Real Men Knit(69)

Kerry stayed quiet, readying herself to greet the kids, but Val’s voice stopped her. “It’s just that Jesse really isn’t the type to not take things all the way. I mean, his track record is pretty much get in and get out. Or get in and in and in again. But he’s definitely not one to hesitate, not once the horse is out of the gate.”

“And your point is?”

Val shrugged. “I don’t have one, really. I’m just thinking that this is interesting and maybe wondering, what could be different about his feelings for you that he wants to take things slow?”

Kerry was about to tell Val she was wasting her time and totally overthinking it, but the kids came in, saving her from saying words she knew she might have to eat later anyway.



* * *





Kerry knew it would be hard on the kids being in the shop without Mama Joy, so she was grateful for the fact that they still had a small group to make the trip today.

Each of the children had gotten permission from their parents, who all knew of Mama Joy’s passing away, so there would be no angry letters sent to the center later. At least Kerry hoped so. You still never knew. But she’d tried her best with due diligence to avoid surprises. She didn’t want to disappoint the kids who already had projects in the works and were looking forward to the outing. There were nine girls and three boys on this field trip, including Errol, who had once again made a tangle of his scarf. He had his brown paper bag clenched too tightly in his hand. He was clearly excited to head to the shop, but oddly still showing some of his old suppression.

On their way out, Imara Webb’s father, Gabriel, had stopped by the class and asked where the shop was, saying he might stop by to pick up his daughter. With him shadowing Linda and the rumors that he might take over her job, Kerry couldn’t do more than give the address and welcome him.

“That’s odd,” Val said.

“You think?” Kerry said, and shrugged. “He more than likely just wants to pick Imara up on their way home, like he said. Why are you reading more into it?”

Val frowned after Gabriel’s retreating form. “You know me, I side-eye first.”

Kerry laughed. “It didn’t look like you were side-eyeing when you were just smiling in his face.”

Val shook her head. “I wasn’t smiling. That’s what you call good old-fashioned ‘sucking up for job security.’ Word on the street is that ol’ Linda is out, and if she is out, then who knows what other shake-ups could be in store around here. I don’t want to leave this job.” Kerry caught the worry in her voice. It wasn’t just about a job or financial security for Val. She’d lost a lot in her life, and though she always acted carefree and like the life of the party, she was a lot more fragile than she let on. She really did care for the center and the kids it served. Val was often the first to arrive and one of the last to leave, making sure any late stragglers were picked up and being the first to know when there was a problem with one of the kids.

Kerry reached out and patted her friend’s hand. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine here. Your place is secure. All you do for this place won’t be overlooked.” At that point, they both heard Alison singing loudly as she walked past on the way to her office. “Well, not for much longer,” Kerry added.



* * *





They arrived at the shop, and Kerry was momentarily stunned at Jesse’s meticulous preparation. He’d followed her directions to a T and then gone above and beyond. The places for the kids were set with easy-to-knit yarns for them to choose from for new projects, plus easy-to-follow instructions for a beginner scarf or a more advanced infinity scarf. There were sets of size eight straight and circular needles for the kids to choose from. All in all, she could not have been more impressed.

She’d only planned on the simple scarf and was going to give the children only two yarn choices. She loved that he’d gone further into their stock to find these yarns. But she was perplexed by the mini tree with lovely birch branches that was also in the middle of the table.

“I thought we’d work a yarn tree today,” Jesse went on to explain. He took out his tablet and proceeded to show the kids photos of small trees made into colorful creations by being wrapped in yarn. The kids where mesmerized. Kerry didn’t know if was the pretty photos or Jesse’s expert explanation and delivery. The man definitely had a way with words, and she could see that the years of watching Mama Joy interact with children had not been wasted. He was a natural.

“Do you think we can make ours look as pretty as those? What if we mess up?” Mercedes Reid asked.

Jesse smiled at her and shook his head. “Don’t worry, you can’t make a mistake,” he explained to the children. “No matter what you choose, I’m sure it will turn out beautifully.”

“Even if I put this pink with this green?” Maya Parker asked him.

“Especially if you put that pink with that green. As a matter of fact, I think it should be put on that left branch. It would look great there. Have Ms. Val help you. She’s not the best knitter, but this is a project that even she can do.” Jesse teased Val as he explained his decorated tree idea, which he planned to use for a window display.

The kids did a beautiful job decorating the little yarn tree, and Kerry knew it would look great in the shop. She decided to snap a few photos for potential promo and to commemorate the moment for the kids. She made a note to ask the parents later for permission to post it.