Page 38 of The Arrangement

Mimi closes her eyes briefly and sighs softly.

“Her mama, my daughter, was sick with colon cancer for three years,” Mimi says. “Chloe took care of her. She took classes when she could and worked two jobs when she had to, but that little granddaughter of mine never complained. Not once. And when my Beatrice passed,God love her soul, Chloe was holding her hand and singing to her.”

Fuck.My hands wring together as I endure the wrenching in my chest.

“Then she moved me in with her despite my objections,” she says, chuckling to herself. “I told her I would go to a nursing home, but she wouldn’t stand for it.” Mimi’s head rolls to the side so she’s facing me. “Chloe gives up her life to take care of me. She lives here to make it work. With her debt from taking care of her mama, student and personal loans, and the cost of just trying to live right now, it’s killing her.And she doesn’t say a word.”

The last sentence is nothing above a whisper. Yet she may as well have shouted it.

I knew Chloe was strong and determined. I’m aware that she’s sweet, genuine, and kind. But I had no idea that she was going through so much personally.

Guilt riddles me.

How do I call her a friend and not know this about her? How could I have missed the signs? Why hasn’t she said anything to me or asked for my help?

I still.It seems she’s used to being the one doing the caring, not the other way around.

“Greta’s helping me get a plan in place to move into a nursing facility,” Mimi says, her voice clear.

“Have you talked to your granddaughter about that?”

“No. She’ll fight me on it. And I know she’ll be unhappy for a while, but it’s best for her.” Tears gather in the corners of her eyes. “I’m the only person on this planet who loves her and would do anything for her. And the best thing I can do for her is give her life back.”

A lump lodges in my throat as I reach across the space between us. I take her shaky hand in mine and give it a gentle squeeze.

“If Chloe’s upset in the next couple of weeks, that’s why,” Mimi says. “I’d appreciate you giving her a little grace.”

Damn.

I’ve fought in wars. Lost friends. Watched a man try to murder my mother.

Through it all, I was as cool as a cucumber.

So why am I fighting back tears over a woman I barely know?

Fuck this shit. I need to get out of here.

“I will absolutely give her grace,” I say. “Please don’t worry about that.”

“And don’t let her worry about me. Hell, I’ll be able to go outside there and breathe the fresh air. Feel the sunshine on my face. Might even get to smell a flower now and again.”

I’m in awe by the simple things that Mimi clearly misses—things I certainly take for granted.Fresh air. The sunshine onher face. The scent of a flower. Yet this woman, who is both opinionated and sweet, isn’t complaining.

The apple doesn’t fall far from that tree, it seems.

Maybe there is something Icando.

“Can I do anything for you, Mimi?”

She waves a bruised hand through the air. “Just keep an eye on my sweet girl.”

I stand, needing a bit of fresh air, too. I’m not sure what to make of this information. Helplessness is not something I do well.

“I need to get going, Mimi. I have a few appointments this morning.”

She looks at me and nods as if she’s sad to see me go.

I sigh.I can’t just leave her like this. “Can I give you my phone number? You know, just in case you ever need anything?”