“I should get back to the trailer. Prue will be home soon. She usually crashes on the couch for a few hours until either Phoebe or I get up, then she takes one of our beds.” Admitting we can’t afford a bed for all my siblings makes me realize I can’t drag Jax into my messed-up life, and I can’t leave my family high and dry just for some guy, even though I know he’s more than that.
“I’ll meet you here again, tomorrow night, if you want.”
If I want.
Of course, I want to be with him every chance I can get, but I can’t risk continuing this relationship and ending up pregnant and alone, with another mouth to feed, repeating my mother’s mistakes.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I roll to my side, out of his arms, and scramble to my feet. “Thanks for the steak, and for tonight.” I rush back to the trailer to the sound of Jax calling my name. It isn’t until I’m safely inside the trailer that I let the tears fall.
“What’s got you all upset? Is it a man?” I jump at the sound of Prue’s voice coming from the couch. She sits up and motions for me to take a seat next to her. “Why don’t you tell me all about it. I can’t sleep anyway.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” I slump on the couch next to her, my heart shattering at the thought of losing Jax.
He was never mine to begin with. I have no reason to be so upset.
“Okay, suit yourself.” Prue pulls her knees to her chest and rests her head on them. Even in the room’s darkness, I can see the sadness in her eyes. “I’ve been offered a promotion at work.” Oh, no, this isn’t good. Prue is a waitress at a strip club. The only promotion available to a waitress is to become a stripper.
“Oh, Prue, you can’t take it.” I wrap my arms around her and pull her closer. “I’ll pick up extra shifts at the diner.” The last thing I want is for my sister to have to take off her clothes for money.
“I appreciate that, Piper, but we need more money, and we need it fast. Football practice is right around the corner, and Jonah needs new shoes.”
“But.” I start to say, but she pulls out of my embrace and holds up a hand.
“No buts about it. We need the money—it’s just dancing. I promise I’m not going to do any of the other things some dancers offer.” The promise hangs heavy in the air. We will always need more and more money. I know for a fact that Prue will dowhatever it takes to get us the money, even sell her body if necessary. I know this because I would do the same for those I love. “My first shift as a dancer is Friday night.” She stands and makes her way to the door. “I need some fresh air.” She opens the front door and steps into the first rays of the morning sun, leaving me cursing the life the universe has dumped on my sisters and me.
