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“Dad, come on. Paul was only trying to help—”
“Now, you’re calling him Paul? I could wring his neck. How can I explain this to you? He’s a powerful man from an even more powerful family. Men like Crane give to charities to help themselves sleep at night, but they spend their workdays destroying lives. He’s the son of Jonas Crane, who loves taking over small companies and firing everyone. Just like his father, greedy Matthias Crane. Did you know he closed our manufacturing plant in Sheboygan fifty years ago?”
“No, Dad. I don’t know about what happened fifty years ago,” I mumbled.
“Well, I’ll tell you what your granddad told us when he was alive. Our state never fully recovered from the plant Matthias Crane had closed. He stole your grandad’s pension, and they lost their land and house. He’s one of the reasons our family is poor. But now that he wants you, he wants to give out the money they stole. There is no way I’m taking his blood money. I’m returning everything. Whatever this man wants, you tell him you’re not available. If he hurts you, we’ll get the police involved—”
“Paul didn’t hurt me, Dad. He tried to help me, help us—”
“Not another word. I will not hear it. You haven’t been around men enough to know that the money they spend always comes with a catch. I fear for you so far from home, and I wish we hadn’t pushed you to leave.”
I swallowed hard. The line went silent and was filled with Dad’s disappointment—something I rarely ever experiencedwith him. If I told him how I met Paul, it would hurt him more than it would to find that I had considered becoming a sugar baby. Still, he needed to know I wasn’t a child anymore.
“I’m twenty-two, and I can handle myself.” I added strength to my tone.
“You can. I know you’re an adult. But you’re also my daughter and a good girl. Paul Crane is too much for you to handle. You can find someone your own age in such a big city. I won’t tell your mom, but I’m returning the money and the fancy specialist.”
I wiped the tears that fell down my cheek. Dad refusing care because of me was more than I could bear.
“Now tell me about your designs.”
I knew Dad wanted to change the subject, and I let him. He caught me up on a few happenings back home and which family member tried to make his famous monkey bread. I played along, but the whole time I tried to come up with a new plan to get him to keep the money.
“You still singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’?”
“That’s a little girl’s wish,” I murmured, and my heart swelled. My parents used that song to reach me when they fostered me. Mom playedThe Wizard of Ozevery day because I loved it. I’d become convinced that song was about me. I dared to dream of a bed to sleep in, food every day, and hugs. Finally, I’d landed over the rainbow because I’d received my biggest dream, to be in a home where I was wanted and loved.
“Wishes still come true, Nadia. You don’t need much to have all you need. I hope you still know what that means. I love you.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
I slumped on the bench. Dad was right, but money had always been a dark cloud over everything. It may also save his life if he wasn’t too stubborn to accept help. Fear gripped my chest at the thought of losing him. I called Mom and lefta message to convince Dad not to give back the money or specialist. Although, I knew she’d have questions for me about Paul Crane and the money soon. I checked the time, and Laurence was due to pick me up in twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t any idea how to turn down Paul Crane, if that was even possible. I ran back and took a quick shower before settling on a black knit dress. Then, after brushing my black hair to leave down and changing into a pair of platform shoes, I left.
A few students were outside staring at the Ferrari and the driver waiting to pick up someone.
I rushed forward, and Laurence laughed as he helped me inside the car.
“Nadia!” Xander’s voice rang out. He and his entourage were amongst those in the courtyard.
“I’ll call you later,” I called to him, and Laurence pulled away from the curb.
“Flashy car, huh?” Laurence said.
“I like this one.” I blew out my breath. “What is it like to work with Paul?”
“He’s direct, particular, and truly the kindest and most generous man I ever met, next to his dad, Jonas.”
I nodded and wanted to ask what he meant, but I already knew. Paul had helped my family, yet my dad hadn’t been entirely wrong. He wanted me.
Closing my eyes, I leaned against the cool windowpane and drifted. Before I knew it, we arrived at the doctor’s office.
I waved to Felicia when I walked in, and she immediately took me back to an exam room. After changing into a gown, Dr. Foster knocked on the door and came in.
“Well, you look much better.”
“Thank you, Dr. Foster. I feel much better after the IV and rest. I slept for ten hours. Honestly, I feel bad for taking up your time. It was only a cold. Or did you find something else?”
