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“There is nothing wrong with saving yourself,” Isabelle said, interrupting my thoughts. “Leave her alone. She doesn’t have to become a Pretty Woman or a handmaid to make it in New York City.”
“Now who’s naïve?” Sophie raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and took out her Manolo Blahnik stilettos. “Nadia will be a worn-out hag or a dropout in a year, no offense. Then you’d wish you came off your precious pedestal when the loan payments start kicking in.”
I closed my laptop, uncovering a sticky note on the top. “Call your mom?”
“Oh, yeah. Your mom called. I was going to tell you.”
Snatching my phone off my desk, I went into the hall and sat down on the floor to dial Mom’s number. She answered on the first ring. “Hello, Nadia.”
“Hello, Mom. I miss you and Dad,” I said. I cleared my scratched voice and took a deep breath to make sure I sounded calm.
“I wanted to let you know Dad’s in the hospital. He had an infection from his last dialysis appointment, but the doctors expect to release him soon.”
My stomach felt nauseated, and I swallowed hard against the lump in my throat. It took me a few tries to calm my voice before I told Mom, “I’ll come back—”
“No, he’ll be home before you get here, and he needs rest. He’d be upset that you missed school. We’ll manage. I picked up an extra shift at Wholesale. But I was wondering if you could spare a few hundred this month?” Her voice was just above a whisper.
My stomach churned. Mom would never ask me unless she was desperate.
“Yes, of course,” I said, planning to transfer five hundred dollars when I returned to my room.I’ll get the hostess job. It will be fine.
“Thank you. I wish I could say I can pay you back….”
“You don’t have to,” I muttered.
“Did you get another job?”
“I’ve got an interview soon,” I added an uplift to my voice.
“Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Is the job interview close by?”
“Yes, it’s a short ride on the subway. I’m leaving very soon, so I should go. Will you give my love to Dad? Tell him I miss him?”
“Shall do, Honey. Be safe. We love you.”
“Love you too.”
The room was empty when I returned. I quickly transferred the money to Mom’s account. A knock sounded at the door, and I opened it absently.
“Is Sophie here?” I glanced up at the deep voice. There stood a very tan, coiffured man with gray hair dressed in distressed jeans and a V-neck sweater under a tweed blazer.Must be a sugar daddy.
“She’s probably in the bathroom.”
He flashed a perfect set of veneers and held out his hand, his eyes zeroing in on my breasts. “I’m Trevor. You are?”
“Not interested.” Sophie appeared and hooked her arm with his.
I crossed my arms.Damn right, not interested.
Trevor chuckled. “We’re going to a party. Maybe your friend would like to join us?”
“Nadia’s volunteering to work for free at Boho Soho tonight.” Sophie snickered.
Trevor’s brow rose. “I know the owner. Francisco.” He took out his phone, and a playful smile formed on his lips. “Maybe I can help?”
