Read Online I Wish by Elizabeth Langston - Free Book Online Page A

you think he was?” my mother asked.
    “Older than eighteen.”
    She chewed on a thumbnail. “Why aren’t you in high school, Grant?”
    “I’ve already graduated.”
    “Are you planning to go to college?”
    “There would be no point.”
    Wow, we were straying off course. I had to stop the questions before Mr. Honesty ruined everything. “Mom, could you quit the inquisition? Grant’s here to help, and he’s free. Can’t we leave it at that?”
    “Are we some kind of charity project to him?”
    “Hardly, especially since our family doesn’t accept charity.” This conversation was making me itchy. It had to end. “He works for a group like the Peace Corps. We’re doing him a favor. He doesn’t stand to gain anything.”
    Grant suppressed a sigh. “You’re mistaken, Chief. I hope to receive a promotion after your case.”
    I rounded on him. “A promotion?”
    “You didn’t know about that, did you?” Mom sniffed in vindication.
    “I did not .”
    He took a step closer to her and smiled. “Are you displeased with the quality of my work, Mrs. Jones?”
    She blinked several times. Then slowly, deliberately, my mother surveyed the yard, giving each flower bed and bush her full attention. Her gaze rested longest on the wrought-iron bench under a cluster of trees, a favorite spot of hers and Josh’s. There was nothing fuzzy about her scrutiny. She was really here. Really thinking about this issue. “No, you’ve done a wonderful job.”
    “Thank you.” He held out his hand. “Trust me, there is no charge.”
    She clasped his hand. “Okay, then, but you must let me do something in return…”
    As her tension melted away, mine rose. I looked from her to him and back again. She was acting normal. It was oddly upsetting. Why couldn’t she act normal when it was just me?
    “…would you like to eat with us tonight?”
    I gasped a loud “ No .”
    “Indeed, I would,” he said over me.
    My mother frowned at me. “Lacey, where are your manners?” She nodded toward Grant. “We’ll see you around six,” she said and then hurried toward the house. The screen door slammed behind her with a thwack .
    I was frozen with shock. How had things gone so out of control?
    Grant bent over the mower. It roared to life.
    “I’m not done with you,” I yelled.
    He straightened. “Yes, Chief?”
    “Did I hear you right? Are you getting a promotion because of me?”
    “Not at all. There are skills I’m expected to learn on this assignment. I shall receive a promotion based on my performance. You are incidental.”
    I let this new piece of data sink into my brain, feeling more stupid the deeper it settled. I’d been naïve enough to think that I mattered. But no.
    Why did this knowledge hurt me so much? Why should I care that I was nothing more than a stepping stone? Either way, my family benefited. “Nice. Glad we could be of service.”
    His mouth tightened. “May I finish the lawn?”
    “Not yet.” Even though Grant had executed this wish perfectly, this day had turned into an epic disaster. I didn’t want him hanging out with them. Henry craved the kind of guy-attention he couldn’t get from us. And Mom? She was fragile in every way possible. They might make the mistake of caring for Grant, and in a month he’d move on to his next project. “I need you to avoid Mom and Henry. Understand?”
    “Certainly, I understand.” His eyes glittered. “I am, however, under no obligation to follow your instructions.”
    “I thought I was the mistress.”
    “For one wish per day. Otherwise, your whims have no effect.”
    He gave the mower a push and left me in a cloud of dust.

Status Report #6
Wednesday’s Wish: Landscaping
    Dear Boss,
    I acquired and distributed pine straw around the flower beds. It was more than Chief asked for, but I didn’t mind the effort. If that is how generosity feels, it is quite an intriguing sensation.
    I had to barter for the pine straw. Mrs. Williford is a kind but lonely