Wheeler's face was open and sincere. There was nothing in his look that made
Fallon uneasy.
She hesitated, her voice uncertain. “I really don't think that's a good idea. You're still so young. What would people think if they found out you stayed here with me? You know how some folks love to talk. They could twist everything and ruin your name.”
Wheeler shook his head and looked stubborn. "I honestly don't care what anyone says. I just want to be here for you. You helped me finish school. Can't I do this much to pay you back? Please, don't ask me to leave. I won't go."
Fallon could tell she wouldn't win this argument. In the end, she gave in and let him stay.
She tried to change the topic. "You're not exactly a kid yourself. Isn't your family bugging you about dating or marriage?”
Wheeler's expression shifted, thoughtful and a bit sad. "My job still isn't really stable. I want to move up and have things sorted before I think about all that. Anyway, it's just me and my grandma now."
Fallon remembered his grandmother, a tough, hardworking woman who spent years collecting recyclables just to put food on the table.
"How's your grandma doing?" she asked.
Wheeler let out a tired breath. "Not great. Winters are rough on her. She's got this cough we can't get rid of. I've taken her to a bunch of doctors, but nothing helps."
"She's getting older now. You should spend more time with her. Being lonely is hard at that age," Fallon said softly.
To Wheeler, Fallon was simply the best woman he'd ever known. She was warm, caring, and generous. He couldn't understand how anyone could ever hurt her.
Right then, Fallon's phone started to ring.
Wheeler passed her the phone and noticed the caller ID. Cindy. Who was that? "Hi, Cindy?” Fallon answered, her tone gentle as always.
Wheeler just watched, feeling even more certain that Fallon was one-of-a-kind.
"Godmother, are you still awake?" Cindy's voice was small, a little lost. She just needed someone to talk to. Somehow, every time her godmother was there for her, the world seemed a little less heavy.
"I'm awake. What's going on, sweetheart? Did something happen?" Fallon's voice was full of concern.
"No, nothing happened. I just... I just missed you."
Cindy had begged to spend the night at the apartment across from the school, wanting to figure out what it was like, But now she just felt uneasy almost wishing she hadn't come. She couldn't shake the feeling that Octavia left her alone so easily because she didn't really care that much...Her mom seemed to love her husband and ance more and Cindy always felt like she was more of an afterthought-someone her mom felt guilty about, but didn't really love.
"Did someone pick on you?" Fallon asked, encouraging her to open up.
But Cindy just said no.
Fallon tried to comfort her. "It's okay, Cindy. Don't be scared. I promise, no matter what, I'll always be here for you.”
She stayed on the phone for a few more minutes, letting her words calm Cindy before finally saying goodbye.
Wheeler had stepped out onto the
balcony to water the flowers while
Fallon was on the call. When she
was finished, he came back to the living room and didn't say a word about the phone call. He really knew how to give people space.
His tact made Fallon like him even more. Not in the way of falling for someone, but kind of like the way you'd feel about a sweet, loyal puppy.
***
Claire didn't care if Cindy was living at the apartment across from the school or not. She kept going about her business, going to class, coming home, sticking to her routine.
Still, she hadn't expected to keep running into Lance so often at the apartment building. It felt like he was always around, and every accidental run-injust made her more annoyed. Lance seriously got under her skin He always seemed to know exactly how to be irritating.
Like now. Lance had just come back from grocery shopping with Cindy. When he spotted Claire with a bag of takeout in her hand, he couldn't help himself.
"Claire!" he called out, cheerful as ever.