Page 7 of Devil's Work: Dark

I laugh. “Love you. Letting you go.”

I’m an awesome server. I did it for years before stopping when Ty was born. It was how I’d met Jim. Waiting, cleaning, bartending—I’ve done it all. And if I could make that much money under the table, I’d be a fool to pass it up. I could pay Miss Mable.

She might be willing to do it if I could pay her. Who am I kidding? Mable would do it without me paying her, so long as she’s not expecting a houseful of grandkids… I’m pretty sure they’re supposed to be coming to town soon. Then, waving my hand in the air to wave away my thought, I laugh at my stupidity. But I reallywouldfeel better being able to pay her.

I scroll for Mable’s name in my contacts and presscall. She answers on the first ring. “Well, this is a happy coincidence. I made a pot of hocks and greens and was just about to call to see if you wanted to join me for supper.”

“Miss Mable, you’re too nice. You know I can’t saynoto your hocks and greens.”

“What had you calling tonight, by the way?”

“I feel bad about asking now.”

“Nonsense. What you need, darlin’?”

“My sister called and there’s this big party on Saturday at a mansion in Nashville. I think she works for a catering company because she said they need people to work it and she knows I have a ton of experience in waitressing. And Dela says it’s ahugepayday—I’m rambling.” I sigh. “So, anyway, I was going to ask if you could watch the kids. I’d be able to pay you and everything.”

“Payment.” Mable sounds her usual lovingly exasperated with me, like she’s shaking her head at my ridiculousness kind of exasperation. “You bring those babies over. It’s not a problem. Ty and Lacy love their Miss Mable. They’re always good.”

“You’re the best. Thank you so much.”

“Hush. Not another word. Now, you come join me for supper.”

I hang up with Mable, smiling, feeling good about life for the first time since Jim died, and call back Dela, but she doesn’t answer. I leave her a message to expect me Friday. Then, the kids and I head over to Mable’s forsupper.

By the time Friday rolls around, I’ve gotten all my ducks in a row, so to speak. As it’s August, the faculty are just starting to show up to the school on a regular basis. I filled out the paperwork to get Ty signed up for school. Since he’s a late admission, the secretary told me I’d be getting his teacher assignment and supply list in the mail. The kids are with Mable and now I’m on the highway praying my old beater will get me down to Nashville without breaking down. The front end rattles, making me nervous and there’s a slight burning plastic smell that I haven’t noticed before. Hopefully, the money I make this weekend will help get this girl fixed.

Nashville would be a bear to navigate without GPS. Most days, I feel like my cell phone bill is an extravagance that I shouldn’t indulge, but the reality is that it’s my only phone, and being a single woman with kids without a phone simply isn’t smart. Plus, I got my phone free when I sighed up with my carrier. It’s like two models old but does what I need it to do, like load the map app.

I’d be lying if I said that my breath doesn’t give a small hitch when I round the last stretch of road to see the gigantic skyscape standing proudly in the distance. My heart flutters with excitement along with a dash of apprehension.

The city is huge. The traffic. The people. It’s this constant barrage of stimuli fueling my anxiety. I’ve gotten so used to small-town living that this is a major culture shock.Andit’s the first time I’ve navigated a city this large alone. Jim always drove us everywhere. It’s amazing how strong a person can become when they have to be.

Finally, I roll up to an apartment complex on the outskirts of Nashville. It’s nice. Huge. Expensive. On the river. It takes me another ten minutes to navigate through all the buildings to find hers. I pull into an empty spot to park then call her.

“Here!” I squeal into the line.

“I’ll buzz you in.”

My bag catches on my heels a couple of times while towing it behind me. It hurts like a son of a bitch, and I just about topple to the ground from it catching me off guard.So, real smooth there, Rae.I wait for the buzz once I reach the glass door, allowing me inside the building.Wow.I’m impressed. My little sister is doing well for herself. The décor of the entire complex screams money. It’s got that swanky modern feel. Teak wood and brushed chrome. This place fits my sister—or my sister’s tastes—to a T. I head to the elevator twisting my head every which way to take it all in. Her buildinghas an elevator, not a walkup. Classy.

When the doors slide open on the third floor, I see her at the end of the hallway bouncing on the balls of her feet outside of her apartment.

“Dela,” I call out and she charges me.

I let the bag go, opting to wrap my arms around her. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her. Way too long. When she finally lets me set her down, she immediately pulls me by the hand inside her place.

It’s bright, airy, and modern with hints of industrial, like exposed tubing and the like. She has it painted mostly white with accents of bright green, lemon, and lavender. Her home looks like tea come to life. There’s a killer view from the balcony off the living room. But it’s her, Dela, I can’t take my eyes from. We used to look so alike people often mistook us for twins despite the age difference. Both of us, chestnut hair and striking hazel eyes with more brown and yellow than blue and green in them. Now she’s blonde, but not platinum, and has blue contacts in. She’s a real-life Barbie.

“You look amazing,” I gush, unable to stop myself from smiling.

“Thank you. You look tired as hell.”

“Wow. Okay, then.”

“Stop. I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant you look like you could use some fun and pampering. And some food. You’re too skinny.”

I shrug. “Ty and Lacy get first dibs. If there’s not enough for me, there’s not enough for me. I’m a big girl. I can go without once in a while.”

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