AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How are things with your parents?” Her lips are pressed in a straight line.
I know it’s not easy for her to talk about them. Though they’ve been very welcoming to Sage, they still treat Lex poorly. Flat-out rude and unacceptable.
“They’re okay. I have no idea what they’re thinking in terms of the trust fund, but they keep throwing out what a mistake it is for me to start a non-profit. Dad wants me to work for the agency, something I will not do. Basically, they’re clinging to me because they don’t have him anymore.” I lift my chin toward Hudson with a smirk.
He mumbles under his breath and shakes his head. “Not my problem. I dealt with enough and finally drew the line.” He wraps his arm around Lex and kisses the side of her head.
She smiles softly, both of them staring at each other.
I look away, feeling like an intruder in their private moment.
“I need to bring it up again, but I don’t want another rejection.” I shake my head, taking a deep breath.
If they refuse to give me the money after I turn twenty-five, I could either let it go and forget about it or have a lawyer look into it. I’d rather avoid that route.
“You already know where I stand,” Hudson says.
“Yeah, yeah.” I brush him off.
I could take the money he’s offered to start up, but I’d have to pay him back eventually, impacting my finances in the long term. Besides, the trust fund will allow me to afford things in life before I can start getting paid for my work in Spread Joy.
It’s stubbornness more than anything at this point. I also hate to admit that if my parents are accepting of Spread Joy, they’d be likely to get their friends to donate to it. Their support could make a world of difference to the children within reach of my organization.
“Are you still going to move forward if they don’t grant you the trust fund?” Lex furrows her brows as concern lines her face.
“You bet your behind I am,” I say firmly.
I won’t give this up, even if it’s more of a challenge. I’ve lived in African villages that don’t have running water and had to carry gallons of it on my back so people could have drinking water—a basic necessity for all humans despite social class or ethnicity. I’ve slept on stiff cots and walked miles in the desert. Money won’t be what tears me down.
“Good.” She nods with a smile. “I think you should. It won’t be impossible, even if it takes you a bit longer to grow. You shouldn’t give up.” She knows all about starting her own business.
“Thanks, Lex.” I smile gratefully.
The problem with slower progress means staying put in Hartville and living with Hudson longer than planned. This was supposed to be a temporary arrangement—five months, max.
It’d also set me back from starting to work with orphanages until I have secured more funds, though putting together charities and fundraisers would help. I’m impulsive, and I want to hit the ground running with this, already offering these children more opportunities for growth and development.
More time in town also means I would have to see Sage after the end of our fake relationship. With the way I’m feeling, it won’t be easy to run into her after all is said and done.
I sit straighter when I notice Sage stand. She grabs her purse from the bench where she was sitting, and I frown. I push my stool back to stand and pause midway, causing Hudson and Lex to look at me as if I’m crazy. Clearly, I am.
We’re in the middle of eating. There’s no reason I should stand like if I’m going to pee myself if I don’t get to a bathroom. Sage glances my way for a moment, her eyes locking with mine. I freeze when I notice the look of sadness.
Daisy whispers something, pushing her in my direction, but Sage shakes her head and stumbles, fighting the force to come over here. She widens her eyes and presses her lips together so tightly that they disappear into a thin line.
I shouldn’t push more than I already have. Interfering in her life isn’t part of our deal. No matter how much I care. I scoot my chair forward again, clearing my throat and grabbing a chicken wing.
“Is everything okay?” Lex pulls her eyebrows tight as she looks at me.
“Great.” I nod and take a bite of the wing.
My impulsivity may have ruined a great thing. And that feels terrible.
“Sage didn’t come by?” Hudson looks over my head, likely in the direction where she walked out the door.
“Are you two okay? You’re weird today. Did you get into a fight?” Lex gives me an encouraging smile.
“Something like that,” I mumble.
