Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin' by Mata Elliott Read Free Book Online

did.
    “Trevor said his secretary and her husband are as close as family, but they already had out-of-town guests, and he didn’t want to infringe. Initially, Trevor didn’t accept the invitation to live here, either. He went on about how his insurance company was going to put him and the children up in a hotel. But I reminded him that our house was close to the church, his job, and his house, and therefore, it would be convenient for him if he stayed here. I think the selling point was when I mentioned the children would probably be safer and happier in a loving home than some strange hotel.” Odessa had a complete white smile, since she had yet to remove her partial plates for the night. “The girls call me Grammy.”
    Cassidy could easily believe Trevor’s girls were fond of Odessa. She possessed a passionate love for God and life and people of all ages. Goodness seeped from her, sweetening the lives of all she touched.
    Odessa suddenly raised her hands the way she did in church. “Thank God Trevor and the children managed to get out of the house safely. Jesus, thank You . . .”
    As Odessa praised God for His mercy toward Trevor and his brood, Cassidy recalled it was just the spring of last year when Brenda Monroe was killed. It was a sad time for Charity Community, as Brenda was well liked. Cassidy had never befriended her, but they had worked together a few times in the church bookstore. Cassidy thought Brenda had a sweet personality, and she especially admired the way Brenda had cared for her little girls—and husband.
    “I’m sure Trevor will be paying you rent,” Cassidy said, returning to the present.
    “He most certainly will not. And don’t you dare ask him for any. He tried to give me money this morning, and I wouldn’t accept it. I did let him supply his own groceries, but that was only because I wasn’t sure we had what the girls are used to eating.” She finished her water and loosened the ice cubes lodged at the bottom of the glass with a shake. “Trevor offered to do the cooking while he was staying here. I told him we’d split it with him.” She sucked on a piece of ice, then spit it back into the glass, and it clinked against the other cubes. “He seems to be somewhat of a handyman. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the faucet no longer drips after you turn it off.”
    Cassidy glanced at the sink. She hadn’t noticed.
    “I just did catch the young man before he got his hands on my screen door,” Odessa continued. “I told him that slam was as much a part of the house as the foundation.” She smiled. “He did wash your car, though.”
    “So it wasn’t the rain?” Cassidy mumbled, heavy on the sarcasm.
    “Trevor took a look under the hood, too. He said he doesn’t know a whole lot about mechanics, but he has a friend who does that kind of work.” Odessa stood and walked to the sink with her glass. She dunked it in a basin of soapy water and washed it with a red-and-white-checkered cloth. “I’ve given the girls the third-floor bedroom and bathroom, and of course, I gave Trevor our guest room,” she said, placing the rinsed glass in the drainer. “If you’re uncomfortable sharing a bathroom with him, feel free to use the master bath in my room.”
    Cassidy tapped her index finger on the table, trailing Odessa with a cool gaze as she left the kitchen. Like a turtle coming out of its shell, Odessa poked her head back into the room. “I told him he could have the bottom shelf of your medicine cabinet. I hope you don’t mind.”
    Cassidy forced a smile of resignation as Odessa disappeared again. Her aunt had done what a Christian should, opening their home to those in need. But there was still a portion of Cassidy that was unhappy about it. She didn’t wish misfortune on anyone, but why couldn’t it have been Dunbar who needed a place to stay? He would have been a lot more fun to have around. She lifted her arm and admired the gold bracelet decorating her wrist. It