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“It happened when you were away,” she said. “Some movers came and said we should pack our things, we were moving.”
I shook my head, frowning.
“But Nana,” I said patiently. “Good things don’t just drop out of the sky. I mean, this place is so nice, especially when compared to our old apartment. Didn’t you think to ask, to try and figure out what was going on?”
Nana just shot me another gentle smile, still stroking my little brother’s hair.
“Oh Becky, you think too much,” she scolded gently. “We’ve had so little luck in life and now that we’re on a good streak, all you can think is to question it. Just accept it, honey. The Housing Department knew that the three of us were cramped in that little space, and our number finally came up. And this is where we are now!” she said jovially, gesturing to the high-end appliances, the huge sub-zero fridge. “Government housing sure is nice now, isn’t it?”
But I shook my head. Because despite Nana’s words, this definitely wasn’t government housing. Kane had found my family and moved them into a luxurious high-rise, one that was definitely beyond our means. But I didn’t want bring it up, not when Nana and Mattie were so happy to be here, almost radiating energy.
“Look Becky,” said my little brother, taking my hand. “There are dinosaurs in my room.”
And we stopped in the doorway of his room where I gasped momentarily. Because Kane had an interior decorator to do our place, and Mattie’s room was beautifully furnished, with a colorful blue bed and matching cabinets, as well as a mural of wildlife in one side, vibrant and appropriate.
“Don’t you like it?” he asked, grinning happily. “My favorite is the stegosaurus.”
My heart filled then, I love my brother so much.
“Yes,” I said crouching down and taking his small form in a big hug. “The painting’s wonderful, my favorite’s the T-rex.”
Mattie giggled then, his small body shaking.
“Then why aren’t you happy? Why aren’t you happy Beck-becks?”
I smiled again, wiping tears from my eyes before catching him in another heartfelt hug.
“I am happy, Mattie,” I said softly, looking around at the furnishings once more. “I am happy.”
But the truth was that my soul was filled with a blend of happiness and sadness. Because on the one hand, our life situation was so much better now. We had space for the three of us, and there were no longer any fears of lead paint or cockroaches, deadly pesticides adding to an already hazardous situation. And Mattie could go to the local elementary school, which was a good one, not one filled with junior gangbangers getting high.
Plus, my grandmother was better off too. Nana had been struggling with the stairs at our old apartment since the elevator never worked, but that wasn’t going to be a problem here. The lifts here looked new and safe, they were regularly maintained, and there were doorman on staff 24/7 to help with packages and deliveries.
But that was the thing. As I looked around the airy apartment, it was like a dream come true, but also a bittersweet reminder of him. Because Kane had made this all happen, he’d found us new housing, making sure that my family and I had a safe, clean space to live. The billionaire’s reach extended beyond Nevada, he’d made sure that my position in life was improved, that the people who meant the most to me were safe, warm and happy.
Plus, Kane has made me a rich woman. I wasn’t sure how much he was going to pay me, but I knew he’d be generous. I just didn’t realize he’d be this generous, stunning my socks off. Because when I slipped into the bank a little later, the teller was nice, smiling and friendly, and not the sourpuss she usually is.
“Ms. Wright,” she cooed. “So good to see you again.”
I shot her a suspicious glance. Usually bank employees are frigid, ignoring me until the last possible second because I’m usually there to beg a loan or an advance off my credit card.
“Hi,” I said slowly, still suspicious. “I’d like to withdraw some money.”
That usually causes the teller to shut down, their face to freeze over because generally, I don’t have anything to withdraw, my account’s a big zero. But the woman just cooed again, warm and smiling.
“Of course Ms. Wright! How much would you like to withdraw today?”
I took a deep breath. I was gonna go crazy and do five times my usual request.
“One hundred please, all twenties.”
And sure enough, the woman nodded and punched some keys in her computer before pinging open the register and counting out the cash.
“Here you go,” she said merrily, sliding the bills to me. “And here’s your receipt.”
I hurriedly grabbed the cash, stuffing it into my wallet. This was more money than I’d had in ages, and I could double-check that she’d given me the right amount when I got home. But as I rushed out of the bank, my feet skidded to a halt because I’d glimpsed the receipt.
