Page 67 of Animal Beats

“River? Is this really you?”

I sit up straight. I haven’t heard this voice for a decade. It can’t be. “Mother?”

“Oh, thank God, it is you.”

My eyes dart around the room. This doesn’t make any sense. “How did you get my number?”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we’re on the phone now. River, I’m at my wits end.”

I blink. “What are you talking about?”

She blurts, “I’m getting evicted. I only need five grand to stay in my apartment. You won’t even miss it.”

Money. She wants money. I haven’t heard from her in well over a decade, and she’s calling me because she needs money? “Forget it.” My thumb circles the red disconnect button.

“Wait! I don’t want this to end here! Your father forced me to leave you behind. I didn’t have a choice.” In a lower voice, she says, “I’ve missed you.”

Do I need to relitigate all the crap Pop has done? No. Do I need to let this woman back into my life? Also no. “Mother, that was a long time ago. I’m with UC now. You’re,” I pull the phone away from my face. “Doing whatever you’re doing.”

“I’m in Portland. I moved. I had to get out from under your father’s thumb. He was still trying to micromanage my life, even to this day.”

“Water under the bridge.”

“That’s not really true, but what isn’t going away is this eviction. I have to get my landlord off my back.”

Eviction? $5k? My head moves from right to left. “That’s your issue, not mine.”

“I know it is, River. I’m sorry. If I had anyone else to ask, believe me I would.”

Because I must be a glutton for punishment, I ask, “Why don’t you get a loan?”

“I need it too fast. I have to come up with the money by the end of the week.”

My eyes close. “Seems like you’re in a bad way. I can’t help you. Lose my number.”

“River—”

I disconnect the call.

My hands clench.

Hayden. There’s no other explanation to this mess. She must’ve given my biological mother my number since I certainly didn’t when I changed numbers after UC was signed.

Anger toward Hayden takes up all my headspace. I fling open the fridge, and—of course—all the alcohol is missing.

The boat won’t have her stupid restrictions.

I’m up and pacing the room when Hayden gets out of the shower. With practiced ease, I give her the once over. “You look good enough to eat.” I approach her and take the two kisses I’m owed. “Ready for the boat?”

She blinks several times. “Oh, right! Yes, I can’t wait.” I watch as she fills up her tote with sunscreen, lip gloss, and a change of clothes. Once her feet are in flip-flops, I join her at the door.

It’s a short trip to the dock, although I’m fuming the entire time. Not even the sea air calms me. How could my biological mother think I would give her the money? I certainly don’t care she could be evicted. That’s her issue, not mine.

We’re ushered onto the boat without anyone being the wiser. Excusing myself, I hit up the bar. They only have beer and wine, so beer it is. I get three, down one and carry the two toward Hayden.

“Thought you would be ok with beer. It’s only beer or wine.”

“Oh.” Her nose scrunches up. “I’d actually prefer white wine to beer.”