Me & My Invisible Guy (32 page)

We had to stay open nearly two hours later than we’d planned because of the sheer amount of people who came by. We received unbelievable donations. Once we had packed up the equipment and tables, we looked out over the mounds of toys, many of them brand-new.

Tammy, the woman who ran the shelter, shook her head. “Way more than what we need at Hope House. But I can already think of more places that could use some presents for families. I’ll start making some calls.”

We had a week in the building to get all of the toys distributed, so I knew we had time to find a place for everything. We were going to make a lot of kids happy.

Tess came over, the clipboard now gone and happy exhaustion on her face. “Hey, how much money did we make?” she asked.

“Three times what we need for the uniforms.”

“Good. Then we can give it to Hope House or even the homeless shelter….”

“Tess. We already voted on what to do with the extra money.”

“Who voted? Nobody told me about a vote.” Tess put her hands on her hips.

“The whole squad.” I waved the girls over. “We want you to have it.”

“No way. I can’t do that.”

“Yes, you can. And you won’t argue with us,” I said.

Tess pressed her hand to her mouth, and tears welled up in her eyes. The squad surrounded Tess, clapping, hugging, and encouraging her.

When they dispersed and it was just the two of us again, I handed her the envelope of money.

“How did you…,” she started.

“The Bakers told me that you’ve got a stack of medical bills for your mom at home, and I know it probably won’t solve the whole thing, but it will help. No one knows the details—I was very careful. But when I said you needed some help, it was unanimous.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything.”

“So now I’m a charity case?” she said.

“Look at it this way. At least you’re not the Virgin Queen of North County.”

“Good point.” She laughed.

I joined in, realizing that Tess was right again.

The whole thing was kind of funny. Now.