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“I know a guy at Honda if you’re looking for something new.”
“Thanks, I need something. I was going to try to wait until next month, but the universe decided to take a shit on me.”
“Well, let me know.”
“I will.”
The rest of the way to school, I wrack my brain, trying to think of a way to arrange and rearrange. I could barely afford to pay rent this month with the shortage of Troy’s checks. He had to quit his job at UPS because they wouldn’t give him leave. He’s officially unemployed and spending a fortune on a bet that may or may not pay off. Like a fool, I’d started to count on that money, and now we’re both gambling on his ticket. I have no business doing that.
None.
I’ve always been self-reliant. Always. And now I’ve grown used to the help.
Troy needs me to be strong and get him through this time, and I’ll be the same support to him as he’s been to me in the last five months. As I thank Theo and shoulder my bag, I decide I’ll take on Troy’s mindset.
I’ll do whatever it takes.
Troy
“Hey, little man,” I say when Dante answers Clarissa’s phone.
“Hey, Troy!”
“What are you doing?”
“Helping Mommy cook dinner.”
“Whose recipe tonight?”
Suddenly I’m staring at the ceiling.
“Dante?”
“Sorry, I had to wash my hands. We’re having Terri’s Roast. She was a legal scretary from Virginia.”
“That’s secretary,” I hear Clarissa correct. “And for dessert,” Clarissa adds, coming into view, wiping her hands on a towel. My chest tightens at the sight of her. “We have Joanne’s Mud Pie.”
“Mommy says she was Canadan. It’s got gummy worms in it!”
“Oh, yeah?”
“That’s Canadian,” Clarissa corrects.
“And they talk funny, they say aboot,” Dante giggles, “it’s supposed to be about, but they say it like aboot.”
I chuckle. “I get it, bud.”
“How are you?” Clarissa asks, eyes full of concern.
“Hanging in,” I wink.
“Why are you putting your finger on the screen?” Dante asks, tilting his head. I realize that I’m outlining Clarissa’s face with my finger like a fucking douche. Jesus. I want to take my own man card.
“There was a gnat on my screen.”
“Eww. You should clean your phone. Mommy says there’s more acteria on a phone than a piece of poop.”
“Is that so?”
