“Are you leaving?” Elizabeth walked out of the hall.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” I asked sarcastically.
She walked right past me to Maria and gave her a huge hug. I stepped outside a bit to hear what she said. “You’re the dumbest woman alive, but you’re still good. Come back anytime you want.”
“Thank you.” Maria gave her a warm smile. When we walked out, she said, “It’s a shame. They’ve all got their hopes up for us. I feel bad.”
“I do too, honestly. I’m sorry to do this to you.” We climbed into the car.
“No, I had fun. It’s them I feel bad for. I just hope they don’t find out.”
“Nah.” I turned on the ignition and pulled out. “I think we fooled them.” I pulled a wad of hundreds out of my pocket when we pulled up to the house. Maria tensed up when she saw it. “Here.” I tried to hand it to her.
She stared at it for a second, sighed, then took it and opened the door without a word. “You need me tomorrow?” she asked.
“Yeah, if that’s okay?”
“No, I’d love to.” Her former reluctance seemed to melt away.
“Good, I’ll see you then.” When I walked inside, I leaned back against the door. It was too real. I could almost believe that we were a couple, and that was dangerous territory. My problems were too big for one girl to handle, and if I let her get attached, she’d end up getting hurt. I didn’t want to see that happen.
Chapter 14
Mercedes
“Do you like your new job?” My mom pulled a pitcher of tea out of the fridge and poured us both glasses. Then she set mine on the table behind her. A pot of macaroni steamed behind her.
“It’s nice,” I said. “The pay is good.”
“You don’t need to do this, Mercedes.” Her bright red face was slick with sweat, and her blonde hair was flying out on all ends. She probably hadn’t had a chance to brush it all day. This was the longest she’d been at home all week.
“I won’t hear it.”
“You’ve gotta live your own life,” she said. “I won’t drag you down.”
“How was Dad?” I took a sip. “Did he seem okay when you picked him up?”
“He was tired. He fell asleep on the way home, but he managed to get himself up to his room.”
I smiled at that. “Good. I know he’s been pretty weak.”
“I think he’s getting better. I honestly do.” My mom checked the pot and stirred the macaroni. “I’m more worried about you. I’ll bet they work you to death.”
“It’s not so bad. I don’t mind.”
“You can do so much more. You’ve already got your degree.”
“I know, Mom, and I want to do more, but I’ve been looking for months. You know that.”
“It’s worth the wait,” she said. “I’ve seen too many people give up after college. I don’t want that to happen to you. Do something with your life.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the hundreds I’d been saving up. She glared at me. “Don’t you dare.” I unfolded it so she could see. She froze and stared at me with her mouth open.
“Just take it. Dad needs it, you need it, and while you’re at it, Mom, quit one of your jobs. I’m tired of seeing you hobble around after you’ve been on your feet all day. It’s not healthy.”
She eyed the money, clearly speechless. Then she pursed her lips and picked up the pot of macaroni to pour it into the strainer. I left the money on the table and got up to pull out the milk and the butter for her. When I turned to her, she leaned against the sink with the steam flying into her face. It did nothing to hide the tears. I rested my hand on her shoulder, but she pulled away and grabbed the pan so she could pour the macaroni back in. “You think you could take this to him?”
“Sure.” I knew it was because she didn’t want him to see her cry. “Here, I can get it.”
“Thank you.” She kept her head turned when she walked back into the living room.