like to cook, but me and Dynamite have us some long conversations when I’m walking him. I’ve whispered things to him that I wouldn’t even tell God or Jesus.”
Jayden wondered how many other girls during the sessions felt the same way about that big black horse. If they did, poor old Dynamite’s brain must be full of secrets, her own included.
“I like cooking best,” Carmella answered. “I really don’t like collecting bugs, but when I have to deal with them, I just think about not ever shoplifting again.”
Elijah glanced over at Tiffany. “What about you?”
“I like drawing best,” she answered, “and I don’t mind doing the laundry. It’s hot as hell in that building, but it kind of reminds me of a spa, and besides, when everything is all clean and folded, there’s a sense of accomplishment. Kind of like washing all those ugly things I did out of my past and starting off with a clean future.”
“That’s pretty deep thinking for a teenager,” Elijah said.
Tiffany glared at him. “Isn’t the whole reason we’re here to make us think about our sins and never do them again? I get that feeling when I’m talking to Karen. She’s not bad for a therapist. She doesn’t just listen—she makes me think.”
Elijah pushed his chair back. “I can’t wait to see your next picture. You are really good at art. My favorite one is the millipede on the devil’s pitchfork. In my opinion all those stinging bugs belong down there in hell.”
“Yep.” Tiffany nodded.
Jayden headed back to the kitchen. “Since y’all teamed up and got done with the horses early, then I reckon you can help out in here. Wash your hands, and get your hair tucked up under your caps.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they said at the same time.
If only I could get my own life in order as fast as they’re doing, Jayden thought as she watched Elijah put his glass in the dishwasher and then leave the dining room. Maybe I will as soon as Skyler gets home or comes here to work, and when I quit daydreaming about working here rather than teaching school. Do I need a few sessions with Karen, too?
You know giving up the career you worked so hard to have is not a good idea. Her mother’s voice was back in her head.
I know, Mama, she agreed, but it’s a sweet little daydream, because I love working here and making a difference in these girls’ lives.
Jayden took out the journal that night after the girls were in bed, opened it up, and wrote:
Dear Mama,
Tonight, I’m happy and sad at the same time, if that’s possible. I’m the official cook for the camp now. Mary and Henry have left to spend some time with his old Vietnam war buddy who is dying. I’m sad to see them go because Mary and I’ve become friends. She reminds me of a mix of you and Granny, and I’ve enjoyed working with her so very much. But now the kitchen is all mine, and I’m happy about that. I inherited your love of cooking, and getting to do this job makes this seem like a vacation.
Maybe it’s a good thing I’m only talking to you about these emotional feelings I have for Elijah. I have no one to talk to here about this, but I need to work through it.
You would like Diana and Novalene, Mama. I don’t think I’ve ever had friends like them. They are restoring my trust in people.
Good night, Mama . . .
She laid the journal aside, got into bed, and watched the patterns that clouds shifting over the moon made on the ceiling for a long time before she fell asleep. She had forgotten to mention in her journal entry that Elijah was a man who could be trusted. She’d have to go into more detail another time about that.
Chapter Twelve
In the middle of the afternoon on Thursday Jayden’s phone pinged. She stopped cutting up oranges for a fruit salad and pulled it out of her hip pocket to find a second selfie and text from Skyler. This picture showed her with a red-haired guy in what appeared to be an airport terminal. The man didn’t look much taller than Skyler, which was a surprise. Skyler usually went for the tall, dark, and handsome guys—like Ray Don, the bad boy she’d had a crush on in high school. The text said that she would be in Alpine on Friday and she had exciting news.
Jayden took a