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My fists tighten as my muscles quiver in irritation. I clamp my mouth shut, just because I don’t want to ruin Mom’s excited mood, but inside I’m frustrated at Zach. I can’t believe he didn’t tell me about these extravagant gifts. I only agreed to him paying for this room because eventually I plan to pay him back.
While Colleen and Mom are busy dolling her up, I walk to the terrace and dial Zach. My hands tighten around the metal railing as I try to calm myself. I know he means well but these extravagant gifts are too much. First for Ray and now for Mom. I don’t know what else he’s bought without my knowledge for Mom. He needs to stop spending so much money on my family.
“Good morning, Ms. Davis.” A little quiver forms in my stomach as I hear a woman’s voice but then she says, “Mr. Teager is in a meeting. Is this urgent? Shall I ask him to step out?”
“H-hi… N-no,” I stammer before finding my voice again. “How did you know my name?”
“Your number is in Mr. Teager’s contacts, ma’am, and when in meetings, Mr. Teager leaves his phone with me. I am instructed to pick up any calls from you. He said it might be urgent.”
I’m stunned by her response. I don’t know what to say.
All the anger leaves my body, and my heart suddenly feels so full at the extent of Zach’s care and concern for Mom. I can’t believe Zach, who is always hungry, who constantly jokes around me, can be so thoughtful.
“So, is it urgent, Ms. Davis?” the woman asks.
“No. It’s not urgent. Thank you.” With my emotions ringing in a completely different beat than when I stormed onto the terrace, I walk back to Mom’s room.
My throat thickens as I glance at her, all ready for the meetup. How long has it been since such a laugh crossed her face? I can’t remember when she was so excited or looked forward to something. In fact, I totally forgot how much she loved getting all pretty. My heart aches as I realize, again, how my responsibilities have sucked so much life out of her.
Once Mom leaves, I find Dr. Gupta and ask his opinion on Mom’s recovery.
“Bonnie is doing really well, Hope. Her heart has never been better. Dr. Mende told us that he hasn’t seen such a good EKG for her in several years. I hear from the nurses that she is quite popular among our active eighties group.” His positive words fill me with unbridled happiness and subdue the critical voice in my brain, which constantly tells me that I’m taking unjust favors from Zach. But Dr. Gupta’s next sentence brings back my anxiety. “Think about what I said earlier, Hope. Your mom is better here.”
I nod. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it. I can clearly see that. Even when she is recovering from a broken hip, she’s happier than ever.
But how will I manage this?
* * *
Today isthe end of the month and payday at the bakery. Since Mom’s surgery, it’s the first time I’ve been here as William has been doing all the deliveries.
“Why don’t we have direct deposit for our pay?” I mumble while waiting for my turn in the line outside Hank’s office.
“Because that piece-of-shit Hank doesn’t want to give up the chance of making us feel insignificant before him. I can’t believe I’m still working for this jerk,” Holly grumbles.
After her, it’s my turn to step into Hank’s office. I take a deep breath before turning the doorknob. This is the part I dread, being alone with Hank in his stinky office.
“Hope. Come in.” He takes a large bite from his sandwich and rubs his greasy hand on his shirt. “I haven’t seen you for a while,” he says mid chew.
“As I explained on the phone, my mom is still in the hospital. She’s recovering from her surgery.” I stay as close to the door as possible. Hank has never really touched me inappropriately, but his lewd body language and facial expressions always make me nervous.
“Who is the old dude bringing the orders?”
“He’s a friend. Can you please give me my check and I can be out of your way?”
“You have a friend driving a Bugatti?” Hank raises an eyebrow but makes no attempt to get my check.
“I don’t know which car he drives, Hank.” Although, I can totally see William driving something stylish. “And what is it to you? The orders are here on time. Please give me my check, I’m in a hurry.”
“What? Sugar daddy not allowing his girl any time alone?”
All the blood drains from my face at his offensive comment. My insides churn in a mixed feeling of hate and…fear. “Give me my check or I’m going to report you.”
His eyes widen, probably in surprise. This is the first time I’ve ever threatened him for his advances. But he schools his features fast before a murderous expression etches on his face. He throws the check at me and says, “This isn’t over. We’re a family business and we have no place for a slut.”
I grab the check and run out of his office.
Once I’m in the safety of my van, I sit back for a few seconds and take some calming breaths. My hands shake around the water bottle as I take small sips. My pounding heart starts to slowly settle as I try to forget what Hank said and instead focus on the fact that, even in such circumstances, I got almost all of my pay.
