Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) by Mitzi Pool Bridges

clothes.”
    “It’s almost time for bed.”
    “That’s not the point.”
    Emma glared.
    “You want to get well, don’t you?”
    “Either I will or I won’t.”
    Nellie sneaked at look at Dani. She looked shell-shocked. Emma was being her cantankerous self, but deep down Nellie thought that these two lost women would be good for one another.
    The question was, would they give each other a chance?

Chapter Six
    The look on Dani’s face was one of denial. As if she couldn’t believe she was here, much less be expected to clean a place that was obviously dirty, plus take care of a woman who didn’t want anyone’s help. But the girl needed work. If Emma would agree, the work wouldn’t be that difficult.
    But Emma’s face showed nothing but displeasure at the whole situation.
    This will definitely not be easy.
    “Can I talk to you privately, Dani?”
    Dani shrugged. Her steps brisk, she led the way into the hall. It was as if she couldn’t wait to get away. Nellie looked around at the clutter, the dust.
    In the young girl’s eyes, this place must look a disaster.
    Yes, the house needed a thorough cleaning. Though Emma could afford outside help, she’d always taken care of her home on her own. Since her surgery, the house gathered dust while its owner wallowed in self-pity. Maybe it wasn’t pity, maybe depression. But if something wasn’t done soon, Emma would continue her downhill spiral. She was too young. To some, seventy was old. To others it was the new fifties.
    This place had once been the pride of Oaktree, with its spacious rooms, the big oak that shaded the front yard, the bright flowers surrounding the house that made it look welcoming. The occupant’s cheerful and generous demeanor only added to the charm. Her love of gossip made her vocal and friendly.
    That was another era. Today, Emma’s home was neglected, and the owner didn’t care about anything, much less the latest gossip.
    In Nellie’s opinion, a younger person was just what Emma needed. With a silent sigh, Nellie knew she would have to convince them both. Perhaps she should back off and let Dani find her own way. But Nellie wanted to help. And Emma needed someone in the worst possible way.
    “What are you thinking? That I can take care of her?” Dani pointed to the living room, her blue eyes dark and flashing with hurt. “She’s not a very nice person, and this place is a mess. Am I supposed to clean and put up with her griping, too?”
    Nellie leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “That’s up to you. You would have room and board, so there would be no living expenses. Plus, she would pay you a generous salary. I thought it might be a way to earn money and help someone who very badly needs the help.”
    “She doesn’t want help from anyone. Didn’t you hear her? She’d rather be by herself.”
    “Look around. Do you think her way is working? She’s probably depressed. Since her accident she’s been in a wheelchair. No one can get her to do the therapy she needs. I thought a young person like yourself could get her moving again. But maybe I’m wrong about both of you.” Nellie turned away. “I’ll tell Emma this was a mistake, and we can go home.”
    Before she reached the living room, Dani called out, “Wait.”
    Turning back, Nellie saw the uncertainty in the girl’s posture, her slumped shoulders, and eyes wide with apprehension. She walked over to Dani and took her hand. “It wouldn’t be as bad as you think. That is, if you want to give it a try. Once you get the place cleaned up it will be easier to handle.”
    Dani looked as if she wanted to cry. Nellie’s heart went out to her. This was totally opposite of what her life had been.
    “Okay. If she wants me, I’ll try.” She straightened her spine. “But if she’s impossible, I’m out of here.”
    “I understand. Now, if you’ll wait out here, I’ll talk to Emma.”
    “If I can’t get this awful smell out of this house, I quit already. It