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“Well, if you’re sure you’re up for it, I’m not going to stop you. I’ve had my lawyer draw up a contract, per our discussion last night.” Ty reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. “You said your receptionist was anotary?”
Jackie nodded. “Let me call her.” She pressed a button on her phone and a woman popped into theroom.
“Yes, ma’am. What can I do for you?” The young woman smiledpolitely.
“Can you grab your notary stamp? Contract.” Jackie pointed to the papers Ty was unfolding on thedesk.
My heart raced. My palms were sweaty. I tried to surreptitiously wipe them on myskirt.
“I was nervous signing my first major contract too,” Tycommented.
“I’m sorry. It’s the money, not the job. You understand that, right?” I could feel my cheeksburning.
He chuckled. “Absolutely. I have faith in you. Something tells me this is going to work out.” He stood straighter and smiled at me. “This is a gamble, every bit of it, but life with an addict is a gamble on the daily. At least this gamble gives mehope.”
* * *
“So,explain to me why you have to pack a bag,” Franco asked, his eyes narrowed. “There’s a guy involved? Are you sure you aren’t working as an escort? You can tell me.” He frowned. “I mean, I’ll try to talk you out of it because I’m your big brother, but I should know where you’re going and who you’rewith.”
“Because you’re my big brother?” Ijoked.
“Exactly.” He eyed me carefully. “You’re making fun of me now, aren’tyou?”
“Maybe just a little. I’m doing this for you too.” I laid my hands on hisshoulders.
“You’re leaving for a few days for me? I didn’t ask you to go anywhere.” Hescowled.
I sighed. “Yes, but unfortunately, the federal government might. This money could mean the difference between deportation and life in Canada with ourparents.”
He nodded a few times. “Well, I won’t believe it until I see it. Rich people tend to stay rich by cheating poor people out ofmoney.”
“That’s true, but not these rich people. Seriously, they have a stellar reputation.” Ismiled.
“Okay. So why do I feel like I’m supposed to tell you to call me when you’re through and take care of you?” His browquirked.
I laughed, “Because you’ve been watching far too many old movies. There will be nosex.”
“Promise?” Franco stared at me, with his arms crossed over hischest.
I licked my lips and considered my response carefully. “The guy is hot. I’ll admit it’s not entirely off thetable.”
“Dammit, Talia. I’m never gonna be able to sleep again,” hegrumbled.
“Of course you will, Franco!” I joked. “You just might not sleep well until Ireturn.”
“So, you’re coming back?” He frowned and I recognized the doubt in hiseyes.
“Where would I go?” Ishrugged.
5
Drew
“She’ll be here,”Jackie assured me as I paced nervously in thegardens.
I paused and tried to hide behind my confident façade, but without alcohol and drugs, it fell miserably flat. “I know she will.” I felt flustered and indignant at having been caught in a moment of weakness. “Who’d want to miss out on all of this?” I pasted a fake toothy smile on my face and gestured to encompass all ofmyself.
“Right.” Jackie nodded and started to walk away, then paused. “You know, you don’t have to always put on airs. It’s okay to be nervous. Going back out into the world is scary. As much as you hate it here, we’re safe.” She lowered herself onto the arm of a nearby bench and faced me. “This is perfectly natural, but you have to own these feelings. You have to allow yourself all these emotions. Embrace them and see what a difference it makes in yourfuture.”
