Page 32 of His Flash Mate
“What happened?”
“Sperm Donor wants to set me up with a man old enough to be my grandfather.But don’t worry, Mom.I’d be set for life, which would probably be short considering the man’s been widowed four times already.All by women less than half his age.”
Her expression darkened.
“The man who fathered me doesn’t offer benefits, Mom.He’s self-serving to the bone and can go fu?—”
She surprised me with a hard hug.
“I’m sorry it was awful.I wish I could give you a better dad.”
I hugged her back.“You did.His name is Jay.He’s been the best dad to me.He doesn’t get up in my business.Never scolds me.Always protects me, and would be the person I call to bring a shovel in the middle of the night, who would show up with no questions asked.”
She pulled back and cupped my face.
“You know I would do that too, right?”
I shook my head.“Nah, you’re too smart not to ask questions.Uncle Jay’s more gullible.”
She laughed and gave me an extra hug.
“I love you, Soph.You’re the best thing in my life.”
“Ditto.”I remembered the check from last night and withdrew from her hug.“Oh, I almost forgot.I got paid last night and mobile deposited the check.If you give me your banking info, I can transfer it to you so you can make another payment.”
Her expression shifted enough to carry a hint of concern.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t keep things from me, Mom.Please.What happened?”
She looked away for a second.“The bank won’t give us an extension.I either catch up or lose the house.”
“Really?We have a solid plan.Did you tell them your financial situation changed because I’m here and working full-time?”
She nodded.“They looked into my employment history, and I’m too high a risk with all the frequent job turnover.And you just started, so you’re the same risk level as I am.”
I bit my bottom lip for a second, knowing what I was going to say wouldn’t go over well with Mom.
“We have a solid plan, Mom.We can come up with the three thousand in thirty days, not four.Uncle Jay would?—”
“No.”
“What’s the difference between asking him for three thousand for thirty days or the bank?”
“I said no.I still have four days to figure this out.”
She turned around and closed herself in her room.If she thought I couldn’t hear her soft sobs, she was wrong.I listened to her cry until it was time for me to head to work.I left her a note saying I loved her and a reminder to eat.
Dad’s callousness toward me and Mom’s financial struggles ate at me as I clocked in and started prepping for work.I took pictures of the drinks on autopilot while I tried to think of a way to get the money Mom and I needed without having to sell myself to some old guy.
I had friends I could ask, but if Mom found out, she would not be okay with it.Plus, if I asked Miranda, she’d probably have to sell the new bag she just got, which would make me sad.An idea sparked, and I went into the back for a few minutes after we opened to send a quick text.
Me:Is that guy still interested in me?
Miranda:Yes.Do you want his number?
