Page 26 of Daddy's Desire

“Well, now that you know I’m on my own, I’d like to get into my bank account. The one my father set up for me.”

“Do you know who your bank is?”

“Yes. I have my bankbook. It’s not up to date, and I have no idea how much is in it. I never needed it until now.”

“I can meet you there and get you in, but I thought Mr. Blackwood was helping you?”

Courtney swallowed. “No, sir. He’s just Larkin’s daddy’s friend.”

“Oh. Okay. When can you meet me, Honey?”

“Anytime,” she said.

“How about in thirty minutes?” James said. “Or I could pick you up.”

“No. I can take an Uber. It’s no problem. I’ll see you then.”

“Yes. Bye.”

“Bye.” Courtney handed the phone back to Larkin. “He’s meeting me at the bank in thirty minutes. He’d said he’d be able to help me.”

“If you need a ride, Hicks would be glad to drive you?” Larkin said.

“No. An Uber is fine.”

Larkin reached for her hand. “I wish you’d wait until my daddy gets home. He’d know what to do.”

Courtney shook her head. “No. I’m not going to bother your daddy anymore.”

“But you’re not a bother. I promise.”

“Let me see what I can do first. Okay?”

Larkin sighed. “All right. Do you want one of us to go with you?”

“No. The lawyer will be there with me.”

“I’m going to brush my teeth and hair.” Courtney walked toward the bathroom and stopped suddenly, turning back. “I don’t have any money on me. Can I borrow from one of you, please?”

“We got you covered,” Brylee said.

“You guys are a godsend to me, and I love every one of you.”

“We love you, too,” they cried as they surrounded her.

Courtney closed the bathroom door behind her and exhaled. She wanted desperately to tell them of her fear of being alone, but she had to do this for herself, and there was no way she’d ask them for more. They’d done so much already.

She checked herself in the mirror after brushing her teeth and hair. She could tell she’d gained a few pounds because her face was fuller. Her nose had a few freckles on it from being out in the garden. She could also see her hair was growing out, and she wanted to make it look better so she’d find a way to change it.

When she opened the door, she saw all the girls standing and waiting for her, smiling.

Larkin held out a small purse. “Take this. It has money, lip gloss, your bankbook, and some mints.”

Courtney’s eyes filled with tears. “I couldn’t ask for better friends.”

“Don’t you dare cry,” Brylee said, her own eyes filled with tears she was furiously trying to hold back.

Courtney sniffed and grinned. “Sorry.”

---