“Let go of mommy’s leg, we need to
get your shoes on.” I manage to lock the door and set Jace on the steps. As I am getting his shoes strapped, I sense someone approaching, their shadow washes over me.
“Ma’am, I am looking for an Aria Stuart. Can you tell me if this is her address?”
I turn around to a middle-aged lady now hovering over Jace and me.
“I’m Aria, you are?”
“Hi Aria, I am Selma Hackworth. I am from CPS. I would like to come in and have a well child visit with your son and yourself.” Gulp. I don’t have time for this right now.
“This really isn’t a great time, I am actually headed to work right now. I am running behind already.”
“Just a few minutes of your time is all that I need.” Her resting bitch face tells me not to argue with her.
I give up she clearly doesn’t care about my time. “Sure, let me unlock the door.”
She follows Jace and me inside. “Mind if I walk through the house?”
“No, but is it really necessary?” I call out as she goes down the hall.
Not answering me, she does a quick look in every room, before asking her questions. “Is it just you and Jace living here?”
“Yes, my mother was living with us but she recently passed away.”
“I see, sorry for your loss.” She takes a seat by Jace on the couch.
“I’m sorry, but what’s this all about?” I say with a hint of sarcasm. I know exactly why she is here. Brian’s mother is making good with her threats.
“Where is it that you work?”
“I uh, work at a nearby tanning salon. I give spray tans.”
“I see. Is that your only source of income? I think it was mentioned that you are a stripper?” She raises an eyebrow and whispers the word stripper like it’s dirty.
“No, I was dancing at a burlesque club, but I recently quit,” I lie.
“Do you leave Jace in the care of others often?” She pulls a notepad from her bag and begins making notes.
“No, he goes to daycare when I have to work mornings. And my neighbor keeps him until I get home at night.”
“Do you have a boyfriend Miss Stuart?”
“Yes, sort of. It’s complicated,” I tell her hoping she doesn’t ask for Tyler’s name or information.
“Does he spend a lot of time with your son?”
“I don’t understand what my personal life has to do with this visit?” I attempt to steer her away from Tyler. I don’t want them knowing he’s in a MC.
“Just crossing my T’s and dotting my I’s.” She stands to leave. “Okay, everything seems to be in order here. Thank you for your time. If I need anything else, I’ll be in touch.”
By the time she gets in her car to leave, I am sweating bullets. My word that was intense. My phone is chiming with a text from Tyler asking why I am so late.
Me: Not coming in. I am finished working there. CPS was just here! I lied and told them I am no longer working for you.
Tyler: You don’t have to quit your job. They had to do a check if there was enough of a squeeze put onto them, but you’re a good mom. I am sure they recognized that.
Me: Yeah, but I think I do.