Chapter 19
She did not quit her cleaning jobs.
Arthur did not become our grandfather.
We did not move into his mansion.
Real life kept asking ordinary questions.
Who would watch Annie while Grace attended evening classes?
Could Grace work enough hours to cover rent?
Was the trust valid after all those years?
Would her old high-school credits allow her to complete the requirements she needed?
The mystery of the past had been easier than the paperwork of the future.
In November, Grace met with a counselor at Cuyahoga Community College.
Arthur offered to drive her.
She said no.
Helen drove her instead.
When Grace returned, she placed three folders on the kitchen table.
“What happened?” I asked.
She tried not to smile.
“I have to finish two prerequisite courses.”
“That sounds bad.”
“It’s good.”
“How?”
“Because after that, I can apply to the nursing program.”
Annie jumped up.
“So you’re going?”
Grace’s smile disappeared slightly.
“I don’t know yet.”
“Why?”
“Because wanting something and being able to do it are different.”
That evening, she made a budget.
I watched her from across the table.
Rent.
Electricity.
Food.
Transportation.
Books.
Childcare.
Even with Eleanor’s trust covering tuition, the numbers didn’t quite work.
“We can help,” I said.
Grace immediately shook her head.
“No.”
“I already work for Arthur.”
“You garden for three hours on Saturdays.”
“I can do more.”
“You’re eleven.”
“That’s old enough to rake.”
“It is not old enough to support a household.”
I sat back.
She caught herself.
Then she smiled.
“Mom’s letter specifically covered this.”
“It did?”
“Maybe not raking.”
“What did it say?”
“That I should let you be your age.”
I couldn’t argue with Mom.
It seemed unfair.
Two days later, Arthur appeared at our apartment.
Grace nearly shut the door when she saw a folder in his hand.
“No.”
“I haven’t said anything.”
“You brought a folder.”
“It contains paper.”
“Arthur.”
He sighed.
“I would like you to consider a proposal.”
“No gifts.”
“It isn’t a gift.”
“No checks.”
“It isn’t a check.”
“No apartment.”
He looked offended.
“I have never offered you an apartment.”
“You were thinking about it.”
“I own several buildings.”
May you like
“Arthur.”
He lifted both hands.
