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I gawked at them, knowing I’d lost the battle. If I didn’t cash the check, they would probably resort to more definitive options.
“Thank you.” My voice shook. “This is… thank you.”
“We know you haven’t made a decision about college and we understand, but we wanted you to know you have a small pot of savings behind you. We also talked, and we’d like you to save what you give us for groceries alongside it.”
“I… I need to pay my way.” It was something I needed to do.
“We know, but it’s too much. Instead, we thought you could buy the family takeout every now and again or treat us to a meal out.”
“I…”
“Say yes,” Lily urged.
My brows pinched. Was she behind this? I hadn’t confided in her about most things, but she knew I needed to contribute.
Four pairs of eyes watched me, waiting. Their expectation was almost too much to bear.
“Yes, fine. Fine… Thank you.”
“Excellent.” Felicity beamed.
Twenty-five hundred dollars. That would be a security deposit for an apartment. Not that I could afford the actual rent payments. But maybe I could if Cindy gave me full-time hours at the diner.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” she added.
“I have a shift later.”
“But first she promised to get lunch with us at Sprinkles,” Lily said.
“You couldn’t get the day off?” Jason asked.
“No.” Not that I’d asked.
“I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve already,” Poppy turned the conversation to safer shores. “I still have a ton of gifts to wrap.”
“Why does that not surprise me?” Lily replied with a soft chuckle.
“I hope you’re ready for the chaos tomorrow, Peyton. There’s never a dull moment when the Fords, Chases, and Bennets get together.”
“We’re not that bad, Mom.” Lily gave her a wistful smile.
“Kaiden and his mom won’t know what’s hit them.” Poppy added with a smirk.
It should have been a happy time, a time for joy and laughter, but I only found myself reminded of everything I didn’t have… that and the fact I would have to sit with Xander all day and pretend he was nothing to me.
My stomach churned.
“I think I’m going to take a shower,” I said, sliding off my stool.
“Good plan. Then we can start your birthday celebrations.” Lily gave me a smile.
“Yeah, sure.”
As I walked away, I felt them watching me. Felt their pity and concern. It brushed up against me like ice-cold fingers. But I wouldn’t let it in.
I couldn’t.
Not unless I wanted to fall apart.
