Chapter 11
With the road cleared, it was only a matter of time before Nicky and the kid left. I should have exulted that I’d soon get the chalet to myself once more. After all, I had work to do and didn’t need the distraction she and Zaza posed, pleasurable as it might be.
I’d probably be bummed when I came downstairs in the morning and didn’t get that bright smile. I’d miss the tiny, grubby hands that liked to grab hold of my leg and those big eyes that would stare into my soul until I lifted and held Zaza as if she belonged on my hip.
I’d survive. I’d been alone for years before meeting them and managed just fine. However, that was before I’d acquired a dragon that I hadn’t the slightest clue what to do with.
The initial surprise of Percy’s existence had worn off, and now reality set in.
How the hell would I care for a dragon? Not to mention, how the fuck would I keep Percy a secret?
While small now, she’d indicated she’d be growing and sprouting wings and possibly breathing fire.
It wouldn’t go unnoticed. How long would I have with Percy before someone—the government—took her away?
I wasn’t dumb enough to think for a single moment I’d be allowed to keep such a rare creature.
There were laws protecting species. Greedy people who’d want her for themselves.
However, did I mention any of this to Percy?
No. Of course not, because I wanted Percy to enjoy her freedom while she had it.
“What are you doing?” Percy asked as Nicky went around picking up Zaza’s toys and stuffing them in the diaper bag.
“I told you, Percy, when the road cleared, Zaza and I would have to go.”
“Go where?” Percy demanded.
A good question. “Where are you planning to stay?” I asked, because as far as I knew, Nicky had nowhere to go. Her plan had been to hide out in this chalet.
“I’m sure I can find a hotel with a vacancy while I look for a job.”
The reply had me frowning. “A hotel’s daily rate will siphon your funds.”
“I’m aware.”
“What if you don’t find employment right away?”
Her shoulders rolled. “I don’t know. Maybe try another town if I can’t find anything here.”
“Leave to go even further?” Percy exclaimed.
“Leave how?” was my query. “Your car was demolished.” Pointing that fact out turned her lips right down, and I didn’t like it one bit. Made me feel like an ass.
“I’m sure there’s a bus I can take.”
Her plan sucked. Make that lack of plan.
No home. No job. Limited funds. No transportation.
And a child that would require minding. If she were a grunt in the army, I’d be yelling at her and calling her stupid.
However, Nicky didn’t need to be torn down any further. What she needed was a helping hand.
“May I use your phone to call a taxi?” she asked.
“No.” A single, barked single syllable, and yet she flinched.
Fuck me.
I softened my tone. “What I mean is, you don’t need to call a taxi, because you can borrow the car to get to town.”
“Really? Thank you. But how will I return it to you?”
“Easily. You’ll drive it back here when you’re done.” Then before I could lose my nerve, I did the unthinkable. “You’ll stay here while you figure out the whole job and housing situation.”
Her jaw dropped. “I couldn’t.”
“You will,” I insisted. “It’s not like I need that extra bedroom. You and Zaza are free to stay here as long as you need.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Her head dipped. “This is so generous of you.”
“Don’t you mean of me?” Percy interjected. “After all, he is my servant doing my bidding.”
Nicky’s lips curved and I wanted nothing more than to drag her close.
What had I done? Rather than ridding myself of the forbidden temptation, I’d given her an invitation to keep torturing me.
“The only issue I see is Zaza. What will we do with her while you’re at work?” I glanced at the little girl currently bent over and peeking through her legs with a grin.
“Mind her, of course.” Percy snorted as if it were that easy.
“I don’t know the first thing about small children,” I muttered.
Nicky quickly interjected. “I wouldn’t expect you to babysit her. One of the reasons I chose this town is because the local church offers a drop-in program for single parents.”
“You plan to leave Zaza with strangers?” The idea didn’t sit well with me.
“It’s no different than a daycare, only this one is run by retirees. I kind of like the idea of Zaza being looked after by a bunch of nonnas.”
That slightly mollified. “And they have room for Zaza?”
She nodded. “I checked in with them the day I arrived.”
“Then I guess it’s settled. Zaza will stay with the church grandmas while you work and you’ll both reside at the chalet until you’ve got a few paychecks under your belt.”
I had no time to brace. Nicky flung herself at me, her slight frame plastered to my much larger one. She hugged me tight as she whispered, “Thank you. I appreciate this so much.”
My arms went around her, returning the squeeze, gently of course. I sounded raspy as I replied, “No problem.”
“Guess I should get going on the job search.” Nicky moved away from me, her cheeks bright with color, embarrassed by something. Holy fuck, did she notice she gave me a boner? I’d done my best to keep my hips tilted away from her during the hug.
“You know what, let me drive you.”
“Don’t trust me not to crash your car?” she teased.
“Partially. The roads will be slippery, but I also want to run a few errands. Get more food and whatnot. You know, in case of another storm.”
“I’ll give you some money,” Nicky offered.
“No.” Again, I snapped, but this time she smiled and shook her head.
“I insist. Having two extra mouths to feed is expensive.”
“I can handle it,” I growled. “Think of it as payment for the cooking. If it were up to me, Percy and I would have been eating mostly from a can.”
“I will find a way to repay you for all you’ve done,” Nicky promised.
I could think of a few that didn’t involve money. “Whatever,” I muttered instead. “Ready to go?”
“Just let me get Zaza bundled.”
While she handled the kid, I crouched to talk to Percy. “Listen, we’re going to be gone a few hours and I think it’s best if you stay here.”
“Why?” My little dragon crossed her arms.
“You caused quite a stir last time, and you’re bigger and more noticeable now. The last thing we need is for people to start talking about you.”
“Why shouldn’t they discuss my greatness?” Percy tossed her head.
“I’m going to be blunt. If you really are a dragon, then you’re in danger. Not from me or Nicky, of course, but there’s lots of bad folks out there that would love to get their grimy hands on you.”
“That’s what Nicky said,” Percy grumbled.
“Because she’s a smart lady.”
“You think it’s dangerous for me.”
“Yes.”
“What if you don’t return?”
“I’ll be back,” I promised. “I don’t imagine we’ll be more than a few hours.”
“Hours? I might perish,” my dramatic dragon stated.
“Not if I leave you a snack. A big one,” I offered.
“That might tide me over,” the little bugger said with a forbearing sigh.
“And what if I told you I planned to make another cake when I returned?” Nicky added, dropping to her haunches to address Percy.
“Chocolate flavored?”
“Oh yes, with icing and a jam layer,” Nicky elaborated.
“Your terms are acceptable.” Percy headed for the living room but turned her head to add, “Turn on the television so I might entertain myself while you are gone.”
I left it on a channel playing documentaries that ranged from history to the animal kingdom, making it educational.
I also left out a box of crackers, cookies, opened two cans of stew and one of peaches in fruit juice.
I also filled a few bowls with water for drinking.
Percy couldn’t quite grip a cup with her small paws.
With my dragon settled, I headed out with Nicky and Zaza. The road might have been cleared of snow and sanded, but it remained sketchy. As we crept down the steep incline, Nicky had a hand braced on the dash and appeared pale.
We made it to a smoother section and she relaxed until she realized something. “My car’s gone.”
“Most likely towed. While you apply for jobs, I’ll see if I can find out what happened to it.”
“Is there any point? You said it yourself, it’s scrap.”
“Even scrap is worth money,” I reminded rather than reveal the real reason.
I wanted to make sure she’d not left anything identifying inside the vehicle.
If Nicky hid from her husband, then the last thing she needed was for anything to be publicly posted, like a social media post along the lines of: Car recovered at scene of a crash.
Driver being sought for a wellness check.
If you’ve seen or heard from Nicky… That kind of well-meaning post could put her and Zaza in a world of trouble.
We made small talk as we approached town. Gee, look how deep the snow is in some spots? Ooh, animal tracks. Where do you think I should start applying first?
As we entered the outskirts, she pointed. “The church with the daycare is down the first road to the left.”
As with most Italian places of worship, there was no missing the ornate stone chapel with its peaked roof and giant cross.
I entered the church with Nicky carrying Zaza on her hip while I lugged the diaper bag, which was down to only four diapers.
Having studied the brand and size, I felt confident I could purchase another pack to surprise Nicky.
We entered the church and followed brightly colored arrows to a basement. Only to discover a closed door with a note taped to it.
“Oh no.” Nicky’s face fell. “They’re closed today because the volunteers couldn’t make it. Guess I won’t be applying today. Sorry I wasted your time.”