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My mom was perceptive. She didn’t say escort, but I could tell she chose her words carefully to avoid hurting me.
“Paul can’t date normally. It would cause a lot of press and attention in the dorms. So he gave me a place to make it easier for him to see me. He’s asked me to be his escort to functions occasionally.”
What I told her wasn’t a complete lie. Paul said as much when he set up the arrangement.
However, Mom was perceptive. The corners of her mouth turned downward, and she shook her head. “I’m still confused. Is he paying you to date him? No, that can’t be true. I can understand spoiling you by giving you flowers to court you, but he’s spending boatloads of money on you and us. That would mean he’s treating you like a…” Her eyes widened, and her mouth dropped open.
An escort.I shifted uneasily in my seat.
“Oh, Nadia.” Her eyes watered, and I fought back the tears. Her disappointment in me was evident. I could also see the wheels turning against Paul. Yet, I wasn’t ready to leave him. I hadn’t lied to her; I liked him and didn’t want to end things.
“Please tell me he’s not mistreating you—”
“No, it’s not like what you think, Mom. Paul’s great. He’s dating me in the only way he can because he’s famous and private. I like him, and I’m really excited to spend time with him.So please, be happy for me. I mean, isn’t it time I experience what relationships are like?” I flicked my eyelids down. I couldn’t stand to see her suffer.It’s too much for her.
“I’m still not convinced. Are you sure you’re okay with Paul treating you this way?”
I took a deep breath and sat taller in the seat. “Paul’s not doing anything I don’t want him to do. I like him, and I enjoy being with him. It’s new.”I’m sorry, Mom, but you have no idea what I was willing to do for money and our family. Paul saved me from that. And now I want to be with him.
Mom pursed her lips. “It still sounds odd in my head.”
I forced myself to make direct contact and grin. “You’re making it sound sordid. Paul’s rich, and he’s a bit eccentric. He wanted to help, that’s all. To him, spending money is no big deal. He’s kind, and he dates differently. Please give us a chance.” I realized that was what I really wanted to do with Paul.
She sighed deeply. “I can’t stop you from seeing him because you’re almost twenty-three, but I’m not sure what to make of it. But I know the girl I raised, and I trust you.”
I exhaled long in relief. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Next subject. You never wanted to talk about sex. Are you on contraception?”
“Yes, he insisted.”
She nodded. “Well, that’s something I agree with him on; you need to use protection if you’re having sex. Are you afraid?”
“Yes,” I admitted and pulled my hair over my shoulder.
Mom sighed. “Okay. The most important thing is to relax and communicate with him. Don’t be scared to ask him to go slow or to give you more foreplay. I’ll send you some information, too. But you can always tell me anything. You never have to hide anything from me, know that. I don’t care how severe, you can always bring it to Mom.”
I believed that until now. She’s not ready to hear about the arrangement, and it hurts too much to see her suffer.
I teared up again, and so did she. “I miss you so much.”
“Now you’ve got me going again,” she said, wiping her eyes. “I miss you, too. I want the best for you because you’re my sweet, beautiful daughter. You’re finally dating, and I’ll accept that it’s different since he’s famous. He’s also going to be your first.…” She sat with a thoughtful look on her face. “My first was hard.”
“Hey, I thought Dad was your first,” I joked, and she giggled.
“Anyway, honey. I want you happy, and you only spend time with Paul if he’s making you happy, okay? Money is not enough to stay. We’ll be fine, with or without Paul Crane.”
“He is making me happy. I love you, Mom.” I blew three kisses.
She blew three back. “I love you more, my beauty. I’ll deal with your dad. Sleep well—”
“Xander’s staying over.”
She beamed. “Just like old times. Good. Tell him I love him, and we’ll talk again soon. Call me anytime you need me.”
“I will. Tell Dad I love him. I miss you both.”
I hung up and went out to Xander, who lifted his arm for me to rest on his shoulder. “Agata take the news well?”
