Alain's gaze shot to Aubrey and then back to Serge before he schooled his expression. She could sense Serge's need to see and connect with his brother again.
Leaning close, she kissed his cheek and whispered, "Visit while I make dinner. Then, you both can sit down and enjoy a meal together."
She got up, surprised when Serge let her walk into the kitchen without an argument. Equally surprised when he took his brother into the living room and left her alone to cook.
Her throat tightened. She was right.
Serge needed his brother. He may never admit it, but she could sense the pride coming off him when his brother apologized.
They'd be okay.
Chapter Twenty Five
Greg, Vic, Jerome,Kenneth, and David huddled around Aubrey. She could hardly look them in the eyes. As hard as she tried, she had no money to open the shelter tonight. She'd stretched the supplies until there wasn't enough for half the people seeking help.
"How long will the shelter remain closed?" Jerome bent the bill of his baseball cap and slipped it onto his head.
Her guilt intensified. She employed men who relied on her keeping the shelter open, so they'd have a roof over their head each night. The small amount of money they received for working gave them their dignity back.
She felt awful.
"I'm going straight home and working until I find a grant and can drum up some donations. Hopefully, but next month I'll have enough resources." Her voice cracked.
Kenneth shook his head and walked out of the meeting. Behind her, the front door closed. He wasn't the only one who left. She'd told the others she employed earlier, and received the same response. They were disappointed in her.
She wanted to run after him and offer to let him stay at her house, but she knew that would only add to the problem.
All she had to blame was herself.
She got caught up in her relationship with Serge and let everything fall to the side. Her house needed attention, the shelter needed more money, and everything fell on her shoulders while she lived with Serge and centered her life around him.
That's not how she wanted to live. She owed it to the others to fulfill her promise and ensure the shelter was open for them.
She needed to find a balance.
"I'm sorry." She swallowed hard. "As soon as I figure out a way to open again, you'll all be the first to know."
