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Camila frowns and looks at me while I mix the batter. “But you’re a Turner.”
“Was,” I counter.
“What do you mean was?”
I look up and meet her gaze. “They threatened to sue me if I didn’t remove Turner from my last name. I’m not Aura Turner. Apparently, they can sue me if I use it when I sell my bracelets online, so there’s that. Even if it’s a few thousand bucks, they can sue me for way more than that.”
“That is stupid and preposterous, Aura.”
“I know, but they have more money than God, and I can’t risk pissing them off. They already think I can’t take care of LJ on my own.”
“Are they crazy? You are the best mother I have ever seen. Just like your parents were to you. LJ loves you.”
I give her a warm smile. “Thank you, Camila. It means a lot coming from you.”
“Has Mr. St. Claire called you?”
“No, and I don’t expect him to either.”
She frowns. “Do you really have to work?”
“Yes, I do. I have used whatever I have saved these past six months. Have you found out how much the utility bill is here in the winter?”
“Yes, I will leave it on your nightstand, but I don’t think Kalum will be happy about you paying for utilities. I’m surprised he hasn’t noticed.”
“I haven’t paid rent since we started staying here. Paying the utilities is the least I can do. I also haven’t touched the debit card he left to buy groceries. I found a job at a local diner not far from here. In a way, having my name back to Aura Rayne wasn’t such a bad idea. They won’t know who I am, and all I have said is that my son and I are staying with friends for a while until I can find a place.”
“You’re not serious, are you?” she asks.
“About?”
“Moving.”
“Camila, I can’t stay here forever. I can’t go back to my house either. The more I stay out of the limelight, the better.”
After I made pancakes and made sure LJ was fed, I head out in an Uber to the diner. I know I could have used the Merc parked in the garage, but I refuse to drive it. The last thing I need is for anyone to say I’m taking advantage of Kalum.
After months of crying and feeling sorry for myself, I learned one thing. I need to move forward. It means getting a job and making a living to support LJ and myself. My son’s future is secure, and all I need is to save enough money to move to a house I can afford. Lane is homeschooled with Camila’s help until we can find a permanent place to live.
Mr. Schwartz will handle the sale of our home in North Carolina and place the funds in a trust for LJ. Dex and Blaze have all the cars secured and all our belongings placed in storage until I can find a new home.
I enter the diner, and the bell chimes. A woman who looks to be in her early sixties looks up from behind the counter. “How can I help you?”
“My name is Aura Rayne. I’m the one that called about the server position.”
She points outside to the two men in black suits. “Are they with you?”
Shit. I forgot about the security Kalum hired for me.
I raise my finger. “O-one second,” I stammer and exit the diner.
“Excuse me?” I motion to get the attention of one of the guys.
The blond one stands tall and puffs his chest out. “Yes, Mrs. Turner. Is everything alright?”
I roll my eyes. “Yes. Everything is fine, but do you have to follow me everywhere?”
“Yes, Mrs. Turner.”
