Save Me Read Free Page B

Why would she agree to that,” I said slightly annoyed.  It was a nice gesture of him, but why was he doing this? People are not that nice.
    “Grace, she is a very caring person.  She genuinely wants to help you, I told her about your situation and she wants to help.”  My situation, he was really starting to piss me off. 
    “And what situation would that be Oli?”  I felt my face go as red as tomato.
    “No, Grace let me explain,  I told her that you were new in town, that you did not know anyone and managed to get a job, but was in need of a sitter for Annabelle.  She really loves kids and her husband is the supervisor at the glass factory the next town over.  He makes enough money that she does not have to work.  She enjoys being with the kids, she wouldn’t even charge you a dime.” 
    Oh, now I just felt bad.  Why was I so rude?  “Oh, I couldn’t let her do this for free; I have some money saved up, I can pay her,” I said eagerly.  “Well you can try, but I doubt she will take it.  She is stubborn and wants to help you.  So don’t be surprised if she puts her hands up and says no when you try and pay her.” 
    I felt so grateful to the people in this town.  I had not met many, but they were all so generous.  I guess that is why I am so paranoid.  Where I am from, no good deed comes without having to return something to the giver.  I was happy, happy to accept the help.
    “Ok well do you think I could drop by her house around nine tomorrow morning?  I have to be in to help Gloria around ten and that would give me time to meet your sister and see if Annabelle is comfortable.”  He smiled and sighed at the same time.
    “Of course, I will tell her that you will be there around nine.”  He handed me a folded piece of paper with an address on it.  “This is her address.  Her name is Maggie, she will be so happy to see you.”  I was happy that she was so excited.
    “Ok thanks Oli, I really appreciate all of your help.  I don’t really know why everyone is going to such trouble to help me, but I appreciate it.” 
    I opened the door to the car and climbed out.  Oliver followed behind me and reached in to help pick up Annabelle and carry her in.  It was almost six pm, I wanted to wake her up to feed her dinner, but I could not bring myself to do it.  She had been traveling with me for weeks, not sleeping in a bed every night and I could not take it if she was over tired. Oliver looked so comfortable and natural holding Belle. It was comforting.
                   We walked up to the front door and I unlocked the door with the key. We walked in and Oliver said, “I can put her in her bed for you if you’d like.”  I smiled because it was so nice of him. “Sure that would be nice, thanks.”
                  Once Annabelle was tucked in bed, I came back into the kitchen and Oliver was standing by the back door.  “Well I guess I will be on my way then.”  I do not know why, but my mouth was faster than my brain and I said, “Oli, do you want to stay for some coffee or tea?  Or I could make some dinner if you are hungry?”  He looked at me with surprised eyes. 
    “I actually already had dinner; I wouldn’t want you to go to the trouble.”  My head dropped, I felt almost, what?  Disappointed I guess, shake it off girl! I quickly told myself.  “But I would love some tea!”  Oh, thank goodness.  That would have been awkward.  I smiled and nodded toward the kitchen.
    “Sure.  Let me get the kettle.”  I reached up to the top of the fridge and tried to reach it.  I was a hopeless 5’3 and it sucked.  I was struggling and I think Oliver could tell.  I heard him let out a small laugh.  Then he reached behind me to help me grab it, it startled me and I jumped when his arm brushed up to my face.  Oliver could tell I was frightened by the way he pulled his hand back.
    “Grace I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you; I was just