<b>Chapter </b>188
“Wow, you’re really handsome, you know that?”
Zachary blushed and scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed by thepliment.
“Come on, let me show you upstairs.”
Mae nodded. “Alright.” She bent down to pick up her suitcase, but Zachary quickly stepped in to stop her.
“Your hand’s still hurt. Please, let me take it.”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly. What if I get your uniform dirty? It’s a pain to wash. I can manage, really.”
“Mae, we asked him here to help. Your hand’s in that state–if you still insist on lugging your own bags, what does that say about us two young people?” Alessia spoke up, tilting her head as she noticed a few neighbors peeking at them from the hallway windows.
Mae caught on immediately and let go of the handle. Growing up in a small town, she knew just how sharp neighbors‘ tongues could be when it came to appearances. She didn’t protest anymore, letting Zachary take her bag while she followed Alessia up the stairs.
Once inside the apartment, Mae hurried to have Zachary set the bag down, apologizing over and over until Zachary felt awkward himself.
Alessia, sensing his difort, changed the subject. “Mae, take a look around. It’s not huge–just a bedroom and a living room–but see if you like it.”
Mae nced around and broke into a smile. The living room was certainly more spacious than the one at the Tate family’s house. There was a kitchen, a bathroom, and the ce faced south, so it was bright and quiet. She couldn’t find a single thing toin about.
“This is wonderful, Lessie. Really, it must cost a fortune a month, doesn’t it?”
“Don’t worry about it. The café covers room and board. Right, Zach?”
“Yeah!” Zachary replied, a beatte but earnest.
Mae’s sry at the Tate family had never been low, but she’d always been <b>frugal</b>, donating most of what she earned to girls in need back in the mountains<b>. </b>She’d never managed to save much for herself. Money, she figured, couldn’t be taken with you when
you <i>go </i>
and she had no children of her own. Rather than let it sit, she’d
12:02
rather it helped <b>some </b><b>little </b><b>girl </b>somewhere<b>–</b>maybe as a blessing for that wo babies <b>she’d </b><b>lost </b>before she even <b>got </b>to see their faces, hoping that, if theres such a thing as a next life, they might find a kinder home.
Alessia knew all this. That’s why she’d gone to such lengths to help her.
“I’ve already had the ce cleaned for you,” Alessia added. “Take your time settling in.”
Mae nodded gratefully, sensing that Alessia didn’t want to hear another round of apologies or thanks. She bit back her words and just smiled.
“The café’s right across the street, so it’s easy to get to. For now, just focus on resting. Once your hand’s healed, you cane by. The contract’s already printed and waiting at the shop. Just sign it when you’re ready.”
Alessia paused, as if running through a mental checklist. Zachary, watching her, felt his heart go soft.
“Lessie… would it be alright if I went over now, just to say hello?” Mae asked, a little hesitant. “You’ve both done so much for me already, and with the café right there, I’d feel better just stopping in and introducing myself.”
“Of course. It’s not busy at this hour anyway–we were heading over now, so we can show you the way,” Zachary jumped in before Alessia could answer, and she nodded in agreement.
Mae rxed, ncing around the room.
“I don’t have much with me. Is there a grocery store nearby? I’d like to pick up some
fruit…”
“No rush. There’s plenty of time for that,” Alessia said gently.
But Zachary, already getting a sense of Mae’s personality, realized that telling her not to bring anything would only make her feel worse.
Sure enough, Mae’s shoulders eased, and she murmured something about not wanting to show up empty–handed next time.
Alessia and Zachary let her be, following along as she set out, ready to help however she needed.