Page 10 of His Big Bad Stick

“That’s amazing,” I say. “Congrats.”

I hug her.

A part of me really grabs for some hope.

Maybe it’ll be different this time.

You know?

Maybe this is really happening.

Two people can meet and fall in love right away.

Even if things fall apart…

… at least I’ll have electricity for a little bit, right?

Ever see a movie or show with a house that has one of the gates with two pillars made of bricks? And you need a code to get the gate to open? And when the gates opens you drive up a road full of trees that make it so you can’t see the mansion until you’re close to it?

Oh yeah… that’s my new house.

Mom is besides herself with happiness.

She’s practically bouncing in her seat.

I clutch my old book bag tight.

It’s all I’ve got in this world right now.

Mom sees her new marriage and the mansion, and has dreams of lounging in the pool all day and worrying about where to go on vacation next.

I see it a little different than that.

I see a house with electricity, running water, and I assume a fridge full of food.

If I have to play the smiling, good daughter card for a little while, then so be it.

Hey, I learned from the best how to fake at enjoying life to get what I want and need, haven’t I?

The driveway is one of those that wraps into a big circle so you don’t have to worry about backing out. There are big steps that lead to the dark red door. The house is made of beige colored bricks and shutters that match the door. I’m sure everything in and out and around this house has been strategically designed.

Who exactly is my mother’s new husband?

Some real estate guy.

Of course I looked him up.

A strikingly handsome man with an adventurous smile and eyes that make me a little uneasy. He has that shady salesman look to himself.

Then again, there’s nothing to gain from being married to my mother. It’s not like she’s secretly hoarding a family fortune that Jack wants to steal.

Mom parks the car. The front door opens.

Out steps Jack.

Wearing black pants and a dark-blue shirt, tucked in.

“He’s so fucking sexy,” Mom mutters.

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