Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“I love that for you. You deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks, friend. Honestly when I found out that I was pregnant the summer we graduated, I thought my life was over but I’ve learned life doesn’t end because you have a few setbacks. Besides, Jason is one of the best things to happen to me. The kids have been asking when they’ll see their auntie Zora again.”
“Aww, really? We can set up a time together whenever. I’ll be in Virginia indefinitely.”
She raises a brow. “Oh? You’re moving back down here for good?”
Just then the waiter comes to fill our water glasses and take our drink orders. Once he’s gone, I answer. “I’m not sure. Technically I still have a job up there. I’m working remotely. I’ve managed to keep a handful of my clients because they’re willing to do video calls. I still have my apartment there as well.”
“But you don’t know when you’re going back?”
I shake my head. I don’t think it’s possible to go back because of my father’s health condition and Jackson wanting me to be on call for him. The only reason I’m able to have lunch with Lea today is because he had to take care of some business out of town. It’s a much-needed two-day reprieve.
“No. My dad still needs me. You know how independent he is. He says he’s fine but he’s still undergoing radiation. He’s seems to be responding well to the treatment but it takes a lot out of him. I know it will be worse when the chemo starts so I’d like to be around as much as I can.”
Lea sips her water before asking. “I thought you mentioned him having a home health aide to help him.”
“Actually, he has an around the clock nurse. So far she’s great. When I’m there, she usually takes that time to go shopping for dad, or to take some time to herself.”
“He must have some good insurance to cover that. When my mom had heart surgery me and my sisters had to chip in to cover the cost of the nurse, the insurance didn’t cover. Medicare sucks.”
“Tell me about it. But actually it’s covered.”
“Really? Is it a supplemental policy? I’ll have to see about signing my parents up for it.”
“It’s not that.”
“Then what is it?”
I’m saved from answering when the waiter returns with our drinks and to take our food orders. Because we were talking neither of us had a chance to fully look over the menu.
The waiter stands patiently by as we look. Lea finally orders a salmon salad and I order the Chicken Piccata with a side of broccolini.
When the waiter walks off, I swiftly change the subject. “So how is business going?”
“Uh uh, girl. There’s something you’re not telling me.”
I stir my iced tea with my straw. “What do you mean?”
“Why does your father need an around the clock nurse if you’re here indefinitely and how are you affording it. Please tell me your good-for-nothing brother is chipping in.”
I hang my head in shame. This wasn’t the direction I wanted the conversation to take but I couldn’t hide this from Lea. She was took discerning for one thing and also, I’ve been carrying this burden around with me for weeks and it was time for me to get it off my shoulders. “I’m not paying for it at all. At least not with money.”
Lea cocks her head to the side. “Explain please.”
I fill my lungs with air and slowly exhale before telling her everything.
By the time I’m finished, Lea’s mouth is wide open and her eyes are as wide as saucers.
“Aren’t you going to say something?”
Lea shakes her head as if coming out of a trance. “I mean, what can I say? That’s a lot. Girl, no wonder you look so worn out. This is an incredible burden you’re carrying. I should say that I’m shocked about Jackson but I think it finally makes sense.”
“It does? Because I haven’t been able to make heads or tails from it. I don’t understand why he’s doing this to me. You’d think he would have moved on from making me his favorite target since high school.”
“But you said yourself he hasn’t harmed you in anyway. Hasn’t abused you?”
Just my pussy but there’s no way I’m going to admit that out loud.
“He hasn’t caused me any physical harm no. But I have to be at his beck and call when he’s not working. One day I had therapy sessions and then I hung out at Dad’s house for a while. My phone was off the entire time. But when I turned it back on, I had over 20 missed calls.”
“Yikes. Obsess much? But like I said, it makes so much sense.”
“Are you going to tell me what you mean or do we have to play a guessing game.”