Friday
Surprisingly, I slept soundly. I hadn’t expected to after the revelations of the previous night and I was grateful for it. Apparently, the human mind is only capable of processing overwhelming experiences in small quantities. At least, that seemed true for me, since I managed to block out all the troubling thoughts and memories quite successfully as soon as my head hit the pillow. When the alarm buzzed at six a.m., I arose without hitting the snooze button, feeling unexpectedly refreshed.
I was anxious to call the parent company with Nora to discuss the plan for Robby, and even more anxious to see Mrs. Cortes and learn what she’d found out about my proposition. The phone call would have to wait, since the main office wouldn’t be open until eight, but I was hopeful Mrs. Cortes would arrive early for her breakfast with Robby.
I dressed quickly and stepped out into the hallway. I could already hear the children up and about, dressing, making their beds and readying for morning group. I made my way past the common area and headed for the kitchen in search of coffee. Mrs. Huffman was there, supervising the breakfast preparations. I greeted her on my way to the coffee pot.
“Good morning,” she returned the greeting, coming to stand beside me. “Did you manage to sleep okay?” Her tone was apologetic.
“I did,” I assured her. “You?”
“Not so much,” she admitted, giving me a wry smile. “Ms. McIntosh....”
I interrupted her. “Why don’t you just call me Jessie? It seems a little odd, under the circumstances, being referred to as Ms. McIntosh. Wouldn’t you agree? And if it’s okay with the two of you, I’ll call you by your first names as well. It’s a little late in the game for Mom and Dad, but Mr. and Mrs. Huffman doesn’t feel right, either.”
She broke into a genuine smile then, and I realized it was the first time I’d ever seen it. It made a world of difference. “Yes, that would be nice,” she agreed, and then just as quickly the smile disappeared. “I need to let you know we really are sorry for dumping all this on you. Like Richard said last night, we never could figure out exactly how we should tell you, but last night probably wasn’t the best way.”
I shrugged. “Last night was a little overwhelming, I have to admit,” I told her, “but I don’t know that there would have ever been a right time or a right place. Obviously, we’ll talk more at some point when things have quieted down. And there’s still the sample you had wanted. I’ll certainly cooperate with that. For now,” I glanced out at the dining room, “let’s just concentrate on making this a great day for the kids. What can I help you with?”
She looked relieved. “I’ll take all the help I can get,” she said. “We’re going buffet style this morning, with all the company coming. Would you mind setting the plates and flatware out at the end of that counter?”
I was happy to help, not only because she needed it but also because it kept me occupied while waiting on Mrs. Cortes to show up. Opal had just set the last steaming bin of eggs on the buffet when I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Cortes through the doorway to the common area.
“Are you all set?” I asked Opal. “If you are, there’s a caseworker out there I need to speak with.”
“I believe we are,” she answered, “and I thank you for your help.”
“You’re very welcome,” I told her. “I’ll be back in a couple of weeks and we’ll talk more then and figure out how to go about getting tested.”
“You have a safe trip,” she replied. “We’ll look forward to seeing you when you get back.”
I hung up my apron and made my way to Mrs. Cortes, where she stood quietly observing morning group. She turned as I approached and I could tell by her expression the news was good. Before I could prepare myself, she grabbed me in a hug.
“It’s a go!” she said, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
“On our end, anyway,” she continued. “Oh, Ms. McIntosh, this is just the best thing that could have happened. The Sloans are so happy they don’t have to give him up, and the agency is thrilled with the whole idea. You’re brilliant!” She let me go and stepped back, clasping her hands in front of her. “I can’t wait to tell Robby.”
I couldn’t wait either, but we had to until we got clearance on our end. I checked my watch. It was just before seven. Parents were beginning to show up, sitting with their children, chatting with each other, talking with Mr. Paul and Ms. Janice.
“One more hour,” I told her. “Nora and I are going to call the executive director as soon as the office opens. Keep your fingers crossed.”
“Fingers and toes, both,” she said. “We’ve got some paperwork to do, of course, and a contract you’ll have to sign, but as soon as you give me the go ahead, we’re set.”
“In the meantime,” I told her, “I’ve got to stay busy or I’ll go nuts. Are you ready to join the group?”
“I am,” she said. “I’ve got to meet Joseph’s family. He’s been begging me to let Robby come for an overnight. They’ve bonded over Ninja Turtles.”
I laughed. “Then let’s get to it.” I followed her into the common area.
I spent the next fifty-five minutes meeting the parents of the children and answering questions. They were very gracious, thanking me for opening the Lodge and asking if their children could at some point return. Marcus’ mother had brought all the staff a thank you card and a flower.
“It’s such a wonderful thing you’re doing,” she said. “We love our children; you know that. But sometimes we desperately need a break, just to recharge, you know? This week has meant the world to Marcus and me. Thank you.”
“It’s meant the world to us, too,” Ms. Janice told her. “We love the kids, all of them, and Marcus is such a sweetheart.” We all glanced over to where Marcus sat laughing at Stacey’s attempt to scoop eggs onto a piece of toast. As we watched, Robby reached over to help her.
It was true, what Janice had said. We did love all the kids. I did love all the kids. I looked forward to keeping up with them and hoped they would follow through and come back again at some point in the future. I was already thinking a yearly reunion might be a fun idea. I’d have to mention it to Nora.
And at some point, I needed to thank Robby. By alerting me to the true identity of the Huffmans, he’d unlocked the key to my past in such a monumental way I wasn’t sure I’d ever wrap my head around all of it. It was quite a gift he’d given me, and I wanted him to know that.
I checked my watch: seven-fifty-five. Time for the call, thank goodness. I excused myself and rushed across the lot to Nora’s office. She was waiting for me.
“Ready?” she asked, and I nodded.
Her instincts had proven correct, and she was able to catch the director before anyone else snagged him. Setting the phone on speaker, she explained my proposal. To my relief he was not only supportive, but quite enthusiastic about the idea.
“I don’t see any problems with that at all,” he said, “as long as the Department is okay with it. In fact, I think that’s a nice, creative way to use the Lodge.” After instructing Nora to draw up a contract for me to sign, he asked how the parent visits were going, wished us a good day, and ended the call.
I couldn’t believe it had been so easy, and I was so giddy I could hardly stand myself.