“How much do you have?” she asked, trying to remember exactly how much was missing.
Melissa swallowed and raised her head. There were tears in her eyes, and a look of both defiance and shame. “One hundred and twenty dollars.”
“Did you have a goal in mind? An amount that would make you feel safe?”
The girl shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe two hundred dollars.”
From a fourteen-year-old’s perspective, that probably was enough. Reality was very different.
“I should be giving you and Abby an allowance,” Liz told her. “I didn’t even think of it. Let’s talk later, when your sister is up. You’ll get it weekly. That will be for spending money.” She hesitated, not sure how to handle the stealing, but determined to do what felt right.
“I’ll give you the rest of the money you need so that you have two hundred dollars. We’ll put it in a safe place that only you and I know about. It will be there to make you feel safe. In return, you’ll stop stealing from me. Agreed?”
The defiance faded. “You’re not mad?”
“I’m disappointed, which is different. I understand why you took the money, but that doesn’t make it right.”
“So I’m still going to be punished.”
Liz hid a smile. “I think it’s important to be consistent.”
“There are always consequences,” Melissa grumbled with a sigh. Her gaze drifted to her nightstand. “Probably my cell phone would be the worst. For…” She sucked in a breath. “A week.”
Her voice was barely a whisper and more tears filled her eyes. Liz felt relief at the words. From what she could tell, Melissa was going to grow up to be an amazing person. She would try to remember that the next time her niece went off on her about the whole moving thing.
“I think two days is plenty,” Liz said. “On one condition.”
“Which is?” Melissa sounded relieved and a little wary.
“We’re going to be staying in town for a few weeks while the work is done on the house. I’ve signed up all three of you for the new day camp. End Zone for Kids. I want you to help me convince Abby and Tyler this will be fun for them.”
Defiance won over relief. “I’m too old for camp. I’m practically in high school.”
“I know,” Liz agreed. “When I called to register Abby and Tyler, I learned they have a program for older kids. It’s sponsored by the university film school. Students are supposed to be in high school to get in, but I convinced them you were mature and more than ready for the experience. I don’t know exactly what’s involved. I think you learn about making movies. Everything from writing scripts to acting. Unless you think that would be too boring.”
Melissa jumped to her feet, her face bright with excitement. “Really? I get to do that? Learn all about it and maybe be in a movie?”
“That’s what they said.”
“I would love that.”
“Good. Then you’ll help with convincing Abby and Tyler?”
“Sure.” Melissa picked up her cell. “I have to call Tiffany and…” The light faded. “I guess I’ll tell them in a couple of days,” she corrected as she handed over the phone.
Liz took it and put it in her pocket. “Thanks. Want to wake up your sister while I tackle Tyler?”
Melissa nodded. “What time do we leave?”
“Eight-thirty. Abby and Tyler are in a computer animation class. I hope they like it.”
“They’ll love it.”
Melissa turned to leave, then came back and hugged Liz. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “About taking the money.”
“Me, too, but I understand why you did it.” She put her hands on the girl’s shoulders. “I’m not going to walk away from you and Abby. I know it’s going to take time, but it would nice if you started to believe me.”
Melissa nodded. “Okay.” Then she left.
Liz watched her go, appreciating the temporary truce. It was just a matter of time until they were fighting about the move. Melissa wasn’t going to give in on that easily. Regardless, it wasn’t a battle the teen was going to win. There was absolutely nothing anyone could say or do to convince Liz that she was staying in Fool’s Gold. She might have to return for the signing and to deliver Tyler to his father every other weekend, but she would do everything in her power to never again call this place home.
LIZ PICKED OUT HER CHOICE FOR lunch in a matter of minutes. The barbecue chicken salad looked great. It was what to have with it that had her stumped.
“You look determined,” Pia noted from across the table. “Should I be worried?”
Liz forced a smile. With everything going on in her life these days, the last thing she’d wanted to do was have lunch with Pia. But the other woman had insisted and Liz hadn’t been able to say no.
“I’m fine,” she replied, trying to unclench her teeth. “Just a little stressed.”
“How’s it going with Roy’s daughters? Are they having trouble adjusting to you?”
“Among other things.”