biscuits, Barney turned and eagerly followed her back down to the bakery.