Chapter 33

Austin

I bump into Charlie. I’m arriving as he’s leaving. The thing about Charlie is he’s really cheap. He’s happy to have me around as long as he doesn’t have to pay me. He’s also a perfectionist and wants everything at Brayside to look top-notch all the time, which is why it’s such a classy place. “The planters out front need to be watered,” he says to me. “And the laundry room door is squeaking. Maybe you could oil it.”

Charlie is short and has thinning brown hair. He wears a suit every day and moves like he’s always in a rush. Personally, I think he should stop and talk to the old people more often. But Grandpa says he’s an administrator, not a caregiver and there’s a big difference. “Charlie has to drive the bus. It’s Mary Rose’s job to look after the passengers.”

“What’s your job?” I asked, grinning.

“I keep the engine running,” he said, and winked at me. Lately, Charlie’s always rushing off to meetings, so I’m surprised when he stops in the hallway and looks me in the eye. “Your grandpa was telling me what an independent worker you are. He says the residents are just as happy to see you with a tool kit as him. It’s nice to see a young person eager to learn.”

Charlie hardly ever talks to me. It makes me worried he’s buttering me up before he fires Grandpa. “Grandpa’s just being nice. He’s the one with all the skill.”

“No doubt there,” Charlie says. “You’ll always be welcome here, Austin, whether your grandpa’s here or not.”

I stare at him as he waves goodbye to me and to Louise, who’s at reception. A sick feeling churns in my gut. It’s the same feeling I had earlier today when I looked at the science test I barely studied for. “Did you hear what he said?” I ask Louise.

“Charlie?” she asks, flipping through pages on a clipboard. “I don’t listen to half of what he says.”

“He’s going to fire him.”

“Fire who?” She puts the clipboard down and gives me her full attention. “Austin, are you okay?”

“He’s going to fire Grandpa.”

Louise’s eyes double in size. “He’s gonna what?”

“I found the job posting on his desk,” I say miserably. I wish I’d never found it. Knowing and not being able to tell Grandpa is like not being able to spit a bad taste out of my mouth.

“Why would he fire Phillip?”

“Because he’s old. He could probably hire someone younger for half the money.”

Louise pulls up a stool to the reception and plunks down on it. I rest my head in my hands. “Did you say anything to Phillip?” she asks me.

“No.”

“Good. You leave this with me. I’ll get to the bottom of it. No one’s getting rid of your grandpa without my say-so. You got that?” She fixes me with one of her no-nonsense looks, the kind that the residents know not to mess with.

All I can do is give a weak nod.

“Austin!” Mr. Santos bursts out of his room waving a newspaper.

“He’s been waiting for you all afternoon,” Louise whispers. “Won’t even tell me the clue. Said you’re the only one he asks for help.”

“Apple with buds. Four letters. Ends with a D. I think.”

I don’t have to think very long before I say, “iPod?” He stands at the desk and writes in the letters.

“I could have got that one,” Louise mutters to me under her breath. “Crossword genius, my heinie.”