Page 66 of The Deals We Make

Melanie fills the void. “Hey, Barb. It’s so good to meet you.”

She waits until Mom looks at her.

“And you,” Mom says finally.

“You have a lovely home,” Melanie says. It’s a lie. I see what Melanie sees. It’s clean, a little shabby, and I’m terrified it will scare Melanie off. Thankfully, it no longer smells stale in here. And it’s warm rather than the frigid cold it was when I arrived.

But it’s still got the lingering energy of a neglected and abused home.

“It needs some paint,” Mom says finally.

“What color?” Melanie asks.

“I like yellow,” Mom replies.

How did I not know that? You think there would be some fairly basic things you would know about your family. Their date of birth. The color of their eyes. Foods they dislike and love. Their favorite colors.

I have no idea about the last two things.

“Oh, a sunshine color. It would look good in a room like this. We could paint it together.”

Both Mom and I look at Melanie.

“I love DIY, and I’m saving for my own home someday so I can do as much as I want. It would take nothing to get some paint and some supplies to do it right.”

I should give Melanie a budget, or maybe even a credit card, to use to buy anything Mom needs. I turn my phone back on andstart a list of things required to help Melanie settle. “That’s such a good idea.”

“Hmm,” Mom says. “Can we put the television back on? I’m missing my show.”

Melanie smiles. “That would be fine with me.”

I do as Mom asked and tip my head to the upstairs. Melanie follows, and I show her Mom’s room first, and then the spare room. “This would be yours. I’ve got a new mattress for the bed being delivered this afternoon. If you like DIY, feel free to do whatever to the room to make it yours. It’s not a massive room, but if you’d prefer some extra furniture, like a soft chair or something, I could give you a budget and you can get it yourself.”

“Thank you. An armchair for that corner over there and perhaps some bookshelves would be absolutely perfect. I have a lot of romance books, and I’d love a spot to put them. They’re my escape.” Melanie steps up to the window and takes a look out over the long yard. “I think we could have some fun out there in the summer.”

“You’ll take the job?” I ask.

Melanie nods. “I’d love to take it. Does she always watch television?”

“As far as I’ve noticed since I arrived, yes.”

“Then we’ll work to enrich her day. It might take time and some adjustment, but we’ll get there. She’ll be in safe hands. I’d be fine if you wanted to put cameras anywhere outside my own personal space if that would make you feel more comfortable.”

I think of Vex and smile. “I know someone who could do that. But are you sure it’s not too invasive?”

“Elder abuse is a thing. You’re trusting me with your mom from a long distance away. If you start criticizing the way I butter the toast, we might have words,” she says, a broad smile on her face. “But I completely understand the need for you to see I’m treating your mom fairly and kindly.”

“Honestly, I’ll just be looking for reassurance Mom’s eating and moving and not hoarding anymore.”

Melanie walks over to me. “You know, she won’t stop hoarding just because you’ve cleaned the house.”

I sigh. “I know. But I’m kind of hoping she’ll try.”

“I’ll work with her. But you might want to speak with a psychologist about working with her too. I’ll try to figure out a way to work with her to make different decisions about what she wants to keep.”

“Thank you so much, Melanie. I’ve got such a good feeling about you.”

I walk her to the door and we discuss a few extra logistics, like when she can start, which I’m thrilled to find is right away. I offer her a key to the house, and she makes plans to move her things in today and be here for when the mattress is delivered.