lie? Are you married?"
"No."
"Boyfriend?"
"No. I don't lie."
His voice drops several octaves. "Then why don't you want me to pick you up?"
I say the only thing that comes to my mind. "This is business. We aren't dating."
His voice sounds angry and maybe a little hurt. "No, we aren't dating. But you are mine. Or did you forget that detail?"
I close my eyes. "The contract said I would meet you. Please stick to our arrangement."
The line goes silent.
"Are you still there?"
"Fine. I will not pick you up. After the salon, my driver will bring you to my house. You can get ready there."
I'll miss dinner with Abby.
The one thing I get to do with Abby every day is have dinner. I'm not home a lot due to my jobs, but I've always been home for dinner.
"I need to be home first."
"Pick, Jasmine. Either I pick you up, or you come to my place. Which one?" he growls.
It's one night. Then I'll get to spend more time with Abby during the day.
"I'll go to your place."
His voice softens. "Okay. I'll see you tonight."
I don't say goodbye and hang up. What have I gotten myself into?
Cee Cee knocks on the door, pulling me out of my moment of panic. "Jasmine? You okay?" She comes in and sits on the bed next to me.
I nod. "Yes. Everything was as he stated. I signed."
She forces a smile and puts her arm around me. "That's good. I would have done the same thing."
My eyes well with tears, and my body shakes.
"Oh, hey. What's wrong?" She pulls me tighter to her.
I wipe my face. "I'll be gone from ten this morning, and I don't know when I'll be back. I just spoke with Colton. I'll miss dinner with Abby tonight."
"Yes. But if you don't leave until ten, you'll get to make her breakfast. I bet she's going to be excited about that."
I take a deep breath. "You're right."
"I'll be here with her. She'll be okay. Why don't you try to have some fun while you're out?"
"With Colton?"
"Yes."
I snort. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why? Because he's sexy, rich, and totally into you?"
"He's paying me."
Cee Cee shrugs. "If a man wants to pay me what he's paying you, I'd be okay with it."
I tilt my head.
"Jeez. You don't have to give me the look of death. Not everything taboo has to be off-limits."
"What do you mean?"
She pushes my hair off my face. "Sweetie, I don't know anyone who's been through what you have. You deserve a break and some fun. Maybe you should treat this as such and forget about the minor details."
"Minor details being that he's paying me?"
Cee Cee smiles. "Yes."
"What does that make me?"
"What does it make him?"
"Since when did you get so loose on your morals?" I would never have expected Cee Cee to be on board with any of this.
She glances toward the door. "Since life showed up. The important things were put into perspective. And you have nothing to feel shameful about. You're doing everything you can to save your daughter. If anyone wants to judge you, who cares? And if a man like Colton wants to give you his money to solve your problem, why should you not accept it or feel bad about it?"
I'm not sure how to answer her, or even what I believe anymore. I rise. "I'm going to spend some cuddle time with Abby."
"Good idea." Cee Cee hugs me tight. "You're the best mom. Keep your head up."
"Thanks." I go into Abby's room and crawl into bed with her. For a half-hour, I listen to her breathe, thinking about how much better her medical care can be now that we have better insurance. I make a mental note to schedule her surgery and get a cashier's check for the five-thousand-dollar deposit. I try again not to cry.
She slowly wakes up, tilts her head, and smiles. "Mommy."
I kiss her. "Did you sleep well, sweetie?"
"Mm-hmm." She snuggles closer.
"How do you feel?"
She yawns. "Okay."
I stroke her head. "My work schedule changed today. I won't be home tonight, but I don't have to leave for a few hours. How do chocolate chip pancakes sound?"
She sits up. "Can I have extra chocolate in mine?"
I laugh. "Sure."
She jumps out of bed. "Okay."
At least she wasn't upset I won't be home tonight.
I spend the morning cooking and playing dolls with Abby then I quickly shower and get ready. When the car pulls into the driveway, I pull her into my arms. I kiss her forehead