Let them get to see what a cool little girl you are.”
Mariana shook her head vehemently. “Why do I need them as friends when I have you?”
“Because you’ll be spending a lot of time in that building and friends are useful to have in school. Makes the day go by faster.”
“I can work here.” She looked around the salon with confidence. “You need help?”
I shook my head and gave the nurses one final spritz before sending them on their way wearing wide, satisfied smiles. Then, I turned my attention back to Mariana. “I always need help but there are laws about employing underage people and you, my friend, are far too young to hold a job.”
“But I used to help Mama sweep up all the time. And wash counters.” I could hear the whine creep into her voice and I had to bite back a laugh at the feisty little girl. “I can do lots of big girl chores.”
“And I’ll be happy to let you, but after the school day is over.”
“Ugh, fine.” She grunted and rolled her eyes. “What do you do now that the customers are gone?”
“Usually I would clean but I’m tired and hungry, so grab your bag because we’re going to the diner.”
“We are? Can I get a cheeseburger with bacon? And chili?” Her eyes lit up with excitement the way only men and little kids did at the mention of food and she began to hop up and down, the first signs she showed of being an actual little girl rather than a sad girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders.
“Where would you put that much food?”
She giggled and pat her belly. “My tummy, of course. So, can I?”
“If you eat a salad or bowl of soup first, sure.” We got to the diner and found a booth overlooking the main street. “You know you can’t keep leaving school, don’t you? At some point they’ll call your daddy and he’ll be upset about it.”
She shrugged and let out a long-suffering sigh. “He won’t care. He doesn’t even want me around.”
“I’m sure that’s not true, Mari. Your father is just used to being good at everything and he’s probably not sure he knows how to be good at being a daddy.” At least I hoped that was it, and not that he really didn’t want to be a father to the little girl.
“Nobody’s good at everything.” She said the words as if she had heard them a million times, probably from the lips of her mother.
I laughed at her wise words. “If you listen to my sister, she’ll tell you that nothing teaches you that lesson like parenthood.”
“You have a sister?”
“Yep, she’s three years younger than me. Married with two kids and another on the way.” I still couldn’t believe Jessie May was having another kid, it was like the lovebirds couldn’t keep their hands, or other body parts, to themselves.
“I always wanted a kid sister, but I would even take a little brother. Mama said I was all the kid she needed but it would’ve been nice.” The sadness had returned and my heart ached for the little girl, which was the only explanation for why I let her order that giant burger she would never be able to finish.
We were half way through our food when Shannon called. “Hey Shannon, what’s up?”
“I need your help, well not me, Grant actually.” There was panic and worry in her voice and I sat up taller.
“Why? What’s going on?”
“It’s Mariana, she must have snuck out of school and now no one knows where she is.”
My shoulders relaxed and I shook my head at her from across the table, mouthing the worlds, “You’re in big trouble,” to her. “It’s all right Shannon, I know where she is. Found me on my way to the diner and she’s inhaling a burger right now.”
“Oh, thank god! Grant is going crazy!”
But he didn’t bother to ask for my help, which made me sad and angry. “I’ll drop her off as soon as we finish eating. Will you let him know?” There was no way to get out of seeing him all too soon, but I was happy to put it off for as long as I could.
“Yeah, sure,” she sighed. “Is everything good with you guys?”
“Yep. Just peachy.”
“That’s a lie but there are three big bad SEALs going crazy over a missing little girl. Talk soon.” The call ended and I stared at Mariana until she cracked.
“You’ve been