Page 118 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Even if I know my dad will be protective of me. I haven’t warned Jeremy to expect a lot of questions. I assume it’s a given, considering I’m an only child. Dad is naturally going to give him a run down on everything.

“Leftovers won’t be wasted.”

“Did you need more money?” I ask Mom, ready to get money from my purse.

“No, love. Keep it for yourself.”

“I have enough for myself,” I lie.

I’d love to save and not live paycheck to paycheck.

At this rate, I’ll never buy a home. But maybe when my dad is in remission, he’ll be able to return to work. I can save then.

“What do you need help with now?”

Mom looks in all her pots and pans.

“I’m all prepped, so I think I got it.”

I look around, noticing the table isn’t ready.

“I’ll set the table.”

“Then sit down,” Mom instructs.

I set the table and check the time. He should be here in ten minutes. This is the first guy I’ve ever brought home.

I take a seat on the gray fabric sofa. “Is he here?”

I look over to my dad, surprised to find him awake.

“Not yet. How are you feeling? Has the fluid around your kidneys settled down?”

“Yeah, the doctor is happier this week,” he says, patting his cheeks.

“But how are you feeling?” I ask again.

“I’m better. I just wish I wasn’t so tired. I can’t wait to feel like myself again.”

“Soon. Once you get through chemo, the side effects should reduce.”

That’s what the nurses told us anyway.

“Who’s winning?”

“The Eels are thrashing them.”

“Is that good?” I ask, not having a clue about football.

He laughs. “Yeah, it is.”

I smile. When he’s happy, so am I. I sit back and watch the game.

After a while Mom calls out. “Did he message you, love?”

I pull out my phone to see no messages or missed calls. “No, why?”

“It’s just after six. I don’t know whether to serve everything or keep it warm in the oven.”

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